Carroll County Board of Commissioners Open Session – September 24, 2026

The Carroll County Board of Commissioners held its open session on September 24, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in the County Office Building, Room 311. Commissioners present: President Joseph Vigliotti, Vice President Michael Guerin, Thomas Gordon, Kenneth Kiler (participating virtually from Chesapeake Connect), and Susan Krebs. The meeting included approval of an operating budget transfer for Carroll County Public Schools, health insurance contribution rates for 2027, several procurement and contract actions, a briefing on the Agricultural Preservation Program, and approval of a federal Continuum of Care grant application. All items requiring a vote were approved, with one dissenting vote on the health insurance rates.

Consent Calendar (Routine Approvals)

• The following items were approved unanimously by roll-call vote without extended discussion:
  • Item 7: Purchase of various blacktop products for FY27, not to exceed $419,000, from multiple vendors (CJ Miller, Laney Construction, Gray and Sons).
  • Item 8: Renewal of contract with C2 Crane and Tree Service for tree trimming services in the amount of $830,000.
  • Item 9: Additional cost of $17,586.04 for mowing Carroll County Parks – North Region, due to increasing mowings from 26 to 30 per park in 2026.
  • Item 10: Additional cost of $26,301.24 for mowing Carroll County Parks – South Region, same reason as North Region.

Public Comments

No members of the public offered comments during the designated public comment period, either in person or virtually.

Discussion Items

FY 27 Operating Budget Transfer for CCPS (Item 2)

The Board approved Operating Budget Transfer 27-01 for Carroll County Public Schools, moving $12,000,000 between budget categories to fund collectively bargained agreements. The transfer has no net impact on the total FY27 operating budget. Approved unanimously.

Calendar Year 2027 Health Insurance Plan Designs and Contribution Rates (Item 3)

Human Resources Director Kristy Bixler presented the proposed plan designs and employee contribution rates for medical, prescription, vision, dental, and Medicare Advantage for 2027. No changes recommended to medical or vision plan designs; dental out-of-network reimbursement increased from 50% to 70%, resulting in a 9% dental contribution increase. Medical contributions will increase modestly; vision contributions unchanged. Medicare Advantage rate remains $440/month per retiree. Motion to approve carried 4–1, with Commissioner Vigliotti voting in opposition.

Contract Renewal – Enterprise Resource Planning System (Item 4)

The Board renewed the contract with Tyler Technologies, Inc. for the ERP system in the amount of $607,418.85. The system went live July 1, 2026, replacing a legacy system from the 1980s. Approved unanimously.

Approval to Purchase Ambulances and Upfitting (Items 5 and 6)

• Item 5: Approved purchase of five (5) Ford F-550 4x4 ambulances from Atlantic Emergency Solutions for $1,884,250, replacing volunteer corporation units.
• Item 6: Approved upfitting equipment and services for these five ambulances from Stryker Medical for $1,048,507.60, including power load systems, cardiac monitors, and LUCAS devices. Both items approved unanimously.

Briefing – Agricultural Preservation Program (Item 11)

Director Christopher Heyn, JP Smith, and Jackie Rock presented an informational briefing on the county’s Agricultural Land Preservation Program. Key statistics: over 81,000 acres preserved on more than 700 farms, with total investment of ~$250 million. The program aims to preserve 100,000 acres. Discussion covered strategic priorities including farm size, contiguity, soil quality, geographic distribution, and the future direction post-100,000 acres. Commissioners emphasized the need to balance preservation with growth areas and to maintain viable agricultural industry. No action taken; further input to be gathered from Planning and Zoning Commission and Agricultural Preservation Board before final applicant selection in November.

Grant – Federal 2026 Continuum of Care Application (Item 12)

The Board approved submission and acceptance of the 2026 Continuum of Care grant application totaling $1,291,056 (including $1,144,269 in federal funds and $96,787 county match). Projects include: Coordinated Entry renewal ($35,785), Permanent Supportive Housing renewal ($320,776), Transitional Housing for Families new ($237,708), Homeless Day Center new at the COVE ($200,000), Pathways to Recovery and Stability new ($193,754), Transitional Housing for Low Barrier Households new ($106,246), and Planning ($50,000). County match includes cash ($96,787) and in-kind use of space at the COVE ($50,000). The application was described as a heavy lift with many partners. Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Approved FY27 Operating Budget Transfer 27-01 for CCPS (unanimous).
• Approved CY2027 health insurance plan designs and contribution rates (4–1; Vigliotti opposed).
• Renewed ERP contract with Tyler Technologies ($607,418.85; unanimous).
• Purchased five ambulances ($1,884,250; unanimous).
• Approved upfitting equipment ($1,048,507.60; unanimous).
• Approved blacktop products purchase (not to exceed $419,000; unanimous).
• Renewed tree trimming contract ($830,000; unanimous).
• Approved additional mowing costs for North and South Parks ($17,586.04 and $26,301.24; unanimous).
• Approved 2026 Continuum of Care grant submission and award acceptance (unanimous).
• Agenda items added for next meeting: Discussion on data center deferral extension, recordation tax resolution requiring supermajority, and formation of an advisory board for Freedom growth area.

Administrative Open Session

Commissioners discussed upcoming agenda items including a possible public hearing on extending the data center moratorium, a resolution requiring supermajority for recordation tax increases, and establishment of a planning advisory board for the Freedom area. Commissioner Krebs also requested an update on impact fees. These items were added to future agendas. The meeting adjourned following agenda review.

Note: The meeting date is September 24, 2026, as confirmed by agenda and transcript.