The Stark County Park Board on Jan. 6 declined to move forward immediately with a previously proposed event-coordinator contract option that would have cost more than $200,000 a year and instead asked staff and board members to develop a job description and short-term support plan.

Board members said the original $200,000-plus proposal (presented earlier by a city representative) was too large for 2026. Frank Klein of the Star County Fair Board proposed a phased approach: keep Bailey in her current role, increase her hours for the summer, and hire a part-time seasonal worker to handle grounds and routine maintenance. “If Bailey would agree to stay on in her present position and then in the summer months, we would increase her hours, and then we'd hire a part time person to do the mowing, spraying, [and] arena maintenance,” Klein said.

Bailey, who presented the events calendar earlier in the meeting, said she would like to remain involved but that school obligations limit her availability. “I am still wanting to be a part of this, but it is school is a priority of mine,” she said, adding she has struggled with the sudden increase in duties and would welcome temporary summer help.

Several board members recommended that Bailey, Bernie and Courtney (or an appointed substitute) meet to draft a clear job description, outline compensation and timeline, and return to the board with a proposal; the board offered to hold a special meeting if necessary to adopt the proposal before peak summer scheduling. Board members also suggested exploring a phased budget approach, fundraising, and short-term temp labor rather than hiring an immediate full-time outside contractor at the proposed price.

Next steps: Bailey and designated board members will meet to draft a job description and transition approach; staff will return the proposal to the board for adoption or for a special meeting if timing demands.