Carroll County zoning administrator to step down; board agrees to pursue Region 12 contract for interim zoning services

The board acknowledged receipt of a resignation letter from the county zoning administrator, dated Jan. 20 and effective March 1, 2026. The letter said the administrator will focus full attention on statutory duties as Carroll County assessor and committed to assist with an orderly transition before the effective date.

Chris Whitaker, Region 12 local assistance director, appeared via the agenda item to describe the scope of services Region 12 would provide (permit review, AG exemptions, planning and zoning commission support, board of adjustment and variance review) and said Region 12 proposes billing at $100 per hour. Whitaker said most permit intake and routine questions can be handled by email and phone and that more time‑intensive matters will be billed hourly.

A supervisor said they were "extremely disappointed" about the resignation and noted consolidation of offices had been promoted as a cost‑saving measure; the comment reflected concern about the change in plans. The board directed staff to prepare a contract based on Region 12's proposal and bring it back for formal approval, noting contracts typically include termination provisions.