Carroll County finalizes ODOT property transfer, updates lodging tax rules

Carroll County commissioners discussed finalizing the long-awaited transfer of property from ODOT, approving updates to the county lodging tax and adopting a proclamation for Operation Green Light at the Nov. 3 meeting.

Commissioners approved the purchase of 6.564 acres at 258 Kensington Road in Carrollton for $1, marking the culmination of nearly eight years of effort to complete the deal. The arrangement required the county to extend water and sewer service through Commerce Park to the new ODOT building in exchange for ODOT’s former quarters.

The project faced delays due to environmental studies and coordination among multiple agencies. The property will be developed into facilities for highway equipment maintenance and administrative offices for the Carroll County engineer’s office.

“There has been a lot of cooperation too between us, the village of Carrollton and various agencies to get this done,” said Commissioner Chris Modranski. “Former commissioner Jeff Ohler was a big part of this too.”

Auditor Staci Brady also presented updates to the county’s lodging tax regulations, which had not been revised since 1999. The new resolution, identified as 2025-29, brings the county into compliance with current state law by including small lodging establishments such as cottages, Airbnbs and Vrbo rentals under the lodging tax.

It also authorizes penalties for late payments and changes reporting from monthly to quarterly to ease the process for both business owners and the auditor’s office. Informational packets will be mailed to all known lodging operators, and the updated materials will be available on the auditor’s website.

In an additional unrelated matter, commissioners adopted a proclamation recognizing Operation Green Light, a national initiative led by the National Association of Counties to honor veterans. From Nov. 4 through Nov. 11, the courthouse will be illuminated green to show support for military veterans, particularly those transitioning to civilian life.

The proclamation encourages residents and businesses throughout Carroll County to join in by displaying green lights during the week.

In other business, commissioners: 

— Heard the courthouse will be closed Tuesday, Nov. 11, for Veterans Day. 

— Heard Dog Warden Merle Long’s weekly dog report. From Oct. 26 through Nov. 1, five more dogs were taken in, three adopted out and two redeemed. Unfortunately, one dog had to be euthanized due to illness. 

— Paid bills totaling $35,647.10.