Emergency officials praise cooperation during busy 48 hours

Carroll County Commissioners were visited by the Emergency Management Agency and Transit Director Sonja Trbovich at their Jan. 22 meeting.

EMA Deputy Director Dustin Lucas reported that Carroll County emergency services experienced an exceptionally busy 48-hour period, during which every county fire department responded to at least one structure fire, along with multiple vehicle accidents, some involving serious injuries, and a significant brush fire.

“Some of the outcomes weren’t the best, but given the conditions and the resources we have, I truly believe they did the best they could,” Lucas said.

Lucas noted that responses were made more difficult by icy roads, freezing temperatures, frozen hoses, wet and refreezing gear and poor travel conditions for EMS and fire crews. He commended fire departments, EMS, law enforcement, dispatchers and county and township road crews for their coordinated efforts, including mutual aid, traffic control, road treatment and scene support.

Lucas also recognized community members and local businesses for providing assistance and donations, emphasizing the strong cooperation among emergency responders and the public during the demanding period.

“It’s a very, very good feeling when you can have all different disciplines in emergency services come together for one common goal, and that’s to help the public and do something good,” Lucas said.

Commissioner Chris Modranski noted the response highlighted how the Carroll County community comes together during emergencies, citing donated meals and other support for first responders.

Emergency Management Agency Director Tom Cottis informed the commissioners that forecasts were projecting a period of potentially severe winter weather for the weekend of Jan. 24–25 and into Monday. He added that the week of Jan. 26–30 was expected to bring multiple days of single-digit temperatures. The EMA will issue public warnings encouraging residents to prepare in advance, monitor official updates and use caution with travel and outdoor activities.

In an unrelated matter, Transit Director Sonja Trbovich briefed the Carroll County Commissioners on updates to the Transit Department’s procurement and ADA policies to maintain compliance with FTA and ODOT requirements. She explained that the procurement policy was revised to reflect FTA Circular 4220.1G, including updated references to SAM.gov, stricter conflict-of-interest standards, required independent cost estimates and revised purchasing thresholds aligned with current federal and state limits. 

Trbovich also outlined ADA policy updates addressing wheelchair lift repair timelines, wheelchair securement and rider rights, personal care attendant guidelines and a formal disruptive passenger policy. She additionally noted interest in part-time driver and dispatcher positions and ongoing bus advertising efforts. The commissioners approved the combined policy updates as presented.

Trbovich updated commissioners on vehicle advertisements. She said Dale Fellows of Eagle Advertising asked her to send him the dimensions for the larger buses, which has been done. Modranski asked if Eagle Advertising secures the advertisements, and Trbovich confirmed that it does.

In other business, commissioners:

— APPROVED the hiring of Daniel Mutton as assistant dog warden at a rate of $15 per hour effective Jan. 29. Commissioners said Mutton will have a six-month probationary period and be eligible for a raise of up to $1 per hour upon completion of the probation period.

— APPROVED a motion to allow the commissioners’ office to increase the limit on blanket purchase orders for line 10000-11001-53430 from $5,000 to $25,000. Clerk Melissa Schaar clarified that heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) invoices can exceed the $5,000 limit for a blanket purchase order, so the higher limit will save time when paying bills.

— CORRECTED information previously reported regarding the whirlpool tub at the Carroll County Golden Age Retreat. Modranski stated the correct cost of the tub is $21,035. The tub is not, and never was, broken; it has simply reached the end of its life. Residents are still able to take baths at CGAR.