Commission declines to approve new emergency-management training position after debate

Stark County emergency manager Elena Scott sought approval Dec. 2 to add a part‑time training and exercise coordinator to the emergency‑management office with a proposed salary range of $58,000–$62,000 to expand ICS, hazmat and responder training and to coordinate exercises and public education.

Scott said the position would boost local preparedness, help organize exercises and bring state or federal‑funded trainings into the county; she suggested the position could write grants to offset costs and could be shared with the city or fire department. Commissioners expressed support for improved training but questioned whether the county could hire at the requested salary, whether the job would sufficiently service both emergency management and the sheriff’s office, and whether staff could be found at that pay scale.

Sheriff Lee and other commissioners stressed the benefits of in‑house training and discussed the potential for a lateral transfer from law enforcement. Commissioner Francik moved to approve hiring and the salary range, but the motion failed for lack of a second. Scott said she will continue coordinating training and grant pursuits and will return with refined options and possible shared‑funding proposals.

No formal action was taken to add the position; commissioners asked staff to explore shared funding arrangements, grant opportunities and more narrowly defined job descriptions to improve hireability and cost effectiveness.