Crossroads Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) was busy in 2007 and is planning another busy year in 2008.

Sandy Chenal, RC&D coordinator, reviewed 2007 projects for Carroll County Commissioners last week and outlined plans for future endeavors.

She said RC&D, based in New Philadelphia, assisted in Carroll County with the Ag Expo last fall and has plans to participate again this year. She noted the dry hydrant program is now completed and the Huff Run Restoration group has wrapped up work on the $1 million grant.

"We need to find someone to make a loan to," Chenal noted. "We have $20,000 in the Revolving Loan Fund that must be used or it will be lost. The funds are available to any business to create or retain a job. We need to work with another agency (bank) on a 1-1 match." Anyone interested in applying for a loan should contact RC&D at 330-339-9317.

Upcoming programs include an initiative to put people in the beekeeping business. Chenal said there has been a tremendous response to the program, which aims at putting at least four new beekeepers in each of the 10-county Ohio Mid-Eastern Government’s Association (OMEGA). RC&D needs to raise $25,000 in funding to match $20,000 from the RC&D Revolving Loan Fund and $2,000 from a Farm Bureau Federation Grant. Anyone who has never been a beekeeper before can register for the program by calling RC&D.

RC&D is also raising funds for a new agriculture and natural resources program. The regional program aims to develop leaders in Carroll, Harrison, Jefferson and Tuscarawas counties. The goal is to have funds in place by July and begin the program in the fall.  

In other business, commissioners:
-Proclaimed April Child Abuse Prevention Month in Carroll County at the request of Jennifer Burns and Kate Offenberger of the Carroll County Department of Job and Family Services (DJFS). Burns noted there were 145 reports of child abuse in Carroll County in 2007, including 46 for emotional maltreatment, 20 for neglect, 38 for physical abuse and 41 for sexual abuse.  Burns noted a luncheon is planned for April 15 when community leaders will discuss the topics of bullying and internet safety. The luncheon is sponsored by DJFS and the Carroll County Safe Kids Chapter.

-WERE reminded by Offenberger the new DJFS hours are in place. Hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 7:45 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Thursday from 7:45 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.

-HELD a 15-minute executive session to discuss personnel with Offenberger with no action.

-GRANTED permission for the auditor’s office to establish a new "special revenue fund" where the auditor can deposit funds to pay fees associated with the retirement of employees. Other office holders will be made aware of the opportunity to establish funds for offices at a future leadership meeting.

-PROCLAIMED April Fair Housing Month in Carroll County.

-ACCEPTED the bids of Superior Paving of North Canton for three paving projects including the following: 11 miles of pavement on county roads using county funds, $354,087.50; 2.56 miles of Bachelor and Bark roads, $198,999.50; and 3.17 miles of Bachelor Rd., $159,150.

-RECEIVED the weekly dog pound report showing 25 impounded, 24 tagged, one redeemed and two put to sleep (one was a pitbull). There was one citation issued for no dog licenses.

-DISCUSSED a proposal for a Employee Assistance Program recommended by the county Benefits Committee. Commissioner Tom Wheaton said the program offers employees who are covered by county health insurance options to use before using the insurance program, including psychological, drug and alcohol options. Cost of the program is $2 per employee per month or about $540 per month. Wheaton said the committee also discussed ways to pay for the program. He said he used a similar program in the past and it was very beneficial.