Stow · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Stow public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Municipal electrification feasibility study
A council-suggested goal: exploring whether city staff vehicles should be electric or hybrid, starting with a pilot program rather than a full fleet replacement.
Water rate increase (Ordinance 2026-137)
Water rates haven't gone up since 2011, and the city faces aging lines, 98 main breaks last year, and budget deficits. The committee sent a four-year, 38-cent increase to council — expect bills to rise gradually rather than all at once.
Greenhouse gas inventory data delays
Consultants have the GIS data for the tree-canopy assessment and will compare findings with Stow's 2013 study. Meanwhile, city departments are being asked to supply data for the first greenhouse gas inventory.
Food waste reduction and composting
After skipping the $75,000 Food Waste Fighters grant over budget-timeline concerns, the city is still moving on food waste with a free October 29 education event covering composting, food rescue, and waste reduction.
Rooftop solar at city buildings
Ordinance 2026-127, which would put $100,000 in each of the 2026 and 2027 capital budgets toward rooftop solar, comes back for a second council reading this week. Unexpected building repairs could complicate its passage.
Community energy pilot program (HB303)
Stow is officially urging state lawmakers to pass a community energy pilot that would let residents — including apartment dwellers and people with shaded lots — subscribe to local solar projects and cut electric bills 5–20%. Local electric costs have spiked hard, with supply charges up 83% since 2025.
Leaded aviation fuel at Stow Municipal Airport
Staff built a map showing areas within 500–1000 meters of the airport runways as having high lead-emission potential. Ohio EPA doesn't require runoff monitoring, so the commission is creating a resident guide for testing soil and will offer loaner soil probes.
Commercial solar tax credit awareness
The federal tax credit covering up to 30% of commercial solar project costs is still available even though residential credits were eliminated, but the deadlines are tight — construction must start before July 4, 2026. The commission voted to get the word out to businesses and LLC landlords.