Butler County's five judges made the unprecedented decision Monday to provide more than $500 in county funds for Concord Township's appointment of two people to oversee elections throughout the year.

Residents made the request earlier this month to the court because Judith Stoops, the township's judge of elections, was charged with theft and fraud in October 2018. Stoops is alleged to have defrauded the township of $12,000 during her time as secretary.

In light of the situation, Concord Supervisor Kandi Nassy submitted a petition from 20 residents requesting the oversight.

During a hearing on the petition, the county's Bureau of Elections argued that the county shouldn't be responsible for paying the standard $135 a day for the two roles.

“I'm concerned about the slippery slope we're starting,” said Julie Graham, a lawyer representing the bureau, during the court hearing last week.

Graham also pointed out that the county has never paid for a township to hire an overseer or election observer, and that doing so in this case would open the county to other requests.

Township lawyer Michael Gallagher, who attended the hearing, dismissed Graham's argument, saying, “This wouldn't apply to your ordinary, garden-variety dispute. This is an extraordinary situation.”

The two overseers — Linda Steele, a registered Republican, and Larry Stocklin, a registered Democrat — were selected by the township.

“They're just people we know from the neighborhood and they're ideal residents,” Nassy said after Monday's court order. “As people, they're very good and have been honest in our dealings with them.”

As overseers, the two will be present on the day of the May 21 primary and the Nov. 5 general election. Nassy said that they will only be needed for two days.

Shari Brewer, who heads the county election bureau, said she will abide by the court's order and will have guidelines to go over with Steele and Stocklin.

Stoops is expected back in court in May for a hearing on the fraud charges, the same month Concord voters will elect a constable and a township supervisor.