WARREN — Trumbull County election officials have scheduled mandatory recounts for four local races from the Nov. 4 general election that fell within a razor-thin margin, with the process set to begin Nov. 25.

The recounts, triggered automatically when the difference between winners and losers is one-half of 1% or less, include the Farmington Township fire and EMS levy, which ended in a 152-152 tie and thus failed under its majority requirement; the Mesopotamia Township trustee race; a Liberty Local School District Board of Education seat; and a Lordstown Village council seat.

Stephanie Penrose, director of the Trumbull County Board of Elections, said during Wednesday’s certification meeting that notices will be sent to all affected candidates and parties. She expressed confidence in the county’s tabulation equipment, noting changes are unlikely, but procedures allow for hand counts and potential rescans if requested.

The board certified the overall election results Wednesday, reporting a 24.83% voter turnout, above the board’s initial prediction, which Penrose attributes to competitive local issues. Recounts must occur between five and 10 days after certification, with Thanksgiving adjustments shifting the timeline.

The proposed 2.9-mill levy for Farmington Township’s fire and emergency medical services would have generated about $203,907 annually, replacing three older levies and adding $126,998 in new funding for the department’s 25 part-time firefighters, who are cross-trained as EMTs and paramedics.

The department’s current budget is $370,750, and officials had warned of potential deficits because of inflation without the new revenue. Property owners would have paid an estimated $102 per $100,000 of appraised home value through 2027.

In regard to a petition to oust Cortland Mayor Deidre Petrosky, Penrose said petition circulators needed at least 379 signatures based on the 1,891 certified voters in the recent election.

If deemed sufficient, Petrosky would have five days to resign. If not, council must schedule a special election within 60 to 75 days, likely landing in February 2026, Penrose said during Wednesday’s board meeting.

The petition was presented to City Council Clerk Rhonda Horn during Monday’s council meeting, before the Trumbull County Board of Elections certified the Nov. 4 general election results Wednesday.