Business View Civil and Municipal | Volume 2, Issue 6

123 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 2, ISSUE 6 The area is home to the Daniel McCook House and the Petersburg Mill, each listed on the National Register of Historic Places. “Carroll County is where you can walk down the sidewalk and not only smile and wave at everybody, but greet them with their name,” states County Commissioner, Chris Modranski. “With a population of just over 28,000, we know each other here; it’s almost like The Andy Griffith Show. More than the quaintness of everybody knowing who you are is the fact that everybody is willing to help each other out. We’ve had many successful stories of raising funds for individuals who’ve had medical needs, all the way up to businesses helping other businesses succeed. I think that makes Carroll County one of the best places to live and own a business.” It’s no surprise that the housing market is booming. As soon as properties are listed for sale, they are quickly sold. Thinking of both current and future residents, the County is increasing broadband availability. Modranski acknowledges, “We’re relying on some new initiatives from both the Federal and Governor’s offices for some funding. We’ve been made aware of the initiative from Governor Mike DeWine’s office, the Residential Broadband Grant Program, that will invest $250 million dollars to expand broadband access across the state. There is also approximately $4.1 million in funding from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as part of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund program.” Ohio will also receive funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, known as the COVID-19 Stimulus Package. The money can be used towards high speed Internet installation, since the pandemic emphasized the crucial need for broadband expansion across rural areas like Carroll County. The County’s rural setting lends itself to an economy driven by agriculture and manufacturing. Ed Looman, Engagement & CARROLL COUNTY , OHIO County Commissioner, Chris Modranski