Park board approves fairgrounds lighting and orders electrical service upgrade

The Stark County Park Board voted to add permanent lighting behind the fairgrounds bleachers and to have a contractor place a 400‑amp service on site to support future vendor outlets.

Paul, a park board member, moved to approve the lighting bid and to have the contractor stage a 400‑amp service while on site; the motion passed by roll call with one member abstaining. The lighting package was quoted at $8,500 in the bid packet from Electric Sales. Board members said the lights are primarily a safety improvement for patrons moving to restrooms and vendor areas after sunset.

Board discussion centered on phasing and budget timing. Several members said the lighting is urgent for safety and could be done this season while the full outlet installation could be scheduled during the '26–'27 budget process. A board member suggested re‑locating current service points to better serve vendors and later installing additional outlets as funding allows.

The board directed staff to obtain a separate estimate for permanently moving service locations and to coordinate with Electric Sales on what additional work (beyond the staged 400‑amp service) would cost. The project will be forwarded to the county commission for endorsement and for any required capital‑spending authorization.

Next steps: staff will obtain the additional wiring estimate, arrange staging of the 400‑amp service while the contractor is on site, and present final budget/authorization paperwork to the commission.