Public defender presents monthly report to commissioners

Carroll County commissioners approved payment of $167,867.33 in bills during their Feb. 23 meeting and heard from Public Defender Steve Kandel for his monthly report.

Kandel presented his October 2025 report. He said his office had 54 open cases during that reporting period with total expenses of $23,509.31.

Commissioners noted the report reflects October figures because reimbursements from the state typically run about three months behind. Commissioners said the county was reimbursed more than $19,000 from the $23,000 submitted, which is about 82%.

“We continue to beat the drum, but really they should be 100% for reimbursements,” Commissioner Robert Wirkner said, noting the remaining balance falls back on the county.

In an unrelated matter, commissioners approved two letters of support for a BUILD grant application being pursued through the Regional Transportation Improvement Project for the highway connector and industrial park project.

Wirkner said improved highway infrastructure would provide safer travel, better access to jobs north of the county and improved access to medical facilities.

“Most people that live in Carroll County don’t work in Carroll County,” Wirkner said. “They have to depend on getting up to the job markets to the north, and this will provide a more efficient and safer way for them to get to work.”

In other business, commissioners:

—SENT three official bonds to the prosecutor for review and certification.

—HEARD the weekly dog warden report from Merle Long for Feb. 15 through Feb. 21. The report showed one dog impounded, one adopted out and zero redeemed. There were two citations issued for running at large.