Heritage, historical and library groups thank Carroll County for support and ask continued investment

Representatives of local heritage and cultural organizations and the public library used the Carroll County FY26 budget hearing to thank the Board of County Commissioners for ongoing support and to describe how county funding leverages state grants and local volunteer efforts.

Liz Chateau, executive director of the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area, said the certified state program requires a local certified heritage area to access certain state grant funds. "No local nonprofit or government can tap into state heritage area grants except by way of the certified heritage area," Chateau said, and she told commissioners that local investment leverages state funds: "For every $1 Maryland invests in this program, our communities get $7 back," she said. Chateau said the heritage area has helped secure nearly $800,000 in grants for Carroll County projects and described a planned three-county "geo tour" launching in September in Westminster.

Sam Riley, president of the Union Mills Homestead Foundation, thanked the county for a $20,000 grant and for recent capital investments on county-owned property including paving and a mill-wheel replacement. Riley said the nonprofit operates county-owned facilities and relies heavily on volunteers and fundraising to limit taxpayer burdens.

Andrea Bersler, executive director of the Carroll County Public Library, thanked commissioners for sustained funding that allows multi-year planning and noted the system serves more than 96,000 cardholders and provides services to roughly half the county population in the last 18 months.

Ending: Speakers said county investments in heritage, historical sites and library services create economic returns and preserve community assets; commissioners will consider funding levels during upcoming budget sessions and the scheduled adoption.