Commissioners issue proclamations on fraud, prayer and motorcycle awareness

Carroll County commissioners proclaimed May as Public Assistance Fraud Awareness Month during their May 4 meeting, highlighting the financial impact of fraud and the importance of protecting public resources.

Alex Logan, Ohio Means Jobs operator and benefit recovery, and Angela Keaton, benefit recovery worker, said the agency recovered more than $36,000 in food assistance funds in 2025 and is currently investigating 91 potential fraud cases.

“Each of those represents time, resources and funding that should be going to eligible families in our community,” Logan said.

Officials emphasized that prevention is just as important as enforcement, noting that much of their work involves helping recipients understand reporting requirements before issues escalate.

“Fraud prevention is a shared responsibility,” Logan said. “When programs are used appropriately, we are better able to serve those who truly need assistance and maintain the integrity of the services our community relies on.”

Keaton said cases are handled through administrative hearings, where overpayments are documented and repayment agreements are established. If individuals fail to comply, cases may be referred to the state for collection through tax offsets or wage withholding.

Commissioner Chris Modranski read the proclamation, which notes that public assistance programs serve thousands of residents each month, including more than 1,400 SNAP cases and over 3,300 Medicaid cases in Carroll County.

“Most program participants use these benefits appropriately,” the proclamation states, “but public assistance fraud through misrepresentation or omission undermines program integrity and diverts resources from those in need.”

The proclamation encourages residents to report suspected fraud and to participate in awareness efforts, including wearing red on May 20.

Commissioners also proclaimed May 7 as National Day of Prayer in Carroll County.

The proclamation calls on residents to seek unity and guidance through prayer and recognizes its role in strengthening communities and leadership. Commissioner Robert Wirkner said he will attend the National Day of Prayer event May 7 at the square and read the proclamation.

In addition, commissioners recognized May as Motorcycle Awareness Month, encouraging motorists to remain alert and share the road safely with motorcyclists.

The proclamation highlights the importance of safety awareness and notes that many motorcycle crashes occur when other drivers fail to see them.

In other business, commissioners:

PAID bills totaling $172,607.39.

RECEIVED the weekly report from Dog Warden Merle Long, which showed two dogs impounded, none adopted, one redeemed and no euthanizations. Citations included three for no license and one for failure to restrain a dog.

RECEIVED the April report from Carroll County Recorder Patricia Oyer, showing 1,765 documents filed to date.

APPROVED a contract between the Carroll County Board of Developmental Disabilities and Carroll County Transit for transportation services at a rate of $2.97 per mile.

APPROVED an Ohio Water Development Authority planning loan application and cooperative agreement for the Stony Lake Area Wastewater System Improvement Project, pending prosecutor review.

APPROVED the replat of Lot 203 in Lakeshore Park Third Edition in Orange Township.