Carroll County approves contracts for mowing, signs, generator and fire-equipment testing

Carroll County commissioners on May 1 approved multiple procurement actions covering roadside tree maintenance, traffic signs for an emergency detour, purchase and installation of a replacement generator at a communications tower, and annual fire equipment testing.

Procurement staff said Quality Outdoor Maintenance won a competitively solicited contract to mow and maintain about 53 acres of tree plantings under the county's NPDES (stormwater) program. The contract term is one year with an optional second-year renewal; the two‑year maximum not‑to‑exceed value is $71,200 and the first‑year cost is $35,600, which is covered in the FY25 budget.

For the Upper Beckleysville Road emergency structure closure, the Bureau of Engineering said temporary detour work required semi‑permanent traffic signs. The board approved purchase of traffic signs and barricades from Sunrise Safety Services Inc. for $29,369; staff said the contractor expected sign installation to be complete the same day.

Facilities staff presented a turnkey purchase and installation of a 37‑kilowatt Kohler diesel generator with transfer switch for the Harvey Gummel communications tower in Hampstead. The board approved an award to Fidelity Power Systems for $89,965.61; the work is part of the county's generator replacement plan and is funded in FY25.

The board also approved a contract for annual mandatory testing of fire hoses, pumps and ladders for the county's 14 volunteer fire companies. The county awarded the work to IIA Fire Department Testing under a cooperative contract for $85,423. Staff said the testing meets National Fire Protection Association standards and centralizes records for audit and insurance purposes.

Each procurement motion passed by voice vote.

Ending: Contracts were awarded with funds already budgeted in FY25; county staff will schedule installations and testing and inform departments and volunteer companies of timelines.