Board of Carroll County Commissioners Open Session – April 2, 2026

The Board of Carroll County Commissioners held its regular open session on Thursday, April 2, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Carroll County Office Building, Room 311. The meeting included opening remarks, a proclamation for National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a legislative update, seven consent agenda items (discussed individually), public comments, and administrative business. All contract awards and grant approvals were passed unanimously.

Opening Remarks & Recognitions

• Commissioners shared highlights from recent events, including a congressional visit with Senator Van Hollen and Representative Olszewski that secured approximately $3.7 million in federal community project funding for Carroll County (e.g., Westminster water reuse program, McDaniel College nursing program, Carroll County Youth Service Bureau expansion, Carroll Community College applied technology center).
• Remarks also covered volunteer fire company banquets, an Eagle Scout ceremony, and an update on the MPRP power line opposition. Commissioner Vigliotti emphasized peaceful protest and noted that PSAG is seeking wider access roads and taller towers (nearly 200 feet).
• Jenny Grable, new CEO of Human Services Programs of Carroll County, introduced herself and reported that HSP serves over 7,000 people annually, including 600 homeless individuals and 400 shelter residents. She highlighted the opening of a new family shelter and a mural painted by a former shelter child.

Proclamation – National Child Abuse Prevention Month

• Detective Corporal Corey Vandegrift (Carroll County Sheriff’s Office) and Seth Gillard (Chief of Special Victims Unit, State’s Attorney’s Office) presented statistics from 2025: 434 victim contacts, 271 investigations, 2,061 case hours, 69 search warrants, 18 arrests, including 13 rape investigations and 76 sex offense cases. They stressed the importance of trauma-informed investigations and urged the public to report suspected abuse to Child Protective Services (410-386-3434).
• The Board adopted a proclamation designating April 2026 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, encouraging community involvement and wearing blue on Fridays.

Legislative Update

• Pam Meister, Legislative Liaison, reported that the session is in its final weeks. Key updates:
  • The unpaid personal property tax bill is expected to pass the second chamber.
  • Capital budget projects for Carroll County appear included but not finalized.
  • The relief energy bill is in conference committee; power line–related legislation is largely stalled.
  • The Education Funding Accuracy Act (Delegate Rose) did not advance out of committee; commissioners expressed frustration over the $318 million in state funding for students not attending school.
• Commissioners discussed the need for accurate student counts and continued opposition to the MPRP power line, noting that alternative options (e.g., reconductoring) have not been explored.

Discussion Items & Votes

1. Contract Award – Owner’s Representative Consultant for Piney Run Dam

• The Board awarded a single‑source contract to AECOM for $75,000 to serve as the county’s representative during the design and permitting phase of the Piney Run Dam rehabilitation. AECOM had previously completed the watershed study. The Maryland Department of Environment required the dam evaluation; NRCS has obligated nearly $1 million for the design phase. The motion passed unanimously.

2. Grant – FY26 MIEMSS Advanced Life Support (ALS) Funding

• The Board approved submission and acceptance of a $10,445.19 grant from the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) for paramedic continuing education. The grant requires no local match and will fund training for both career and volunteer paramedics. Motion passed unanimously.

3. FY27 Community Partnership Agreement (CPA) – Application and Award Acceptance

• The Board approved submission of the FY27 CPA to the Governor’s Office for Children, requesting a total of $663,495. This includes funding for Family Preservation (additional capacity), Suicide Intervention and Prevention Services, Housing Navigation and Stability Services, Boys & Girls Club Summer Leadership Academy, Local Care Team, and LMB administration. An additional $86,570 in county general fund match is included. Discussion focused on high suicide rates in Carroll County; commissioners emphasized the importance of the 988 helpline and data collection. Motion passed unanimously.

4. Contract Award – Family Preservation Services

• The Board awarded a contract to Carroll County Youth Service Bureau (CCYSB) for $275,000 to provide intensive in‑home family preservation services. Four bids were received; CCYSB was the highest‑ranked provider. Funded through the Maryland Children’s Cabinet Interagency Fund with no county match. Motion passed unanimously.

5. Contract Award – Suicide Intervention and Prevention Services (SIPS)

• The Board awarded a contract to CCYSB for $107,000 to provide suicide intervention and prevention services, including outreach, advocacy, and postvention. Only one proposal was received. Funded through the same interagency fund. Motion passed unanimously.

6. Contract Award – 2026 Hot Mix Asphalt Paving – 1

• The Board awarded a contract to Gray & Son, Inc. (Timonium, MD) in the amount of $6,880,985.60 (adjusted upward by $210,000 due to the April asphalt index increase). The work covers approximately 18 miles on 45 county roadways, including full‑depth reclamation, milling, paving, and related work. Three bids were received; one was non‑responsive. Motion passed unanimously.

7. Spending Authority – Recovered Materials Operations and Transfer

• The Board approved spending up to $79,050.80 to pay an outstanding May 2025 invoice to Bousum LLC for loading and transporting recyclables. The invoice was received after the FY25 processing deadline. Funds are from the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund. Motion passed unanimously.

Public Comments

• Jean‑Baptiste Regnard (Manchester) described the January 19, 2026 attack by a neighbor’s dog that killed his dog, Lionel. He requested that owners of dogs labeled “vicious” be required to post warning signs on their property, citing a public safety concern for delivery drivers and residents. Commissioners asked him to submit a detailed email with follow‑up information.
• Catherine Adelaide (Carroll County Republican Central Committee) announced upcoming pro‑life events, including the Maryland March for Life on April 6, 2026, and encouraged participation. She also noted the June 23 primary election and need for election judges and poll watchers. Commissioners thanked her for her comments.

Administrative Session & Agenda Review

• The Board reviewed the upcoming meeting schedule for the weeks of April 6 and April 13, 2026. Notable items include closed budget work sessions, a public hearing on self‑storage facility deferrals, and approval of FY27 water and sewer rates. The meeting adjourned after a motion was passed.