Thrasher Group updates commissioners on Stony Lake sewer project

Representatives from Thrasher Group led discussion at the Dec. 11 Carroll County Commissioners meeting regarding the Stony Lake sewer project, which is moving forward after Ohio EPA orders required the county to address sewage issues in the area.

Jim Nordquist and Alexandria Fechko with Thrasher are preparing a nomination for a planning and design loan but are waiting on EPA guidance for a required rate schedule, since no sewer system or comparable rates exist for the project area. The engineering agreement will be resent to commissioners so it can be forwarded to the prosecutor for review.

A preliminary engineering report has been completed, and the new engineering team intends to review it. Perrysville was removed from the project due to cost but the system will be expandable for future needs. OMEGA will continue working to identify possible grant funding.

In an unrelated matter, Transit Director Sonya Trbovich reported 31,402 miles and 1,633 passenger trips in November, both lower than October due to holidays, weather and a full-day closure. There were 44 declined rides, with longer trips like Cleveland requiring two to three days’ notice when possible. She will follow up on advertising planned for transit vehicles.

In other business: 

—HEARD Dog Warden Merle Long report 14 dogs were taken in during November, with six adopted and six reclaimed. No dogs were euthanized. Three citations were issued, including one involving a dog that violated a rabies quarantine. Dog licenses are available for $16 through Jan. 31 before the state-mandated penalty increases the fee. 

—HEARD Golden Age Retreat Superintendent Dawn Faulk report work is underway to replace the kitchen exhaust fan system and ductwork after safety concerns were discovered. The new setup will allow for proper annual cleaning and improved fire safety. She also noted barn roof and siding repairs completed by Miller’s Rolling Acres. The facility has Christmas events scheduled throughout December. 

—APPROVED a special hauling permit for Stutzman Lumber to haul over Pebble and Canyon roads in Union Township with a $50,000 bond. 

—ADOPTED Resolution 2025-33 to support Ohio Power Solar LLC’s plan to develop a 30-acre solar farm along Route 43 near Guess Motors. Commissioners reiterated the county does not have zoning regulations for solar projects and the resolution serves as a formal acknowledgment that the project would comply if zoning existed. The company will work with the engineer’s office on a road use and maintenance agreement. 

—PAID the bills of $108,458.19.