Carroll County commissioners review demolition bids, approve vehicle purchase

Carroll County commissioners opened bids for the Community Development Block Grant Demolition Program Package B at their Nov. 13 meeting.

Community Development Director Susan Moore said Package B includes four small structures on the Fox Township Volunteer Fire Department property, 7119 Salineville Road in Mechanicstown, as well as properties at 7195 Salineville Road in Mechanicstown and 8075 and 8077 Kensington Road in Augusta.

Two bids were received. J. Green Excavating LLC of Mechanicstown submitted a total bid of $190,840, which included $30,300 for the Fox Township property, $68,300 for 7195 Salineville Road and $92,240 for the Kensington Road properties. Pro Quality Demolition of Youngstown submitted a total bid of $225,000, which included $23,000 for the Fox Township property, $87,000 for 7195 Salineville Road and $115,000 for the Kensington Road properties.

Moore said she would like the opportunity to review both bids for accuracy and make sure everything is in order before awarding. Commissioners voted to table the bids until Monday, Nov. 17, for further review.

She said two more demolition packages are expected, and the 2026 grant amount will be $230,000. The 2027 round will be competitive.

Transit Director Sonja Trbovich requested approval of revisions to the zero-tolerance drug and alcohol testing policy. Changes include 11 updates to definitions and a section stating that directly observed urine collections must be conducted by a person of the same gender as the donor. A new clause was also added that defines verified adulterated or substituted test results as a refusal to test. Commissioners approved the policy revisions.

In other business, commissioners:

—APPROVED the purchase of two new 2025 Chevrolet Tahoes for the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office at a cost of $77,597 each from Lally Chevrolet. The vehicles include installation and a seven-year, unlimited-mileage powertrain warranty. Sheriff Calvin Graham said he will seek additional quotes to ensure the best price. Commissioners approved the purchase contingent on potential cost savings.

—HEARD from Commissioner Robert Wirkner that the Local Emergency Planning Committee reported 5.4 million gallons of hazardous materials move through Carroll County daily, mostly gas- and oil-related. Wirkner said the total number of materials decreased slightly from last year but gas and oil shipments increased. He also noted EOG Resources donated 29 fire extinguishers to the county hazmat team and discussed an airport improvement grant for an approach-lighting system. Commissioners approved Resolution 2025-32 authorizing the Carroll County Airport Authority Board to apply for an Ohio Department of Transportation grant estimated at $300,000 with a 5% match to be paid by ODOT.

—HEARD from Commissioner Chris Modranski that the bell tower lighting controller still needs to be programed and a new contractor may be required.

—LEARNED from Commissioner Donald Leggett II that the Annex Building boiler system has been flushed and restarted after removal of old debris from lines and heaters. He said the system is operating properly and flooring for the Board of Elections office has been completed. Leggett added that pricing is being gathered for window tinting and that overall progress on the Annex Building remains positive.