Commission Discusses Harris Road Rail Crossing

HUNTINGDON (September 8) — On Monday, the Carroll County Mayor Joseph Butler and Chief Deputy Joel Pate of the Sheriff’s Office addressed the Carroll County Commission regarding three deaths at the Harris Road railroad crossing in McKenzie.

Mayor Butler stated that, while emotions are high, the county is addressing the issue. While the county does not have the answers to the problem, he wanted the Commission and the citizens of Carroll County to know that something will be done.

Butler turned the floor over to Chief Pate, who affirmed that CSX, TDOT and all parties involved have had positive conversations. In short, the process to put up safety signals or apparatuses could take up to two years due to TDOT requiring an engineering study and a diagnostic review. The cost for the signals and apparatuses would run between $350,000 to $500,000, which could possibly be paid for through a grant.

On Wednesday, September 10, the following message was sent by Mayor Butler: “We have made the decision to temporarily keep the Harris Rd. and CSX crossing closed. It was closed as CSX continued investigation and repairs, and is now closed under the direction of County leadership.

“We will do so as we continue discussion with CSX and TDOT, and other stakeholders, and as we seek more answers and work towards a solution. We hope this closure is short, but will depend on the timeline of any solution that will limit the danger of this crossing. This does present some concern as it relates to emergency response in that area, so this is temporary and not a long-term fix.

“We have had productive meetings and discussions with both CSX and TDOT, and hope to provide additional information on a solution soon.”

In other business from the September 8 meeting, Huntingdon resident Lori Dillahunty was selected to fill the vacancy in District 7 previously held by Manuel Crossno. Three others vied for the seat: Johnny Hill, Jimmy Sue Staten and Lynn Grice.

Mayor Butler was elected Chairman of the Carroll County Legislative Body with Commissioner Darrell Ridgely serving as the Chairman Pro Tempore. The Commission also approved the committees of the Carroll County Legislative Body.

​Resolution 9-01-2025 was approved, appointing Willie Huffman to the Carroll County Indigent Care Board.

Resolution 9-02-2025 was approved, authorizing Mayor Butler to sign a contract with Raekar for dumpster service at Sgt. Lee Russell Carroll County Airport. This is a two-year contract for weekly service at a rate of $70 per month.

Resolution 9-03-2025 was approved to amend the General Fund Budget for the Carroll County Library. This was a $10,960 line item transfer from Office Equipment to account for a technology grant.

Resolution 9-04-2025 was approved to amend the General Fund Budget for the Sheriff’s Office. This is to account for the transfer of funds ($40,796) from the General Fund to the Grant Fund for carryover grant funds received in FY25 for the Sheriff’s GHSO Grant and for the purchase of a new water heater and boiler system ($80,000) for the Carroll County Jail.

​Resolution 9-05-2025 was approved to amend the General Fund Budget for Prevention Coalition to account for the transfer of funds ($8,443) from the General Fund to the Grant Fund for carryover grant funds received in FY25 Prevention Coalition grants.

Resolution 9-06-2025 was approved to amend the Grant Fund Budget for the Sheriff’s Office. This is to account for the transfer and allocation of funds from the General Fund to the Grant Fund for carryover grant funds received in FY25 for the Sheriff’s GHSO Grant ($23,288); the transfer and allocation of funds from the General Fund to the Grant Fund for carryover grant funds received in FY25 for the Sheriff’s Mental Health Grant ($58,304); and allocation of funds for the Sheriff’s Recruitment Grant ($44,000).

Resolution 9-07-2025 was approved to amend the Grant Fund Budget for Prevention Coalition to account for the transfer and allocation of funds from the General Fund to the Grant Fund for carryover grant funds received in FY25 for the Prevention Coalition’s Strategic Grant ($16,886); allocation of funds for the Prevention Coalition’s SOR 4 Grant ($107); and allocation of funds for the Prevention Coalition’s Block Grant ($1,303).

​The following were elected notaries: Mary Berry, Jennifer Leigh Bolen, Alison Branch, Gabrielle Davis, Cayce Dempsey Maddox, Andrew William Morrow, Christina Mulliford, Amy E. Noles, Mary Roland Jenks, and Michael E. Stafford.

The next regular meeting of the Carroll County Commission is October 13 at 7 p.m. at the Carroll County Government Complex in Huntingdon.