Commission approves 2026 road budget amendments, authorizes $9,340 temporary easement

The Stark County Commission approved two amendments to the 2026 road department budget and authorized payment for a temporary easement for a roundabout during its Dec. 29 meeting.

Todd Miller, Stark County Road superintendent, told commissioners the first amendment adjusts the “truck reg” line from $81,161.60 to $88,504 to account for a lateral transfer of a position from the sheriff’s office. Miller said the incoming employee will take a position previously budgeted at a lower amount and the amendment aligns payroll and line‑item budgeting accordingly. The commission approved the adjustment on a roll‑call vote.

Miller also requested an amendment to reclassify a part‑time employee into a full‑time position, moving the line item from $51,214.80 to $68,002.86. Commissioners discussed available vacant full‑time position lines and the accounting mechanics; the board approved the staffing amendment by roll call.

On a separate transportation item, commissioners approved payment of $9,340 for a temporary easement at the southeast corner of an intersection needed for the roundabout project. The easement had been signed by the landowner and staff asked the commission to authorize payment so the project could proceed. The motion passed on roll call.

All measures were approved unanimously in recorded roll‑call votes.