Stow · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Stow public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
City debt maturities
Council member Cyle Feldman walked through every major city debt and when it ends — most by 2033-2035, though two water-line loans run to 2047 and 2053. It's a picture of how much borrowing capacity the city has for future projects.
2027 Tax Levies Certified
Council adopted the routine resolution accepting Summit County Budget Commission rates and certifying next year's tax levies to the county.
City record retention and disposal
Thanks to a charter amendment, the city is updating where ordinances and resolutions get posted: the Library, City Hall, and the Community and Senior Center will replace fire stations as the official notice boards.
Community Facility Rental Fee Schedule Update
The council was to adopt an updated rental fee schedule for community facilities effective October 1, with allowed annual increases of up to 10 percent until rates match regional comparables. The item, continued from May 27, did not advance.
Tax Auditor II appointment
Out of executive session, council advanced an ordinance confirming Erin Bickar's appointment as Tax Auditor II in the Finance Department.
Fox Den enterprise fund finances
Council Member Coffey probed how the golf course's money works: it's a separate enterprise fund, so course profits can't fund other parks or city needs, and the freed-up driving range payment won't go to roads.
First-quarter audit and extended tax office hours
Auditors arrive the week of March 23, and the tax department is adding hours on April 11 and April 14–15 to help residents with income tax filing deadlines.
Municipal Court magistrate funding
Council amended the 2026 budget to pay for a Municipal Court magistrate.
Cloud-Based Server Funding Transfer
Money moved from the capital improvements fund into the general fund to cover cloud-based server costs for city IT.
Visibility of city commissions
Members agreed many residents don't know the senior commission — or other commissions — exist, and suggested highlighting all commissions in a city newsletter and adding a senior resources link to the city website.
City Website Services Renewal
Stow is renewing its three city websites through CivicPlus for up to $23,824.76 — covering hosting, security, notification systems, and design.
Outdated city damage reimbursement cap
A resident whose mailbox was crushed by a city leaf truck found the city's maximum reimbursement is just $86 — far below what his mailbox cost. Officials agreed the cap is outdated, and the claim now goes to the Board of Control with no appeal.
Committee assignments pending
Who sits on which council committee affects what gets attention — roads, safety, finance, and planning work all flow through committees. Assignments wait until Herman hears each member's preferences.