Commissioners award demolition contract, discuss storm recovery

Carroll County commissioners awarded a demolition contract for three abandoned properties and discussed storm recovery efforts during their March 19 meeting.

Commissioners approved a notice of award to J. Green Excavating LLC for package C of the county’s demolition and revitalization program. The county’s third demolition package includes three structures in Scio and Leesville.

The properties scheduled for demolition are located at 4042 Aster Road S.E. in Scio, 45 N. Union St. in Leesville and 45 S. Union St. in Leesville.

During the meeting, Commissioner Donald Leggett II reported the county transit system is expected to receive approximately $378,400 in state funding in June, along with an additional $73,000. He also noted window installation on the third floor of the annex building has been completed, with only minor interior trim work remaining.

Commissioner Robert Wirkner provided an update on recovery efforts following the recent windstorm that caused widespread damage across the county. He said local agencies, including townships, the county engineer and the Emergency Management Agency, may be eligible for reimbursement for storm-related expenses.

Emergency Management Agency Director Tom Cottis sent information to agencies to assist with the process.

“There is a mechanism in place for reimbursement, and it looks like we will likely qualify for those funds,” Wirkner said. “This is not a sure thing, but it is looking pretty good.”

Wirkner also noted that assistance may be available to residents who lost food due to extended power outages, with potential benefits through federal programs.

In other business, commissioners:

—APPROVED a grant contract between the Carroll County Airport Authority and the Ohio Department of Transportation Office of Aviation to support airport-related projects.

—AUTHORIZED the signing of a request for release of funds and certification of federally funded state projects tied to the fiscal year 2025 Community Housing Impact and Preservation Grant.

—APPROVED amending the date for a rental agreement with the Carroll County Agricultural Society for use of the Carroll County Fairgrounds Event Center, changing the date from June 26 to June 24 for the county’s annual defensive driving training.

—PAID the bills of $142,215.51.