Carroll County Board of Commissioners Open Session – July 16, 2026

The Board of County Commissioners of Carroll County met on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in Room 311 of the County Office Building. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by commissioner reports (Priority Carroll), a public hearing on the Water Resources Element, and the unanimous approval of 14 consent items including contracts, agreements, and insurance renewals. Two public comments were received. The session concluded with an administrative agenda review for the weeks of July 20 and July 27, 2026.

Public Hearing – Water Resources Element (WRE)

The Board conducted a public hearing on the 2024 Water Resources Element, a comprehensive plan component addressing long-term water, wastewater, and water quality planning. Staff noted that all nine planning commissions had approved the document, and all municipalities except Sykesville had adopted it. Commissioner Krebs highlighted the document's importance, noting that several towns show negative water and sewer capacity and stressed the need for continued coordination. No public comments were offered. The Board voted unanimously to close the public hearing and hold the record open for 10 days.

Renewal of MOU with Maryland Classified Employees Association (MCEA) Chapter 550

The Board approved a two-year renewal (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028) of the Memorandum of Understanding with MCEA Chapter 550, which represents about 49 county employees. The agreement provides payroll deduction for dues and up to 14 days of paid leave for chapter officers to attend meetings and training. The language remained unchanged. Motion carried unanimously.

FY27 Town-County Agreements – Hampstead, Manchester, New Windsor, and Sykesville

The Board approved the annual revenue-sharing agreements with four municipalities. Total net funding: Hampstead $329,201; Manchester $343,222; New Windsor $87,445; Sykesville $252,986. Staff noted the county nets out costs for two water employees paid by the towns. Motion carried unanimously.

Not in Carroll Opioid Funding for FY27

The Board approved $337,660 in Not in Carroll funding for two initiatives: $143,223 to continue the Mobile Crisis Team’s 24/7 call center operated by Affiliated Sante Group (which fielded 1,748 total calls, including 750 incoming and 995 follow-up calls), and $194,437 for after-school programming at all nine Carroll County middle schools provided by the Boys & Girls Clubs. The after-school program served 305 middle schoolers; 89% showed measurable growth in social-emotional skills, and 100% of prevention topics improved. Motion carried unanimously.

Contract Renewal – After School Program for Middle Schools

The Board formally renewed the contract with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carroll County for $194,437 to continue middle school after-school programming. Executive Director Sean Davis reported program outcomes (see above) and noted the organization is approaching its 20th anniversary and completing a $800,000 renovation at the North Carroll High School Panther Plex. Motion carried unanimously.

Other Fiscal and Operational Approvals (Items 7–16)

All remaining agenda items were approved unanimously with brief staff presentations:

• Item 7 – Independent Financial Auditing Services: Clifton Larson Allen LLP, $116,680.
• Item 8 – Change Order – White Cedar Court water service laterals (The H&K Group): $10,229.25 due to inaccurate as-built drawings.
• Item 9 – Change Order – Pitch Pine Court water service laterals (The H&K Group): $8,956.50 due to similar field condition issues.
• Item 10 – Replacement Pumps for Raincliffe Wastewater Pumping Station: Freemire & Associates, $57,811.80 for two pumps beyond service life.
• Item 11 – Household Hazardous Waste Event Services: MXI Environmental Services, $90,000 for two semi-annual events. Next event: October 17, 2026, 8 a.m.–noon at 1250 Old Meadow Branch Road.
• Item 12 – Residential Recycling Drop-Off Area Services: The ARC of Carroll County, $105,000 for staffing and vocational training.
• Item 13 – Commercial Insurance Policies for Station Personnel and Assets: Alliant Insurance Services, $728,440. Discussion covered deductibles (increased the prior year) and risk management training offered to volunteer stations.
• Item 14 – Third Party Claims Administration Services: Sisco Inc., $55,000 for workers’ compensation claims administration.
• Item 15 – Excess Workers’ Compensation Policy for County Employees: RCM&D, $269,078, covering claims above $750,000 self-insured retention.
• Item 16 – Excess Cyber Liability Insurance: Alliant Insurance Services, $77,282.70, providing $2 million excess coverage over the first $2 million covered by LGIT.

Public Comments

Two individuals addressed the Board:

• Diana Bergman, candidate for Maryland House of Delegates District 5, expressed concern about a recent Board of Education decision to limit the full outdoor school experience, despite the county having allocated funds to support it. She asked the Board to review whether the decision was justified and transparent.
• Andrew Manny provided general remarks on public participation and offered a lighthearted update on his fitness routine.

Key Outcomes

• The public hearing record for the Water Resources Element was closed and will remain open for 10 days for additional written comments.
• All 14 consent items (Items 3–16) were approved unanimously by voice vote (4-0, with Commissioner Krebs participating virtually).
• The Board reviewed and approved the administrative agenda for the weeks of July 20 and July 27, 2026, including future items such as courthouse security upgrades, transmission line presentations, and land use text amendments.