Carroll County Commissioners hear dog warden, Golden Age Retreat updates

During the dog warden’s monthly update, Dog Warden Merle Long introduced newly hired Deputy Dog Warden Daniel Mutton, who began his duties Jan. 29.

“Mutton started on Jan. 29 and has done an outstanding job so far,” said Long.

The January 2026 report showed seven dogs were impounded during the month, with six successfully adopted into new homes and two reclaimed by their owners. No dogs were euthanized for aggression or illness, and no citations were issued for failure to license, dogs running at large or quarantine violations.

Long reminded residents that although the license renewal deadline has passed, dog licenses can still be purchased for $32; however, if an owner is cited for failing to renew, a $125 fine is imposed in addition to the $32 license fee. Officials added that enforcement activity and citations are expected to increase in March once updated non-renewal lists are received from the county auditor.

In another matter, Dawn Faulk, administrator of Golden Age Retreat, provided a monthly report thanking community members Ken and Kathy Stoneman for donating birthday cake for residents and Treasurer Nancy Campbell for providing monthly donuts.

Faulk said the facility is currently seeking to hire one full-time nurse aide for the 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift, one full-time housekeeper from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and a part-time activities assistant, encouraging compassionate applicants to apply.

Faulk praised staff members for extraordinary dedication during the recent winter storm, noting that maintenance staff transported employees to and from work, plowed and salted continuously and ensured resident care was uninterrupted despite severe conditions.

Faulk reported that a new Whirlpool bathing system has been ordered and is expected to be delivered in late February, with installation handled by Keister Plumbing.

In other business, commissioners:

—HEARD Transit Director Sonja Trbovich provide the county transit report for January, noting 28,071 service miles, 1,429 passenger trips and 172 declined rides, reflecting a 15.89% decrease from December. She explained the decline was largely due to two days of weather-related closures, the New Year’s Day and Martin Luther King Jr. holidays and reduced rider demand during severe winter conditions. Scheduled trips canceled because of weather are not counted as declined rides but are included in the monthly totals, contributing to the decrease. She said fewer rides are scheduled when temperatures fall below zero.

Trbovich also reported interviews will be conducted in the coming week for an open dispatcher position and a part-time driver.

—ADOPTED Resolution 2026-10 approving the transfer of a backup generator to the Village of Carrollton at no cost. The generator, purchased in 2006 with federal grant funds for the county’s former secondary 911 location, is no longer needed after operations moved to the Dorothy Long Building but remains in use at the municipal building for public safety purposes. The village will assume full responsibility for the generator’s operation, maintenance and replacement.

—APPROVED sending a letter of support to the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association Workforce Services Division endorsing the formation of a manufacturing Industry Sector Partnership involving Carroll, Jefferson and Harrison counties, aimed at strengthening regional workforce development and collaboration.

—APPROVED a road use and maintenance agreement with Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co. allowing the use of portions of Chapel Road, County Road 63 and Antico Road for construction-related ingress and egress in Center Township. The board also approved several right-of-way permits recommended by the county engineer, including a driveway permit in Union Township and permits for Tennessee Gas Pipeline/Kinder Morgan to replace 26-inch and 36-inch pipelines using open-cut construction along Mace Road.

—PAID bills totaling $183,460.77.