Residents press trustees over police hiring, records delays; trustees launch review and move to executive session

Multiple residents used the public-comment period to raise concerns about the Ross Township Police Department's hiring practices, alleged nepotism and slow responses to public-records requests.

Beth Roach told trustees she had submitted a public-records request on 05/26/2026 for a personnel file and field-training documents and had waited more than 10 weeks without receiving the records. "At this time, the only recourse I have is to file a formal complaint with the Ohio Court of Claims," Roach said. She also said residents had called for changes to hiring processes and new leadership but later said the community values local policing.

Other residents, including Anne York and Ron Rogers, and Captain Rogers of the police department, spoke in defense of the department and its leadership. Captain Rogers read a statement describing the emotional toll on officers and praised the current team and chief, saying the department "refuse[s] to quit" and urging community support.

In response the board read a prepared statement saying trustees are conducting a comprehensive review of hiring, evaluation and personnel practices across township departments and are prepared to implement changes where needed. The board then moved and adopted a motion to retire to executive session to discuss appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion or compensation of a public employee under Ohio Revised Code §121.22(g)(1). The motion passed by roll call; the public session closed with no further public action.