New 911 system approved as Carroll County prepares to relocate dispatch center

Carroll County commissioners approved moving forward with new equipment for the county’s public safety answering point as part of plans to relocate 911 operations to the annex building during their April 2 meeting.

Following an executive session, commissioners voted to authorize an initial $75,000 payment toward a new next-generation PSAP system, part of a $360,000 project.

Commissioner Robert Wirkner said the move is intended to address ongoing operational issues at the current dispatch center and improve long-term reliability for emergency communications.

Officials received an estimate of about $255,000 to move current equipment, which is expected to reach the end of its service life within four years. By comparison, replacing the system now would cost about $360,000, a discounted price from an original estimate of $465,000.

Officials noted the county would otherwise spend $255,000 to move aging equipment before replacing it within a few years, making early replacement the more cost-effective option.

Wirkner said replacing the equipment now would also minimize the amount of time dispatch operations would need to rely on a secondary backup center during the transition.

“We can have the new PSAP completely turnkey, ready to go,” Wirkner said.

Officials said installation of the new system is expected to take eight to 12 months.

Commissioners plan to approach the county’s 911 committees to help cover the remaining cost of the system. No action was taken during the executive session prior to the vote.

Earlier in the meeting, commissioners adopted a proclamation recognizing April as National County Government Month. The proclamation notes counties provide essential services to residents and encourages citizens to become more aware of county government operations.

Commissioners also approved a proclamation designating April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Carroll County. Social Services Supervisors Brandie Jo Tinlin and Leah Batson presented the proclamation and highlighted the importance of community awareness and prevention efforts.

They said Carroll County received more than 100 reports of child abuse or neglect in the past year, averaging about nine cases per month, underscoring the ongoing need for vigilance and support services.

“Child abuse prevention is a community responsibility,” Tinlin said.

Tinlin and Batson encouraged residents to participate in awareness efforts, including wearing blue April 8 for “Wear Blue Day,” and to recognize the role the community plays in protecting children.

In other business, commissioners:

—APPROVED a $345,785 contract with Northstar Asphalt Inc. for the County Road 54 resurfacing project, with work expected to begin by April 6 and be completed by Aug. 4.

—APPROVED a special hauling permit for Miller Logging on Apollo Road in Community Township.

—ADOPTED Resolution 2026-19 appropriating additional funds to the county dog kennel fund.

—HEARD Dog Warden Merle Long report 15 dogs were taken in during March, with eight adopted and seven reclaimed, zero euthanized, seven citations issued for failure to confine or restrain a dog and one citation for committing a nuisance.

—HEARD County Home Superintendent Dawn Faulk report the facility is planning an April 23 open house and continues hiring for several positions. Faulk said the county home is seeking nurses, aides and other staff and encouraged interested applicants to apply as the facility works to maintain adequate staffing levels.

—HEARD Transit Director Sonja Trbovich report 1,909 passenger trips in March, a 15.7% increase from the previous month. Trbovich said the increase reflects continued demand for transportation services across the county as transit ridership trends upward.

—APPROVED bringing a dumpster to the Job and Family Services building to clear out unused items.

—AUTHORIZED Sheriff Calvin Graham to begin negotiations for a new Fraternal Order of Police contract covering deputies and corrections officers.

—HEARD Clerk Eva Johnson announce surplus items listed for sale on GovDeals and a newly redesigned county website, CarrollCountyOhio.us, which provides updated information and resources for residents.

—HEARD a full-scale emergency response exercise is scheduled for May 9. Officials said the exercise will simulate a real-world incident at a local well site and involve multiple agencies, including emergency responders, hospitals and other partners, with road closures and public notification planned in advance.