Sheriff requests vehicle transfer, discusses staffing and chaplain stipend; emergency-systems controller offline

Sheriff Corey Lee told commissioners the Sheriff's Office has an extra PIU/SUV that IT would like to use and asked for authorization to formally transfer the asset to the IT department. Commissioners approved the transfer by roll call; officials noted the transfer reduces the sheriff's trade-in value by an estimated $5,000–$6,000 and that departmental budgets will be adjusted at the next budget cycle.

Lee reported staff shortages among detectives (two on leave) and outlined internal structure changes he intends to implement; he said salary changes associated with promotions would likely not take effect until next year. On chaplaincy, Lee proposed a $150 per pay period stipend for a new chaplain, identifying the prospective chaplain as Ron Dazzle and asking the commission to consider whether the position should be handled as a stipend, a 1099 contract, or hourly pay. Commissioners agreed to table definitive classification and tax treatment until the next meeting while approving the concept for review.

Separately, Elena Scott of Stark County Emergency Services informed the commission that the 'brain' controlling outdoor warning sirens is not communicating and that the contracted vendor, Westshore Services, cannot reach the county before May 11 to install a replacement controller. "I do want to reassure the public that I do have a way to notify people in the event of an emergency," Scott said, but she warned the outdoor warning system may be unavailable until repairs are completed and requested the commission note the schedule for fixes.

The commission also approved allocation of the sheriff's equipment transfer and discussed budget-line treatment for maintenance and fueling of the reassigned vehicle.