Stark County Commission approves officer elections, wage bump for courthouse deputies and routine contracts

The Stark County Commission on Jan. 6, 2026, completed organizational business and approved a series of routine motions covering personnel, finance, contracts and road projects.

The commission elected Neil Messer as chair by voice vote and completed its vice‑chair appointment. It ratified the meeting agenda with additions including a renewed home‑rule discussion and several park/road items.

In a personnel action, the commission approved a request from Sheriff Lee to raise courthouse deputy starting pay from the planned $66,000 to $70,000 to match other deputies. The change passed on a roll‑call vote with Commissioners Marsh, Franciuk, Claris, White and the chair voting aye.

The sheriff also secured commission approval to add a $20 administrative fee to the civil‑process fee schedule, which Sheriff Lee said would help fund a civil clerk position. The fee schedule amendment passed on a roll call (ayes). The commission authorized travel (approx. $2,082) for Sergeant Dan Kentsinger to attend a five‑day taser‑instructor course in Chandler, Arizona; that motion carried by voice vote.

On infrastructure and procurement, commissioners authorized bids for repairs at the county Speedway and Motocross track (single‑prime/general contractor approach) and approved temporary construction easement payments totaling $3,600 ($3,000 to the Henrich Inc. Trust / Shank Trust for five parcels at $600 each, and $600 to Renee Posh for one parcel). Each payment motion was seconded and approved by roll call.

Engineering and road‑project actions included approving a CORE/404 permit application to replace an old bridge with a box‑culvert structure and associated temporary bypass; commissioners voted to execute the permit application.

The commission authorized a revised cleaning master services agreement for county facilities that increases routine cleaning frequency (bathrooms twice weekly; other areas weekly) and reappointed Val Decker to the Stark County Housing Authority Board. Commissioners also approved accounts payable, minutes from Dec. 2 and Dec. 29, 2025, and the auditor’s pledge of securities for county deposits.

Public‑safety and emergency management actions included adopting the county’s 2026 burn‑restriction resolution. Emergency Manager Elena Scott noted an addition for recreational binary explosive targets (for example, Tannerite‑style devices) to start at high restriction levels; commissioners discussed scope and approved the resolution as presented.

The commission approved recommended 2026 polling locations and delegated authority to the county auditor to change locations if problems arise.

Most motions passed unanimously or by roll call with all recorded ayes; where votes were recorded the minutes show Commissioners Marsh, Franciuk, Claris, White and the chair voting in favor. No formal defeats were recorded at the meeting. The meeting adjourned after a brief introduction of the new Dickinson city assessor, Chris Dickinson.

Votes at a glance (selected items): • Elect Neil Messer, chair — approved (voice vote). • Elect vice chair (appointment confirmed) — approved (roll call/voice as recorded). • Raise courthouse deputy starting wage to $70,000 — approved (roll call: Marsh, Franciuk, Claris, White, Chair — ayes). • Amend civil‑process fee schedule: add $20 administrative fee — approved (roll call — ayes). • Authorize speedway/motocross repair bids — approved (voice). • Temporary construction easement payments: $3,000 (Shank Trust) and $600 (Posh) — approved (roll calls). • Authorize CORE/404 permit (bridge replacement) — approved (voice vote). • Adopt 2026 burn‑restriction resolution (adds language to address binary explosive targets at higher restriction levels) — approved (voice/roll call as recorded).

The commission scheduled follow‑up on several items: distribution of informational materials on home rule, further discussion of fairgrounds budgets and coordination of portfolio responsibilities. Several routine reports (engineering, roads, sheriff) were accepted.

The meeting record shows no contested outcomes or failed motions; the commission moved through the agenda and adjourned after public business concluded.