County Administrator Weighs in on Unemployment Rate

Carroll County's unemployment rate dropped from 6.5 percent in January to 5.8 percent in April.

Jonathan Weetman, administrator of Operations and Small Business Development for Carroll County's Department of Economic Development said that although the number is decreasing, he is not comfortable with it as long as there are people looking for work who can't find it.

Weetman said that the national employment rate isn't always representative of what is happening at the local level. There often is not a direct correlation between the national, state, and local numbers month to month, he said.

The national unemployment rate is 8.2 percent. The state unemployment rate is 6.5 percent and Carroll County is at 5.8 percent.

"I wouldn’t say I am comfortable with the number as long as the number is representative of people who are looking for work not being able to find it," Weetman said. 

Weetman said the county is working to make jobs available to citizens who are seeking them.

He referenced the recent restructuring of the County Department of Economic Development. According to Weetman, "the restructure to better focus on the acquisition and retention of larger businesses while also providing the needed support and assistance to small and emerging businesses is proving to be a great way to make sure we’re not missing any opportunities."

Weetman said one new initiative is a workshop being offered through the Business and Employment Resource Center. It’s for unemployed persons that are considering starting their own business and includes business aptitude assessments that lead to a resource plan. For more info on this program, visit www.carrollworks.com.

Other April unemployment rates around the state:

• Howard County 4.8 percent
• Anne Arundel County 5.9 percent
• Frederick County 5.6 percent
• Harford County 6.7 percent
• Baltimore City 9.9 percent
• Somerset County 10.6 percent
• Worcester County 12 percent