Stow · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Stow public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2027 City Budget Appropriations
The annual appropriation ordinance sets salaries, benefits, and operating costs for every city fund in 2027 — police ($9.4M) and fire ($6.8M) are the largest general fund lines. It stays at first reading while staff finalize a few numbers.
2027 city budget first reading (Ordinance 2026-163)
The 2027 city budget is moving through council with a second reading and no vote yet — final passage still ahead.
2027 Property Tax Levies
The city must certify its tax rates to Summit County every year to collect property taxes. This year's totals 9.50 mills — all within the charter's 10-mill limit, so no vote beyond the 10-mill ceiling.
Plans Examiner staffing shortage
Stow has gone two years without an in-house Plans Examiner, slowing building plan reviews and drawing complaints from businesses. The fix: regrade the job to pay grade 13, add a Plans Examiner 2 growth path, and hire Brian Ashurst as Plans Examiner I.
The AMP amphitheater budget overage
The amphitheater broke ground April 12, and the city aims to raise about $1.1 million in sponsorships to pay for the bike trail spur — keeping the whole project debt-free. Only four sponsorship packages are offered, deliberately kept limited to avoid a billboard look.
Permit fee and bonding requirement changes
Council finished its overhaul of city permit fees and bonding rules after three readings. It affects what builders and homeowners pay when pulling permits in Stow. Two council members voted no.