(This story was updated with new information and to fix an inaccuracy.)
A big tax issue is coming for all Stark County voters.
A longtime Canton Township trustee is stepping away.
And it looks like North Canton has its new mayor already.
Those are some of the takeaways from the November election filing deadline.
Local governments, agencies and nonpartisan candidates were required to file with the Stark County Board of Elections by 4 p.m. Aug. 6. Write-in candidates can still join races by 4 p.m. Aug. 25.
All candidates and issues must be certified by the Board of Elections to be on the ballot.
Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities makes ballot deadline
The Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities scrambled to get a levy request on the November ballot.
The agency’s budget faces a $13.1 million deficit by 2028 if current spending and revenue trends hold. Provider costs have increased, and the number of people served by Stark DD has risen from 3,185 in 2010 to 5,006 this year.
Stark DD anticipated cutting some nonmandated programming to make up for the shortfall but decided at the last minute to leave the decision up to the voters.
If passed, the 1.6-mill continuous additional levy would allow Stark DD to avoid abrupt cuts to those programs, including a preschool program with 80 students and a specialized school-age program for 82 students ages 6 to 22.
“This would be considered a Hail Mary for us,” Stark DD Superintendent William Green said at a recent county commissioners meeting.
The proposed levy would increase the agency’s revenue by more than $21 million a year and cost a property owner another $56 per year in new taxes for each $100,000 of their home’s valuation.
The 1.6-mill additional levy request would cost taxpayers less than an earlier proposal for a 2.65-mill replacement levy.
Longtime Canton Township trustee not seeking reelection
Christopher Nichols is not seeking reelection to the Canton Township Board of Trustees.
“While I still think I have a lot of crazy ideas and value I can bring to the township, it just seemed like a good time to maybe let a new voice sit in the chair and help manage the township,” he said.
With 24 years under his belt, Nichols is one of the longest-serving township trustees in Stark County.
Some of the highlights during his time in office include the creation of a full-time fire department, the construction of the Canton Township community center and the transformation of Faircrest Park.
Nichols said those new spaces have brought the community together.
“With townships, you don’t have a downtown, a lot of times you don’t have a core area,” he said. “With Faircrest Park and a community center, we’re building something that’s identifiable.”
Nichols is staying at his job as director of management and budget for the Stark County commissioners. He said he’s not sure yet what else he may do in the future.
“Who knows? My name may end up on a ballot down the road,” he said. “There’s a lot of opportunities down the road. I think I still have a lot to offer.”
Two of Canton Township’s three trustees are up for reelection this year. Mark Shaffer, the current board president, is running to defend his seat.
Also in the race is John Ring, who currently serves as the township’s fiscal officer.
Newly appointed North Canton mayor seeks reelection
Matthew Stroia became mayor of North Canton on July 25 after Stephan Wilder announced he was stepping down from the position.
Stroia, 49, had been council president since December 2021 and an at-large council member since December 2019. The city charter says the council president becomes mayor if the mayor resigns.
Stroia now runs unopposed in the race for North Canton mayor. Write-in candidates can still get on the ballot by 4 p.m. Aug. 25.
Five candidates have filed petitions for three at-large seats. Stephanie Werren is the only incumbent. Other contenders are Holly D. Pierpont, Andrew D. Pratt, Joshua Sauder and Jeffry D. Stocker.
Stark County Nov. 4, 2025 General Election ballot
*Incumbent
Alliance
Council president
Treasurer
Law director
Council member, At-large (Choose 3)
Council member, Ward 1
Council member, Ward 2
Council member, Ward 3
Council member, Ward 4
Municipal Court judge
Clerk of the Municipal Court
Canal Fulton
Council member, At-large (Choose 4)
Council member, At-large
Canton
Council president
Treasurer
Council member, At-large (Choose 3)
Council member, Ward 1
Council member, Ward 2
Council member, Ward 3
Council member, Ward 4
Council member, Ward 5
Council member, Ward 6
Council member, Ward 7
Council member, Ward 8
Council member, Ward 9
Municipal Court Judge
Municipal Court judge
Municipal Court judge
Clerk of the Municipal Court
Louisville
Mayor-Councilperson
Council member, At-large (Choose 2)
Massillon
Council president
Treasurer
Council member, At-large (Choose 3)
Council member, Ward 1
Council member, Ward 2
Council member, Ward 3
Council member, Ward 4
Council member, Ward 5
Council member, Ward 6
Municipal Court judge
Municipal Court judge
North Canton
Mayor
Council member, At-large (Choose 3)
Council member, Ward 1
Council member, Ward 2
Council member, Ward 3
Council member, Ward 4
Beach City
Council member (Choose 4)
Brewster
Council member (Choose 4)
East Canton
Council member (Choose 4)
East Sparta
Council member (Choose 4)
Hartville
Council member (Choose 4)
Hills and Dales
Council member (Choose 3)
Magnolia
Council member (Choose 4)
Meyers Lake
Council member (Choose 4)
Minerva
Mayor
Council member (Choose 2)
Council member
Navarre
Council member (Choose 4)
Waynesburg
Member of the board of trustees of public affairs
Council member (Choose 4)
Wilmot
Mayor
Bethlehem Township
Township trustee (Choose 2)
Township trustee
Canton Township
Township trustee (Choose 2)
Jackson Township
Township trustee (Choose 2)
Lake Township
Township trustee (Choose 2)
Lawrence Township
Township trustee (Choose 2)
Lexington Township
Township trustee (Choose 2)
Marlboro Township
Township trustee (Choose 2)
Nimishillen Township
Township trustee (Choose 2)
Osnaburg Township
Township trustee (Choose 2)
Paris Township
Township trustee (Choose 2)
Perry Township
Township trustee (Choose 2)
Pike Township
Township trustee (Choose 2)
Plain Township
Township trustee (Choose 2)
Sandy Township
Township trustee (Choose 2)
Sugar Creek Township
Township trustee (Choose 2)
Tuscarawas Township
Township trustee (Choose 2)
Washington Township
Township trustee (Choose 2)
Stark Educational Service Center
Member of the governing board (Choose 3)
Member of the governing board
Alliance City School District
Board of Education (Choose 3)
Canton City School − 1st Sub District
Board of Education
Canton City School District
Board of Education, At-large
Louisville City School District
Board of Education (Choose 3)
Massillon City School District
Board of Education (Choose 2)
North Canton City School District
Board of Education (Choose 3)
Canton Local School District
Board of Education (Choose 3)
Fairless Local School District
Board of Education (Choose 3)
Jackson Local School District
Board of Education (Choose 3)
Lake Local School District
Board of Education (Choose 3)
Marlington Local School District
Board of Education (Choose 3)
Minerva Local School District
Board of Education (Choose 3)
Northwest Local School District
Board of Education (Choose 3)
Osnaburg Local School District
Board of Education (Choose 2)
Perry Local School District
Board of Education (Choose 3)
Plain Local School District
Board of Education (Choose 3)
Sandy Valley Local School District
Board of Education (Choose 2)
Tuslaw Local School District
Board of Education (Choose 3)
County issues
Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities: 1.6-mill, continuous additional levy for operation of community programs and services authorized by county boards of developmental disabilities, for the acquisition, construction, renovation, financing, maintenance and operation of developmental disabilities facilities, commencing in 2025. Would cost homeowners $56 per year in new taxes for every $100,000 of their property’s assessed value. Would generate additional $21,408,944 per year.
City and village issues
Alliance: Local option−Alliance 3-C, Sunday sales, wine, mixed beverages and spirituous liquor, Jalisco Alliance LLC, dba Jalisco’s Mexican Restaurant, 450 W State Street.
Alliance: Local option−Alliance 1-A, Sunday sales, wine, mixed beverages and spirituous liquor, 143 E Main, LLC, dba Spicy Bravo, 143 E Main Street
Brewster: 3-mill, five-year replacement fire levy, commencing in 2026. Would cost homeowners $105 per year for every $100,000 of their property’s assessed value; $26.35 in new taxes. Would generate $170,415 per year.
Canton: 4.5-mill, five-year replacement levy for parks and recreational purposes, commencing in 2026. Would cost homeowners $157.50 per year for every $100,0000 of their property’s assessed value; $64.47 in new taxes. Would generate $6,375,222 per year.
East Sparta: 3-mill, five-year additional road levy, commencing in 2025. Would cost homeowners $105 per year in new taxes for every $100,000 of their property’s assessed value. Would generate additional $77,943 per year.
East Sparta: 0.75-mill, five-year additional fire levy, commencing in 2025. Would cost homeowners $26.25 per year in new taxes for every $100,000 of their property’s assessed value. Would generate additional $19,486 per year.
Hartville: Local option−Lake A, beer, wine and mixed beverages, CNEPAL, LLC dba Hartville Mini Mart, 260 Prospect Ave. S.
Hartville: Local option−Lake A, Sunday sales, beer, wine and mixed beverages, CNEPAL, LLC dba Hartville Mini Mart, 260 Prospect Ave. S.
Louisville: Charter Amendment set forth in Ordinance No. 25-42.
Louisville: Aggregation, natural gas, entering into a service agreement.
Magnolia: 3-mill, five-year renewal levy for current expenses, commencing in 2026. Would continue to cost homeowners $54.99 per year for every $100,000 of their property’s assessed value. Would continue to generate $38,390 per year.
Massillon: Local option−Massillon 1C, Sunday sales, beer, wine, mixed beverages, spirituous liquor, KPRP LLC, 804 Wales Road.
Massillon: Local option−Massillon 5-B, Sunday sales, wine, mixed beverages and spirituous liquor, Lamoore Enterprises Inc, DBA 9th Street Event Center, 1008 9th Street SW, 1st F1 Unit C Only.
Minerva: 0.3-mill, five-year renewal levy for senior citizen services, commencing in 2026. Would continue to cost homeowners $5.27 per year for every $100,000 of their property’s assessed value. Would continue to generate $16,949 per year.
Waynesburg: 2-mill, five-year renewal levy for current expenses, commencing in 2026. Would continue to cost homeowners $32.29 per year for every $100,000 of their property’s assessed value. Would continue to generate $21,315 per year.
Wilmot: Three-year income tax increase of 0.25%, general fund, effective Jan. 1 2026.
Township issues
Bethlehem Township: 1.5 mill, five-year renewal road levy, commencing in 2026. Would continue to cost homeowners $20 per year for every $100,000 of their property’s assessed value. Would continue to generate $213,709 per year.
Canton Township: Local option−Canton Township 5, Sunday sales, wine and mixed beverages, Bell Stores, Inc., dba Bell Stores 1158, 4105 Cleveland Avenue S.
Canton Township: Local option−Canton Township 7, Sunday sales, wine, mixed beverages and spirituous liquor, Roadside Tavern Inc., 2521 Waynesburg Dr. SE
Jackson Township: Local option−Jackson Township 31, Sunday sales, beer, wine and mixed beverages and spirituous liquor, Gervasi 1700, LLC. 7160- 7162 Fulton Drive NW.
Lake Township: 1.25-mill, three-year renewal fire levy, commencing in 2026. Would continue to cost homeowners $20.16 per year for every $100,000 of their property’s assessed value. Would continue to generate $782,638 per year.
Lawrence Township: 0.5-mill, five-year replacement fire levy, commencing in 2026. Would cost homeowners $17.50 per year for every $100,0000 of their property’s assessed value; $10.35 in new taxes. Would generate $166,220 per year.
Lawrence Township: 1.9-mill, five-year replacement fire levy, commencing in 2026. Would cost homeowners $66.50 per year for every $100,0000 of their property’s assessed value; $39.34 in new taxes. Would generate $631,637 per year.
Lawrence Township: 2-mill, continuing replacement police levy, commencing in 2026. Would cost homeowners $70 per year for every $100,0000 of their property’s assessed value; $41.41 in new taxes. Would generate $664,881 per year.
Lexington Township: 1.7-mill, five-year renewal road levy, commencing in 2026. Would continue to cost homeowners $33.38 per year for every $100,000 of their property’s assessed value. Would continue to generate $161,793 per year.
Lexington Township: 2.9-mill, five-year renewal police levy, commencing in 2026. Would continue to cost homeowners $56.94 per year for every $100,000 of their property’s assessed value. Would continue to generate $276,002 per year.
Lexington Township: 1-mill, five-year renewal police levy, commencing in 2026. Would continue to cost homeowners $19.63 per year for every $100,000 of their property’s assessed value. Would continue to generate $95,173 per year.
Marlboro Township: Local option−Marlboro Township 1, Beer and spirituous liquor, Lost Trail Winery, LLC, 5228 State Street NE.
Marlboro Township: Local option−Marlboro Township 3, sale of beer, wine and mixed beverages, spirituous liquor, Maize Valley Farm Market LTD dba Maize Valley Winery, 6193 Edison Street.
Marlboro Township: Local option−Marlboro Township 3, Sunday sales, wine and mixed beverages, beer, spirituous liquor, Maize Valley Farm Market LTD dba Maize Valley Winery, 6193 Edison Street.
Marlboro Township: 5-mill, five-year replacement police levy, commencing in 2026. Would cost homeowners $175 per year for every $100,000 of their property’s assessed value; $70.82 in new taxes. Would generate $1,013,555 per year.
Nimishillen Township: 2-mill, five-year renewal road levy, commencing in 2026. Would continue to cost homeowners $27.74 per year for every $100,000 of their property’s assessed value. Would continue to generate $345,055 per year.
Paris Township: 3-mill, five-year additional road levy, commencing in 2026. Would cost homeowners $105 per year in new taxes for every $100,000 of their property’s assessed value. Would generate additional $390,252 per year.
Pike Township: 0.25-mill, five-year additional police levy, commencing in 2026. Would cost homeowners $8.75 per year in new taxes for every $100,000 of their property’s assessed value. Would generate additional $47,980 per year.
Plain Township: 4.25-mill, five-year, renewal police levy, commencing in 2026. Would continue to cost homeowners $94.30 per year for every $100,000 of their property’s assessed value. Would continue to generate $3,771,358 per year.
Sugar Creek Township: Local option−Sugar creek Township 1, Sunday sales, wine and mixed beverages, Wilmot Petroleum, L.L.C., dba Wilmot Marathon, 404 W. Main Street.
School districts and other districts
Canton Local School District: 8.9-mill renewal levy for current expenses and 1.9-mill permanent improvements levy, constituting 10. 8 mills, five years, commencing in 2026. Would continue to cost homeowners $180.03 per year for every $100,000 of their property’s assessed value. Would continue to generate $4,470,142 per year.
Fairless Local School District (Stark and Tuscarawas): 3.6-mill, 10-year subsititue levy for necessary school requirements, commencing in 2025. Would continue to cost homeowners $110.25 per year for every $100,000 of their property’s assessed value. Would continue to generate $1,883,460 per year.
Jackson Local School District: 3.9-mill, 10-year subsitute levy for necessary school requirements, commencing in 2026. Would continue to cost homeowners $119.44 per year for every $100,000 of their property’s assessed value. Would continue to generate $9,290,700 per year.
Louisville City School District: 4-mill, continuing substitute levy for necessary requirements, commencing in 2025. Would continue to cost homeowners $140 per year for every $100,000 of their property’s assessed value. Would continue to generate $2,562,000 per year.
Massillon City School District: 2.9 mill, five-year renewal levy for emergency requirements, commencing in 2026. Would continue to cost homeowners $88.81 per year for every $100,000 of their property’s assessed value. Would continue to generate $2,000,000 per year.
Massillon Public Library: 2.9-mill, five-year replacement levy for current expenses, commencing in 2026. Would cost homeowners $101.50 per year for every $100,000 of their property’s assessed value; $48.42 in new taxes. Would generate $2,346,413 per year.
Navarre-Bethlehem Joint Fire District: 4.5-mill, five-year replacement and increase fire levy, commencing in 2026. Would cost homeowners $157.50 per year for every $100,000 of their property’s assessed value; $84.67 in new taxes. Would generate $1,263,770 per year.
Quad Abulance District (Stark and Carroll): 6-mill, five-year renewal ambulance levy, commencing in 2026. Would continue to cost homeowners $151.17 per year for every $100,000 of their property’s assessed value. Would continue to generate $729,947 per year.
Sandy Valley Local School District: 2-mill, five-year renewal levy, commencing in 2026. Would continue to cost homeowners $16.31 per year for every $100,000 of their property’s assessed value. Would continue to generate $284,724 per year.
All candidates and issues must be certified by the Board of Elections.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Who’s on the Nov. 4 election ballot in Stark County? See the list of candidates and issues
Reporting by Grace Springer, Canton Repository / The Repository
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