The Talbot County Council took public comment yesterday twice – once in Council chambers in the afternoon, and again in the Easton High School in the evening – on the 2013 proposed budget. The afternoon session was crowded, with residents filling the seating and spilling out into the hallway.
Chesapeake College was present in large numbers, led by Preisdent Barbara Viniar. She and a contingent of 7 students, trustees and supporters testified about the necessity of funding for the College’s Center for Allied Health and Athletics, although the funding for this project is not on the 2013 County Council budget. 
Patti Quimby, Executive Director of Talbot Humane spoke at the hearing, and asked her supporters to stand. Well over a dozen supporters stood and several spoke in favor of Talbot Humane’s request for increased funding, after experiencing budget cuts in the amount of $60,000 over the past four years. Talbot Humane reports an increase of 20% in animals needing shelter. Without a minimum level of funding, Talbot Humane reports that they cannot continue to fulfill the animal control functions of County government.
Four representatives of the Firefighter’s Association spoke against the proposed cuts to the incentive program for firefighters and to their regular allotment of funds. Kathleen Jones of Easton offered strong testimony on behalf of the Volunteer Firefighters, asking “how cheap can we get?” in reference to volunteer firefighters “forced to beg for money” to provide to Talbot residents what would otherwise be a government function.
Richard Calkins of the Democratic Forum of Talbot County supported taking $2 million from the rainy day fund and keeping taxes at current levels. He stated that although this would lower the rainy day fund, it would remain still well more than double the state average, and would be unlikely to affect Talbot’s bond rating. He reminded the Council that the state law authorizes the breaking of tax caps, it doesn’t force counties to make that choice. In reference to Councilwoman Price’s earlier comments when she suggested that citizens sue the county council to test the constitutionality of the law, Calkin’s group predicts any lawsuits as “unwinnable and potentially lengthy and expensive”. His group identifies Councilman Duncan’s proposal as the path of least resistance.
Ted Doyle of the Talbot County Taxpayers Association expressed disappointment that the County Council would break faith with taxpayers who overwhelmingly support tax caps every time the option is presented on a ballot. Doyle believes that the Council is rushing ahead to solve the problem before it’s necessary. He described the scientific survey that his organization has undertaken, phoning up to 100 residents each day and asking targeted questions. The voters surveyed oppose breaking the tax cap by 10 to 1. Like the Democratic Forum, Doyle’s group prefers Councilman Duncan’s more progressive plan, although the group has a problem with any increased taxation and wants the Council to rely on reserves and the rainy day fund to get through this year, as other approaches to address the issue can be determined.
The County Council will take public comment on the proposed 2013 budget through Friday, May 4th. The phone number for the Talbot County Council is 410-770-8001. More information can be found on the Council website at www.talbotgov.org.
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Rosie Schwier says
Hi,
My name is Rosie Schwier and I am the Public Relations head for the St. Michaels Volunteer Fire Department. I can see first hand how hard we have to work now to raise money, through Bingo, Chicken BarBQs, flea markets, carnivals, etc.. The firemen, retired firemen, and admin persons show up to support fund-raiser events on week-ends when they could be home with their families.
They take care of their vehicles and equipment and try to do repairs themselves to save money.
When the alarm goes off they respond without question. Morning, noon, night, rain, floods, fires, crashes, whatever. They are prepared.
I cannot think of us not being prepared to fully respond because of budget cuts.
I believe that there has to be another way for Talbot County to balance their budget without cutting from the Fire Departments.
From the Fire Departments that risk their lives so that others can be safe. And to do this voluntarily.
With Respect, Rosie Schwier