[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6388548,"mediaKeyId","2114025-a28b3dd8553e4ecdd0f77c11578c1a25","parentId",2114025,"title","Residents urge action on assisted-living shortage; commissioners point to zoning and market constraints","audioSeconds",192,"startMs",2196000,"endMs",2388000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2114025-a28b3dd8553e4ecdd0f77c11578c1a25&start=2196&end=2388","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2114025-a28b3dd8553e4ecdd0f77c11578c1a25/thumbnail_2196000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6388548/Carroll-County/Maryland/Residents-urge-action-on-assisted-living-shortage-commissioners-point-to-zoning-and-market-constraints","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6388548-1965206f8d227d0ec788dd234b27ca1d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190354&Signature=EXmO27-XPH8NqbKgMItubiHpEmb9TaiIvMoPlH3xKpahi1bGrvryX0uFiWmVJ7~mFu4xUZT1g~aU3HVfDJXVUHnSfs2y-VH-MmiW8VrHA~NpnKPkyna1X9YlYCmF5sdHWD-jy1Hr1DhHawYd-a9tnBcYb~Uz7U8u416S2tTKWf~2u4BGBZgm~Vms6e-NUbPBl6o~dNbhrhM~UmvwYASKUI95NHFFdfrZPq4SsoezuiYrFdq1xVwVcL3C9citVbgTGhHulOjb~gD2kAWe8Coy6dKhlTkhKqmShhUhdN6c7-lAkvFoq8ANUE1o4lQQDlmTRZCfc4EPt2V4D6BC-iWY1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-01-14T21:14:23Z","article","During the public question-and-answer portion of the meeting a resident described challenges placing older residents in affordable assisted-living or memory-care facilities within Carroll County, saying many families must send relatives to Baltimore City for cost reasons.

The resident said middle-income people who want to stay in Carroll County \"end up having to go to Baltimore City,\" which separates them from local family and support networks. She urged commissioners to consider ways to attract smaller assisted-living operations or increase local capacity.

Commissioner Mike Caron responded that county zoning — particularly in agricultural areas — already offers flexibility for approved and conditional uses that could accommodate assisted-living facilities. \"The means is actually there in terms of a lot of the assisted living opportunities,\" he said, and pledged to examine the local industry and explore facilitation steps.

Other commissioners acknowledged the demand and described the county as an attractive location for providers but cautioned that market economics and existing provider capacity limit rapid expansion. Commissioners committed to keeping the issue \"on our radar\" and to staff follow-up to identify targeted options to encourage more local assisted-living capacity.

Ending

Officials said zoning provides pathways for new assisted-living facilities but emphasized the need for further staff review and potential targeted incentives; they asked residents and interested parties to raise ideas with the county.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2025 State of the County Address Final","oneSentenceSummary","A resident described difficulty finding affordable assisted living and memory-care in Carroll County; commissioners said zoning permits options but acknowledged market constraints and pledged to review barriers to new facilities.","taxTitle","Carroll County, Maryland","taxId",7748,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6388553,"Carroll County highlights new family shelter, housing services and veterans' home designation",223,957000,1180000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2114025-a28b3dd8553e4ecdd0f77c11578c1a25&start=957&end=1180","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2114025-a28b3dd8553e4ecdd0f77c11578c1a25/thumbnail_957000.jpg","/articles/6388553/Carroll-County/Maryland/Carroll-County-highlights-new-family-shelter-housing-services-and-veterans-home-designation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6388553-2739f3d047bf66fd5c04b87e4f2fe26e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190354&Signature=DedVHFicrZpjSMIDd3MwctgGcAy34ts3WiKLyowUi-7cy~dsG-XfDQ9JJPyRfDCw-FsH0AeXCJCZHPNI7zgFQQIev74aVjo2W~tvukhh9BveLAScwv9Lrms~tvajJFnYtosPLvxm5x6lyTa-I34oeyOfed6GuCaQvCWG~aGmY7Wu5NDciDrL1SrGIYlh~wVXGoN4YOFF-j5rtxh9ZhOniEpiLG6QFI-2bCEK6f1xNjzu8Um2EC6T8PfpQWwOTOrR1BuRJMHeWulOZjySZbMQjQaYvaTB8UhZE0Q2nt60-xL-4RSVL3snZJ3ftH3qTPei66EydPNZQaBHengX0kVw7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County officials outlined the scope of the Department of Citizen Services and highlighted several programs and developments affecting housing, homelessness and veterans services.

Commissioner Kenny Kiler described Citizen Services as the county's \"compassionate arm,\" identifying three service lines: housing and homeless services through the Bureau of Housing and Community Development; children, youth and family services overseen by the Local Management Board; and aging, disability, caregiver and veteran services administered by the Bureau of Aging and Disabilities.

Kiler said the county's Continuum of Care (CoC) homelessness board — a partnership of government agencies, nonprofit providers, law enforcement, education and faith-based groups — secured funding to relocate the existing family shelter. He said the new shelter is \"slated to open in the spring of 2026\" and will include space for up to 10 families experiencing homelessness.

Kiler also described the Bureau of Housing and Community Development's role as the county's public housing authority, administering the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Housing Choice Voucher Program. \"Over 93% of the voucher holders in this program are older adults and people with disabilities,\" he said. The bureau also provides housing stability coordinators who work with tenants at risk of eviction and attend eviction court alongside Maryland Legal Aid.

On veterans services, Kiler said Carroll County has a veteran services program serving approximately 800 veterans and has recouped $80,000,000 in pension and compensation claims for veterans over the program's life span. He said the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families designated Carroll County as the location for a veterans' home to be developed in the South Carroll area.

Ending

County leaders presented these Citizen Services items as active projects with near-term milestones: a family shelter planned for spring 2026, ongoing housing stability and voucher administration, and a federally/state-recognized veterans' home site in South Carroll. Officials said they will continue to coordinate grants and partnerships to implement these services.","Commissioners summarized citizen services programs, including plans for a new family shelter (opening spring 2026), housing choice vouchers for older adults and people with disabilities, and a federal/state designation for a veterans' home in South Carroll.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6388558,"Carroll County leaders outline budget gap and rising EMS costs, call for public input on priorities",2797,1849000,4646000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2114025-a28b3dd8553e4ecdd0f77c11578c1a25&start=1849&end=4646","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2114025-a28b3dd8553e4ecdd0f77c11578c1a25/thumbnail_1849000.jpg","/articles/6388558/Carroll-County/Maryland/Carroll-County-leaders-outline-budget-gap-and-rising-EMS-costs-call-for-public-input-on-priorities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6388558-df91213ffd4b485f08407ba2e9ffd729/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190354&Signature=Y3AsnRwooh3dCCaqhCe11k-7oAA-c1d5II1TJn0mi5Z07oC7AaThyLcF9~XFUx9I-pSSF7lIKtD9-OMejY-s1BHOXLne39~WtyyOUjVrOb6hSItUUZigASS4NWcm2k4XLuWw5Vjl8IWPC7kkrKIQEzR7O58JsGS-qTSdofFh6~rMimcX5AoudgCle0W6ZaXkzX2Z5K6MirqO7xxTMSlEtxxAL4G61YdxcsE1UKqaqoawnEN1~q60Vmft4J~kQ-V1L13Sjs91VjtkSIggopwWgdu26wc8LOC1KcVGydRxIPT70egNETD8RNmjfrwQEmKAy4Id6qIs4KcnaK247vtODw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Carroll County commissioners said the county faces a multi-year budget shortfall that will require difficult decisions, and they highlighted the rising cost of emergency medical services as a major pressure on county finances.

Commissioner Gordon said a FY26 budget ultimately passed after two votes and left an initial FY26 deficit of about $5.2 million; he warned the county's five-year budgeting projection shows a larger gap if no changes are made. \"A budget was passed 3 to 2, and it placed us in a current situation... of a $5,200,000 deficit in FY26,\" Gordon said, noting that long-term projections could widen the shortfall.

Commissioners described steps used to balance the most recent budget, including delaying projects, reorganizing priorities, cutting long-standing vacant positions and using one-time funds and reserves. They cautioned that relying on one-time funds is not sustainable.

Emergency medical services was identified as a rapidly growing expense. Commissioner Kyler said the combined Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services now costs about $33 million annually, roughly $25 million more than several years earlier, a number multiple commissioners referenced as a driver of budgetary strain.

Commissioners invited residents to propose ideas to close gaps while protecting core services. \"If you have ideas, share them with all of us,\" Commissioner Gordon said. County officials said options include examining county-owned rental and farm properties for revenue, reassessing fees and charges, and evaluating discretionary programs for potential reduction.

Speakers emphasized the distinction between nondiscretionary costs (public safety, schools, roads) and discretionary spending. Several commissioners said most dollars are nondiscretionary and the amount available for cuts is limited, requiring public judgement about priorities and willingness to accept service changes or revenue increases.

Ending

Commissioners said balancing the budget will require public engagement and hard choices on what services to prioritize. They asked residents to contact elected officials with ideas and said staff will continue to identify potential revenue and efficiency options.","Commissioners described a multi-year budget deficit tied to last year's votes and rising emergency services costs, asked residents for ideas and said the county will consider revenue and expenditure options.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6388563,"Carroll County officials warn state 'Blueprint' education mandates could strain local budget",2270,1246000,3516000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2114025-a28b3dd8553e4ecdd0f77c11578c1a25&start=1246&end=3516","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2114025-a28b3dd8553e4ecdd0f77c11578c1a25/thumbnail_1246000.jpg","/articles/6388563/Carroll-County/Maryland/Carroll-County-officials-warn-state-Blueprint-education-mandates-could-strain-local-budget","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6388563-e2500c1f06899ae13ed4aa592b807008/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190354&Signature=JmlC-0MUxoBC9SKk9ntXP~Q9jgK5UE~3NO--cIK1BLUyNuZuPWlBz6Jd9srC6W6CYzkP6mI8ghnXony2ks7tWhdM2NjUtjk5KFD~EM9U7JshucsLRIPVL0krcYr4aJZTDXaTcTcMqhpoJKOlgJOe3nQe0aqbEXrcPNFEETBFrz2KYImozPZgJMsXuSN8Co4AEPs5l0~a7VyntgLI0Oz7ojCUcMBMrY56BGUgwsI0F8ry~XBfFYnCi1c6724HHnUj9PhzAQ26W27xHae~GHTuJy7N7n4K1s2GuHEIQE9zSoEf07zHxyD12PObipYYVO6IdDvwi3kLWrIcC8LdkZ5CfA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Carroll County public officials and school representatives warned the county faces fiscal pressure if Maryland's Blueprint education mandates proceed as currently written, and they urged state leaders to provide alternatives or more time for implementation.

Commissioner Vigliotti said the county \"expressed opposition to a free needle distribution program\" and described several county actions to bolster public safety and prosecution; he also framed Blueprint as one of several statewide policy changes creating local fiscal risk. \"We have prefiled letters of opposition with the PSC... and we are exploring a number of legal and local options to delay or halt the project,\" he said in discussing separate issues; on education, commissioners cited Blueprint repeatedly as a driver of potential budget stress.

In audience exchange, an attendee asked how the county would \"slow down Blueprint.\" County leaders and school officials said slowing implementation alone would not be sufficient unless the state also provided funding. County representatives pointed to parts of the Blueprint that would increase teacher planning time and require higher base salaries across the state; speakers said those changes would raise payroll costs at a time when county revenue forecasts are constrained.

Cindy, speaking as a Carroll County Public Schools official, said Blueprint is complex and evolving: she told the audience that officials had been informed the funding in the state's foundation formula tied to Blueprint had been cut and that, as of the prior day, that change would render Carroll County Public Schools insolvent under full implementation. \"We have been told that that can move out a bit in time, but we also just found out that the money that goes along with that in our foundation will be cut,\" she said. \"So... Carroll County Public Schools would be insolvent, because of that cut to our foundation.\"

Commissioners described possible local responses: testimony to state delegates and senators, seeking alternatives such as equivalent outcomes rather than strict process compliance, and working through associations such as the Maryland Association of Counties and the Maryland Municipal League to coordinate advocacy in Annapolis.

Speakers also raised workforce constraints: commissioners and school representatives said the statewide teacher shortage could be worsened by Blueprint's proposed classroom-planning time ratios. They noted Carroll County had taken steps to make teacher compensation and career ladders more competitive, but acknowledged the problem is statewide.

Ending

County leaders and school officials urged state lawmakers to permit alternatives or delay large mandates without adequate funding. In the meantime, commissioners and school staff said they will press delegates, provide testimony and seek locally feasible approaches to retain staff and protect services.","County leaders and school officials said implementation of Maryland's Blueprint education changes will increase local fiscal pressure and urged state-level flexibility or alternatives to full compliance.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6388567,"Carroll County officials renew opposition to Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project as PSC review begins",2662,1342000,4004000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2114025-a28b3dd8553e4ecdd0f77c11578c1a25&start=1342&end=4004","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2114025-a28b3dd8553e4ecdd0f77c11578c1a25/thumbnail_1342000.jpg","/articles/6388567/Carroll-County/Maryland/Carroll-County-officials-renew-opposition-to-Maryland-Piedmont-Reliability-Project-as-PSC-review-begins","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6388567-84244b2c67029f67a5e78e895c686b1f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190354&Signature=ay23Up6gkdiMFKdWes6rBxDRoSUWA~QFzPaA2aBKmRSoxAkERJ5zpsG6eLlX-zohKox-EYUHn3V7t689b9SFiSIWKL07ne1K~aN-ik~v3l~jeDcELkO8IVBM47AS7nG54a6AbUnm1Dzc8XVcS90YH7RgQYr~XR4ef-gPpMJqXXWnDwYBuigEaZeUlqK3C71Gb8lYwubPkxtDAhrbu~Q2gIqMT2Ur0XOODRBYzRUlkg6DPpyeiQoKWGIoNeoq9AHAueOLe-dwKSbu-Ir01f6cczQBlPmc8Tg15Xt8lcWgHBSr8EUKacNVahX~a1e4CpNLJo4jhIpFu9IR9fg~OBIPuA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Carroll County commissioners and residents pressed their opposition to the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project (MPRP), telling attendees the county has passed resolutions condemning the project and urging citizens to file letters with the Maryland Public Service Commission.

Commissioner Vigliotti said the board \"have formally resolved opposition to the MPRP\" and described steps the county has taken, including letters to the Public Service Commission (PSC), preparing to intervene at the PSC, invoking federal coordination with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), and exploring legal and local options to delay or halt the project. \"We stand with our citizens and we stand with home,\" he said.

The commissioners said the project — which they describe as large overhead transmission lines routed through Carroll County — would cross farmland, forests, wetlands and private properties with no local benefit. Commissioners and members of the public told the audience the county has built alliances with neighboring jurisdictions and is coordinating with state and federal elected officials to oppose the proposal.

Asked what citizens can do, a resident in the audience was told by commissioners to file a letter of opposition with the PSC and to contact state delegates and senators. \"First of all... file a letter of opposition with the Public Service Commission,\" Commissioner Kyler told the audience, noting the PSC has a dedicated address for submissions and the county website links to that information.

Commissioners also urged property owners to assert their rights at the parcel level. \"I encourage everybody to do that,\" Commissioner Caron said, referring to posting no-trespassing signs and directly telling the company it is not welcome on private land. Commissioners warned that a PSC decision could change the legal landscape but said they want citizens to act now to demonstrate local opposition.

The panel described additional legal complexities they are probing, including how agricultural preservation easements would be treated on affected parcels and whether eminent domain authority is properly asserted in filing documents. Commissioners said the filing submitted by the company includes thousands of pages and that staff are still reviewing detailed materials.

County officials noted they had unanimously passed two resolutions opposing the project and opposing the use of eminent domain for it. They urged residents to keep communicating with elected officials and to submit formal opposition to the PSC as the regulatory process unfolds.

The commissioners said they will continue to coordinate with other Maryland counties and statewide associations to pursue legislative and legal remedies while municipal and individual property-level actions continue.

Ending

County leaders framed the campaign against the MPRP as ongoing: they outlined administrative, legislative and legal steps already taken, encouraged residents to submit PSC comments and to contact state and federal lawmakers, and said the county will continue to investigate legal and regulatory grounds to block the proposal.","County commissioners said they have formally opposed the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project and urged residents to submit comments to the Maryland Public Service Commission as the review proceeds.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents urge action on assisted-living shortage; commissioners point to zoning and market constraints

Carroll County highlights new family shelter, housing services and veterans' home designation

Carroll County leaders outline budget gap and rising EMS costs, call for public input on priorities

Carroll County officials warn state 'Blueprint' education mandates could strain local budget

Carroll County officials renew opposition to Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project as PSC review begins