The Carroll City Council is seeking alternative avenues for proposed changes to the longstanding 28E agreement with Carroll County that cedes zoning, permitting, and inspection control to the city. Earlier this fall, county officials approached the council proposing changes to the two-mile zoning area in response to requests from some residents in the impacted area. The Carroll County Board of Supervisors has proposed two options: cutting the zone from two miles to one or withdrawing from the agreement entirely. The city council continued their internal discussions during Monday’s meeting. Ward 4 Councilwoman Carolyn Siemann says the agreement’s nearly 40-year history has proven to be a favorable arrangement for the city and the county overall.
Siemann worries about the potential for hog barns or feedlots right outside of town and rejects the idea of cutting the zone in half.
Ward 2 Councilman Jason Atherton says he understands Carroll’s interest in maintaining the two-mile zoning agreement, but he urges the council to be conscious of the fact the county could withdraw from the agreement if the city isn’t willing to negotiate.
City Manager Aaron Kooiker says another complaint from residents in the zone is over the cost of building permits and inspection fees compared to what they would pay in county-governed areas.
In that example, a structure in the two-mile area would pay seven times more in fees than one outside the zone. Region XII Local Assistance Director Chris Whitaker says if the agreement were changed, there would be very little difference in terms of zoning.
Mayor Jerry Fleshner appointed an ad hoc committee, consisting of Kooiker and Councilmen Kyle Bauer and Tom Bordenaro, to meet with the county further to continue negotiations. Video from this section of Monday’s meeting is included with this story on our website.
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