Canton · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Canton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Millerton Street SE water main extension
Council will consider extending a city water main to Millerton Street SE — infrastructure that supports new growth on the southeast side.
Civic Center parking property purchase
The city wants to spend $175,000 buying 124 12th St. NW for parking near the Civic Center. Downtown workers and visitors would get more places to park.
2026 City Budget and Employee Compensation
Management and non-bargaining employees would get a 3% pay bump starting January 2027. It affects the city's payroll costs and, indirectly, the budget taxpayers fund.
Data Center Zoning and Community Concerns
Before the meeting, committees will hear a presentation about data centers — likely about attracting them and what they mean for city utilities and tax base.
Community Reinvestment Area Tax Exemptions
Three separate agreements would hand developers property tax exemptions in exchange for investment, and a fourth would expand the CRA zone citywide and allow megaprojects. These deals shape which developments get built and how much property tax the city collects.
Food Protection License Fee Adjustments
The board scheduled a public hearing and third reading on a resolution to amend food protection license fees as required by Ohio law.
Public Health Nuisance Hearings
The board was scheduled to approve nuisance hearing recommendations and certify $7,049.52 in cleanup costs to the Stark County Auditor for April through June 2026.
Integrated Harm Reduction Grant and Community Contracts
Council is authorizing a list of contracts (Exhibit A) funded by opioid settlement money — money meant to address the fallout of the opioid crisis. Second reading complete.
Faircrest JEDD Data Center Tax Abatement
Council held a tax abatement ordinance for the Faircrest Joint Economic Development District in committee, scheduling a special public meeting on May 12 to hear community feedback regarding data centers.
Urban Tree Canopy and Climate Resilience
The city is incorporating a new Climate Action and Sustainability Plan into its comprehensive plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, and position Canton for grant funding.
Certifying delinquent utility charges
Unpaid water, sanitation, sewer and storm sewer charges can now be certified to the county auditor and collected through property tax bills.
Residential Zoning Code Amendments
Ordinance 22 would shrink required lot area and frontage in R-1A and single-family districts, making more substandard lots buildable. Public hearing October 26 at 7 p.m.
America 250 art panels on Court Avenue
The city will spend up to $75,000 on decorative art panels along Court Avenue marking America's 250th birthday — funded partly by a planning grant, arriving a few months after the actual anniversary.
Civic Center Infrastructure and Lighting Improvements
Council approved a small change order to add rigging equipment for stage lighting as the multi-million dollar Civic Center renovation nears completion.
Fair housing assistance grant
Council renewed and expanded several key neighborhood grant programs, including $200,000 for housing development and beautification, storefront improvements, and public realm reinvestments, aiming to boost local property values and resident living conditions.
Compton Learning Center conveyance
The city would convey the Compton Learning Center, deemed no longer needed for municipal purposes, to the Canton Community Improvement Corporation.
Plain Local Schools bond issue
Plain Local Schools wants a 3.5-mill, 37-year bond issue to replace seven aging elementary buildings with three new ones, saving a projected $45 million over ten years and unlocking an $84 million state match. The average homeowner would pay about $17 a month ($203.35/year), and the high school bond drops off in 2030-31.
In-house building department inspector
Safety Director Perry wants to hire a multi-certified building inspector to replace daily reliance on an outside vendor, giving the building department more flexibility and consistency.
Youth golf program lease
Council approved leasing about 31.342 acres of city-owned land so area youth can keep access to golf training and programs.
Fleet Vehicle Purchase for Building and Recycling
Council purchased a new Ford F-250 truck with a snowplow package for building code enforcement and the recycling center. This helps staff manage cleanups and winter street plowing.
JEDD Board Appointments
Council appointed two new members to the Perry Canton Faircrest JEDD Board after reviewing conflict of interest rules. This ensures proper regional representation on economic development matters.
Traffic Safety Grant Acceptance and Police Funding
Public comment questioned the allocation of $44,144 in grant funds for violence interdiction patrols, arguing that police spending dominates the budget at the expense of social services and housing stability. Proponents emphasized that recent gun violence in city parks necessitates robust public safety investments.
Chief Building Official Vacation Leave Incentive
Council reviewed providing an additional week of vacation leave to successfully recruit a qualified chief building official from outside the city.