Delegation approves county budget bottom line, $1.98 million in capital projects and TAN authorization

The Carroll County delegation reviewed departmental budgets, revenue estimates (including ARPA carryover and selected departmental revenues) and a detailed capital-improvement package. Delegates approved the county budget bottom line after roll call; they also approved a capital outlay package totaling $1,977,919 that included replacement vehicles, HVAC and roofing repairs, jail roof/water-damage repairs, and an increased placeholder for the water-storage tank roof (an engineering estimate provided late in the process). That capital package passed 12–2 on a roll-call vote.

Commissioners and staff emphasized that several capital projects had already been placed out to bid and that competitive bids would be sought; delegates pressed for bid documentation and for exploring grant opportunities before committing county funds for the water-storage tank. The commissioners said they would attempt to secure grant funding where available and that some projects are time‑sensitive.

Delegates also voted to authorize the executive committee to approve any final changes and to authorize the executive committee to approve the 2026 TAN (tax anticipation note) borrowing if necessary to handle timing; committees were asked to reconcile revenues and fund-balance use and to return recommended amounts for final tax-rate setting later in the process.

What happens next: the executive committee will reconcile final line items and oversee any short-term borrowing decisions (TAN) needed before the tax rate is set; project RFPs and grant applications continue as staff and commissioners pursue lower-cost options and outside funding.