Stark County commissioners approve $3.36M ARPA sanitary transfer, adopt 2026 capital budget and authorize fleet fuel cards

The Stark County Board of Commissioners on April 8, 2026, approved a slate of resolutions and financial transactions in a unanimous 3-0 vote, including a $3,364,140.57 ARPA transfer for a sanitary infrastructure project and adoption of the county's 2026 capital budget.

Commissioner Richard Regula, president of the Board of Commissioners, presided. Commissioner Alan Harold moved the principal motions and Commissioner Bill Smith seconded; all votes recorded were in favor (Regula, Smith, Harold).

Kris Miller, presenting for Finance, listed County Obligations journal entries including a mandated-share payment to Job & Family Services of $95,611.75 and several invoices to regional partners. Miller also presented intergovernmental journal entries that included ARPA sanitary transfers: $3,364,140.57 to Project P625, $62,979.00 to P623, and $2,062.43 to P604. The board approved the intergovernmental entries and the county obligations by voice vote, recorded as 3-0.

Separately, the board approved a resolution amending the Stark County Procurement Card Policy to authorize fleet fuel cards and set guidelines for their use. The policy change was presented by Finance and approved after a motion by Commissioner Alan Harold and a second from Commissioner Bill Smith.

The board also adopted the 2026 Capital Budget and Appropriation for the General Fund, the Justice System Sales Tax Fund and the Permanent Improvement Fund. Chris Nichols introduced the capital budget resolution; the board approved it 3-0.

On public works and contracts: Jennifer Odey, representing the Engineer and Sanitary Engineer offices, presented several items the board approved. The commissioners accepted work performed by Wenger Excavating, Inc. on the Perry Drive Improvements Project (PID 111043) and authorized release of project retainage. They authorized bidding for Project P-655, Collection System Repairs in Plain and Perry Townships, and approved Change Request No. 2 with Abbott Electric Inc. for disaster restoration at the Stark County Developmental Disabilities Building.

Family Court agreements were approved to place delinquent children with out-of-county and residential providers. The board approved a custodial agreement with George Junior Republic in Pennsylvania, a contract with New Beginnings Residential Treatment Center, LLC (general residential rate listed at $529.38), and an agreement with The Buckeye Ranch, Inc. Each resolution runs effective April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027, and was approved 3-0.

The board renewed a memorandum of understanding with the Stark County Sheriff for operation, repair and maintenance of the Stark County Law Enforcement Training Facility and approved a third agreement extension with Yates Technology, both approved 3-0.

During public comment, Nancy Bloom of Canton spoke about the appearance of the City of Canton. In commissioners’ remarks, Commissioner Alan Harold announced upcoming work sessions and thanked Stark County Coroner Investigator Harry Campbell for 32 years of service on the occasion of his retirement effective April 8, 2026.

Votes at a glance: all motions and resolutions recorded in the minutes carried by unanimous recorded votes (3-0) with Commissioner Richard Regula (president), Commissioner Bill Smith (vice president) and Commissioner Alan Harold voting in favor. Specific actions approved included: county obligations and intergovernmental journal entries (including ARPA transfers); the procurement card policy amendment authorizing fleet fuel cards; 2026 capital budget and appropriation; acceptance of Wenger Excavating’s Perry Drive work; authorization to bid Project P-655; Abbott Electric Change Request No. 2; family-court placement agreements with George Junior Republic, New Beginnings Residential Treatment Center, LLC, and The Buckeye Ranch, Inc.; renewal of the Sheriff MOU for the training facility; and a third agreement extension with Yates Technology.

The meeting convened at 1:30 p.m. and adjourned at 1:42 p.m.