Two New Officers to be Hired, PD Operating with 1998 Staffing Level

The 2012 budget that was passed included salaries and benefits for two more police officers.

The Stow Police Department is currently at the same staffing level as it was in 1998 — 36 sworn officers. Stow Police Chief Louis Dirker said he is happy that since the 2012 budget was passed with additional funds for two new officers, his department will be closer to adequate staffing levels. "When I first started here we had 36 sworn officers; this number includes me, the DARE officer, the SRO, the detectives, the supervisors and the patrol officers. In the first four years I was here we were able to hire eight additional officers for a total of 44," the chief said. "This was the highest number of officers we have had." Right now, before two more officers are hired, the department has 36 sworn officers — the same amount it had 14 years …

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City Can't Spend Money Unless Budget Passes Friday Night

Stow City Council has a meeting scheduled for Friday evening to pass the budget and other legislation on the table.

Some form of the 2012 budget must pass tonight for the city to spend any money, according to state law.  Stow City Council has a meeting scheduled tonight (March 30) at 7 p.m. at City Hall to take care of the budget and other legislation.  Council expected to pass the budget during the last regular scheduled meeting March 22, but two council members were absent, Councilman Mike Rasor said in his Patch blog.   The general fund this year totals $27.8 million. The street construction fund, which was reduced the last few years, is up to $3.1 million. Click here for a list of improvements coming this year. For a complete breakdown of the budget, take a look at the .pdf attached to this post. Also attached are the agendas. Read even more about …

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Councilman Rasor Breaks Down the 2012 Budget

"It's truly the most important thing council does all year," the at-large councilman said.