Commissioners reorganize duties to save money Carroll...

Commissioners reorganize duties to save money

Carroll commissioners expect to save about $100,000 in salaries with the elimination or consolidation of several job positions and a minor reorganization of staff announced Friday.

The changes will take effect Aug. 1.

After the recent retirement of Wayne Lewns, bureau chief of utilities, officials decided not to fill the position. Instead, they moved that bureau to the Department of Public Works and gave responsibility for it to Deputy Director Frank Schaeffer.

The bureau of fleet management/warehouse operations moves from public works to the Department of Enterprise and Recreation Services under Director Gary Horst.

Jennifer Ruppert has a new title, communications/media coordinator, with added responsibilities for developing media services and a government cable television channel. She also will serve as public information officer in time of emergencies.

"We have consolidated current positions in the commissioners' office and the communications office," Ruppert said.

Water conservation grants for low-income families

Low-income homeowners in Carroll County may be eligible for grants up to $500 to pay for plumbing repairs that conserve water.

The one-time grants must be used to repair water supply line leaks, water tanks, faucets, toilets and similar fixtures, and may be used to install certain water conservation devices.

Those eligible must own and live in the dwelling in which repairs are made and must meet income requirements.

Grants are being distributed under the Water Conservation Program created by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. Funds will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

A statewide total of $250,000 is available. Applications will be accepted through Nov. 30 or until funding is exhausted.

Westminster City residents can obtain applications at the Westminster Office of Housing and Community Development, 56 W. Main St., 410-876-6322.

Other county residents can visit or call the Carroll County Bureau of Housing and Community Development, 10 Distillery Drive, Westminster, 410-848-9707.

Hot line allows residents to report drug activity

The Maryland State Police, the Intelligence Division and the Westminster City Police have established a Drug Tips Hotline for the public to make anonymous calls about drug activity in the community.

Calls received on 800-492-8477 or 800-857-8477 will be linked through the Intelligence Division to a statewide information system about drug distribution and use.

The public is encouraged to call and provide information about drug activity in the community. All callers are guaranteed complete confidentiality.

Information: Gregory Eckles, public schools, 410-751-3044; Dean Brewer, Westminster police, 410-848-4646; Bob Windsor, state's attorney's office, 410-386-2671; or Andy Mays, state police, 410-876- 2101.

World Heritage seeks volunteers for program

World Heritage, a nonprofit student exchange program, is seeking local area representatives to volunteer to provide students from countries including Germany, France, Mexico and nations of the former Soviet Union with support.

Local representatives plan an annual student orientation, meet with the local high schools, provide support counseling for participants, screen potential host families, and meet with the exchange students on a monthly basis.

Representatives also attend an annual training workshop and report to the regional coordinator. The ideal candidate should enjoy working to foster international friendships, be community-minded and enjoy working with teen-agers and adults.

Local representatives spend two to four hours a month with the exchange students. Time and expenses are reimbursed by the organization.

Information: Pam Neubauer, 800-785-9040.

Road construction projects for Carroll Co. this week

The Carroll County Department of Public Works has announced road construction projects for this week.

Information: Bureau of Engineering, 410-386-2171.

Watersville Road-Gillis Falls Road to Howard County line, pipe work.

Watersville Road West-Maryland 27 to Watersville Road, shoulder work.

Flag Marsh Road-Watersville Road to Newport Road, pipe work.

Newport Road Bridge, bridge replacement.

Shiloh Avenue in Hampstead, repaving.

Bennett Cerf Drive-Maryland 27 to road end, repaving.

Houcksville Road Bridge-Maryland 30 to Carroll Street, bridge replacement.

Suffolk Road-Maryland 140 to AT&T entrance, repaving.

Kabik Court-Hoods Mill Road to landfill entrance, repaving.

Information: Bureau of Roads, 410-386-6717.

Lawndale Road-Brown Road to Maryland 91, repaving and shoulder work.

Brown Road-Maryland 194 to Bert Kootz Road, shoulder work.

Chiseled Stone Road-Maryland 97 to cul-de-sac, patching.

Laverne Court-Susanann Drive to cul-de-sac, patching.

Trevanion Road-Antrim Boulevard to Maryland 84, patching.

Brown Road-Lawndale Road to new construction, repaving.

Woodbine Road-between Gillis Road and Hoods Mill Road- pipe replacement.

Cabbage Spring Road-Maryland 27 to Gillis Falls Road, patching.

Oklahoma Road-Maryland 26 to Mineral Hill Road, patching.