Carroll County commissioners review updates on dog pound, Golden Age Retreat and transit services

Carroll County commissioners met with department heads and received reports at the Oct. 2 meeting.

Dog Warden Merle Long reported that in September the county dog pound took in 19 dogs, adopted out seven to new families and reunited seven with their owners. One dog was euthanized due to organ failure at the Carrollton Animal Hospital, but none were put down for aggression. The pound issued one citation for failure to license a dog and two citations for dogs running at large.

Long highlighted a major cost-saving measure: The facility had been using Home Again microchips, which increased dramatically in price from about $284 to nearly $672 for a box of 25, raising the per-chip cost from $11.99 to $27. After researching alternatives and contacting suppliers, Long switched to Buddy Complete microchips, which cost $130 for a box of 25 — about $5.20 per chip — with no ongoing subscription fees. These chips also measure internal temperature and allow quick owner identification.

Superintendent Dawn Faulk updated the board on operations at the Carroll Golden Age Retreat.

The advisory meeting originally scheduled for Oct. 2 was moved to Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 4 p.m., and will invite public input on services and home improvements.

Upgrades to the facility’s Wi-Fi and phone systems are underway, with plans to install more user-friendly phones featuring large, easy-to-read numbers for residents. Delivery delays have pushed installation to around Oct. 8-10, depending on the phones’ arrival. Brief Wi-Fi and phone service outages lasting 30 to 60 minutes may occur during the transition.

The home ended September with 34 residents — 12 men and 22 women — and accepted four new admissions. Respite stays remain available, and both male and female beds are open.

The retreat is hiring one full-time housekeeper and one full-time or two part-time nurse aides for the 3-11 p.m. shift.

Faulk also announced the annual Fall Barn Sale will be held Oct. 9 and 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Proceeds will support resident activities and outings.

Carroll County Transit Director Sonja Trbovich reported the agency logged 36,013 service miles in September and provided 1,916 passenger trips, a slight increase over August’s 1,910. Seventeen ride requests were declined.

Trbovich is preparing the SFY 2027 Ohio Department of Transportation grant application, due Nov. 14. She is also pursuing Ohio Transit Partnership Program funding, which supports operational expenses — an area where grants are harder to secure compared with capital improvements.

— ACCEPTED a bid from Jon Stewart Excavating LLC to replace one home sewage system. 

— HEARD that beginning in November, the Public Defender’s Office will provide monthly reports to the commissioners. Commissioner Robert Wirkner said this was mandated. 

— PAID bills totaling $169,716.82.