Carroll County commissioners review dog warden, senior home and transit updates

Carroll County commissioners met with department heads at their Nov. 6 meeting.

During the meeting, dog warden Merle Long presented the Carroll County Dog Pound report for October. A total of 16 dogs were impounded during the month, with 13 adopted into new homes and four reclaimed by their owners. One dog had to be euthanized due to illness at the Minerva Veterinary Clinic, with total costs reaching approximately $614 after attempting to treat the animal.

Long also discussed a recent adoption event held at a Subaru dealership, which had a strong turnout and resulted in a few successful adoptions. The event also saw an increase in microchip and rabies vaccine sales compared to last year. He reminded residents that dog licenses go on sale Dec. 1 through Jan. 31 for $16, with the fee doubling to $32 after Jan. 31. Licenses can be purchased online, at the dog pound, the auditor’s office or at special Saturday sales at Tractor Supply. Long also cautioned that owning an unlicensed dog could result in a fine starting at $125 per dog with additional penalties for multiple unlicensed pets.

Superintendent Dawn Faulk of the Golden Age Retreat provided her monthly update. She announced that residents now have new personal telephones installed in their rooms, each with its own direct number, making it easier for family members to stay in touch.

The facility also received an anonymous donation of mums and pumpkins for fall, and Denise Baker provided the October birthday cake and doughnuts for the Golden Nature’s Club. Repairs on the barn roof are nearly complete, and the second annual fall barn sale was a great success thanks to community support. The facility is currently hiring for several positions, including a full-time housekeeper, part-time activity assistant and a midnight nurse aide.

Faulk reminded visitors to use caution when visiting during winter weather due to uneven areas in the gravel parking lot. The Golden Age Retreat ended October with 32 residents total, including 22 females and 10 males, and continues to accept new residents and respite stays.

Finally, Sonja Trbovich, director of Carroll County Transit, reported that in October the department completed 38,980 service miles and provided 2,026 passenger trips, representing a 5.74% increase from the previous month. There were 16 declined ride requests.

Despite being short-staffed, operations are running smoothly, and the department recently received two new minivans that are awaiting lettering before entering service.

In other business:

— APPROVE the hiring of Mikayla Brannick as a social services worker II at a rate of $21.97 per hour, effective Nov. 10, at the request of Director of Carroll County Job and Family Services Jennifer Burns.

— HEARD Burns also provide an update on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. She reported that due to state and federal administrative delays, clients would receive only 50% of their November SNAP allocation until further guidance is provided by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Additionally, those receiving Ohio Works First or cash assistance would receive a small temporary increase in their weekly payments. Burns noted that most cash assistance recipients in the county are grandparents or caregivers raising grandchildren. She also described the continued challenges of food insecurity, sharing that the line for a recent pop-up pantry extended all the way to a nearby traffic light due to high demand. Staff members are continuing to direct families to local food pantries, community Blessing Boxes and other available resources while waiting for additional SNAP funding updates.

— HEARD Commissioner Robert Wirkner remind those in need to call 211 for any assistance, including food help.

— PAID the bills of $445,686.48.