Former County Commissioner John Mann Dies

MIXIE — John Mann, 88, who served as Carroll County commissioner for 55 years, died on Saturday, October 25.

Mann was first elected in August 1967. In 1970, he ran and was elected to the County School Board. He served there until he was re-elected to the county commission for District 4. He then served continuously until August 2022. His first county meeting was on Aug. 31, 1967.

He served in many capacities for the county, including the Budget Committee, Indigent Care Board, E911 Board, Highway Committee, Rules Committee, and Solid Waste Board. He was instrumental in helping develop a countywide rural fire department during the County Executive Wesley Beal administration.

The county faced a solid waste problem that led to unsightly roadside garbage dumps. Wesley Beal sought Mann’s expertise in developing the Rural Waste/Recycling Program. As a result, the County implemented weekly curbside garbage pickup countywide. Several county citizens filed a lawsuit to stop the mandated service; however, the courts ruled in favor of the county. The service has been in place for approximately 30 years. The County also operates a recycling center that accepts recyclable materials, old tires, motor oil, aluminum cans, and helps individuals and businesses shred unwanted paper documents.

Mr. Mann also served on the Carroll County Democratic Committee and served as its chairman. Regardless of his party affiliation, he always supported the county’s leadership regardless of their political party.