Stark County approves deputy hire and moves to develop annual mental‑health check for law enforcement

The Stark County Commission approved the hiring of a new deputy and authorized development of a mandatory, paid one‑hour annual mental‑health check for sworn staff.

At the sheriff’s report, the sheriff (name not specified) told the commission that a traffic/rig position was vacant after Corporal Tesher’s departure and requested approval to fill the slot; the commission approved the hire by voice vote.

The sheriff then asked the commission to authorize a program similar to a neighboring department’s policy: “It’s a mandatory 1 hour visit per year as part of the health plan,” he said, adding the session would be paid and confidential and that additional funds should be available for follow‑up care after critical incidents. Joanna Piercy, the county’s human resources director, said the county would prefer a local in‑person provider and could check for local vendors.

Commissioners discussed where to charge the expense. The sheriff suggested the county could initially use the sheriff’s licensing and agreements line item or the county general fund and bring detailed expenses back to the commission as they are incurred. Commissioner Marsh moved to authorize the request and Commissioner Francik seconded; the motion carried after the sheriff agreed to return with cost estimates and line‑item recommendations at the next meeting.

The commission did not adopt a final budget action at the meeting; staff were directed to identify a funding line for tracking and to present estimated per‑session costs and projected annual expenses at the next regular meeting.