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Weed Control Department will manage noxious weed treatment at county fairgrounds and motorsports park starting in 2025
Summary
The Stark County Weed Control Board agreed that department staff will provide all noxious-weed control on county-owned parks beginning in the 2025 growing season; the Parks Director will be asked whether a seasonal intern can obtain a Commercial Applicator’s license and two seasonal hires will be needed.
The Stark County Weed Control Board agreed Jan. 25 that its staff will be responsible for noxious-weed control at the Stark County Fairgrounds and Motorsports Park starting with the 2025 growing season. Chairman Mac Hoerner announced the plan during discussion of county parks maintenance.
Board members said they will contact the Parks Director about whether a seasonal parks intern can obtain a Commercial Applicator’s license to apply restricted-use herbicides; the Weed Control Department will supply a side-by-side bareground spray unit and the necessary herbicides. The board noted further budget planning will be necessary for the 2026 season to cover the expanded responsibilities.
Members emphasized staffing needs tied to the change: the board discussed wages and guaranteed minimum hours and said two seasonal Weed Control positions must be filled for the 2025 season. The minutes note these steps as follow-up items rather than a finalized contract or formal interdepartmental agreement; specific timelines and budget allocations for 2026 were not specified.
The board’s decision reflects an administrative shift in which Weed Control staff — not Parks personnel — will perform noxious-weed treatments on county-owned properties beginning in 2025. The board directed follow-up outreach to the Parks Director and signaled that detailed budget planning and job posting will occur before the 2025 field season.
