Last updated: 8/11/2026
Privacy and Cookie Policy
Stark County, Ohio (“Stark County,” “the County,” “we,” or “us”) respects the privacy of visitors to its official website. This policy explains what information may be collected when you visit the website, how that information is used, and the choices available to you.
Scope
This policy applies to the official Stark County website at starkcountyohio.gov and other County webpages that link directly to this policy.Some elected offices, courts, agencies, and third-party services accessible through the website may maintain separate websites or systems with their own privacy practices. This policy does not replace any privacy notice that applies to those services.
Information Collected Automatically
When you visit the website, certain technical information may be collected automatically through server logs and similar technologies. This information may include:• Internet Protocol address
• Browser and device type
• Operating system
• Date and time of access
• Pages visited
• Referring website
• General geographic information
• Errors or performance information
The County uses this information to operate and secure the website, understand general usage patterns, identify technical issues, and improve access to County information and services.
Google Analytics
The County uses Google Analytics to better understand how visitors use the website. Google Analytics may use cookies and similar technologies to collect information about website activity, such as pages viewed, approximate geographic location, browser or device type, and the length and frequency of visits.The County uses this information for statistical and website-improvement purposes and does not use Google Analytics to identify visitors by name. Google states that Google Analytics uses cookies and other identifiers to measure website interactions and does not log or store Internet Protocol addresses. More information is available in Google’s Analytics privacy documentation and Privacy Policy.
Other Cookies and Third-Party Services
The website may use temporary or essential cookies needed for security, navigation, accessibility preferences, online forms, or other requested services.Pages may also contain content or services provided by third parties, such as maps, videos, social media, payment services, or online applications. Those providers may collect information or place cookies in accordance with their own privacy policies. The County does not control the privacy practices of third-party websites or services.
Information You Voluntarily Provide
The County may collect information that you voluntarily provide through email, online forms, service requests, subscriptions, applications, payments, or other interactions. Depending on the service, this may include your name, contact information, account information, or other information needed to respond to or process your request.Providing information is voluntary unless it is required to complete a requested service or transaction. Please do not submit Social Security numbers, financial account information, medical information, or other sensitive information through a general email or contact form unless specifically requested through a secure County service.
How Information Is Used
Information collected through the website may be used to:• Respond to questions and service requests
• Process forms, applications, registrations, or transactions
• Provide requested notifications or information
• Operate, maintain, and secure County systems
• Analyze and improve website performance and usability
• Meet legal, regulatory, records-management, and governmental obligations
The County does not sell or rent personal information collected through the website for commercial marketing purposes.
Disclosure and Public Records
Information submitted to the County may become a public record and may be disclosed as required by the Ohio Public Records Act or other applicable law. Ohio law generally requires public offices to make public records available for inspection and copying, subject to statutory exceptions. See Ohio Revised Code Section 149.43.The County may also disclose information when necessary to process a requested service, protect County systems, investigate unauthorized activity, comply with a court order or other legal obligation, or work with a service provider performing authorized services on the County’s behalf.
Information Security
The County uses reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect information and County systems. However, no website, email transmission, or electronic storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.Unauthorized attempts to access, alter, upload, damage, or interfere with the website or County systems are prohibited and may be investigated or referred for appropriate legal action.