The holiday season – a perfect time to fulfill Maryland Department of the Environment’s request for an estimated number of Equivalent Dwelling Units (EDUs) “for planning purposes.” With approximately “865 acres, more or less,” reclassified as immediate priority for development, that number would understandably be helpful in planning wastewater treatment.

Our county council is busy these days; but despite ongoing concerns since 2020 – or actually since 2003, when over 900 acres were annexed – planning issues are rarely mentioned. The few occasions we might recall could include an inquiry regarding a traffic study – once Resolution 281 had been adopted and concerning a development a fraction of the size of Lakeside.

That was several years ago. More recently a relatively modest five-figure dollar amount was identified during FY2024 budget deliberations as a contractor’s fee for studying the cost of growth. That was hopeful, yet our county seems to remain in a reactive mode. And we might all agree that this has become time-consuming.

Resolution 338 was introduced in February to include terms of the wastewater treatment permit finally issued to Lakeside in the county’s water and sewer plan (CWSP), but hasn’t yet had a hearing.

Talbot County’s 2016 Comprehensive Plan is in the ongoing process of being updated; but the council would be reminded by Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) in April, May and July of an August 31 deadline for submitting those EDUs.

Hoping to save time by submitting updated Town of Trappe maps with other (draft) 2023 Report of Review documents by the August 31 deadline, updated town maps (now one map including Lakeside, as annexed) were introduced at the August 8 council meeting.

Lacking sufficient time to approve the maps by August 31, Resolutions 347 and 348 would be considered by the planning commission at their October meeting. (Maybe next year. There’s still time.)

Resolution 347 would provide the estimated number of equivalent dwelling units (EDUs) requested in 2020; and MDE’s authority would be acknowledged.

Resolution 348 updates Town of Trappe and Lakeside maps – now one map, as annexed.

Resolution 338 includes terms of MDE’s wastewater treatment permit for Lakeside in the county’s CWSP, and would also be granted a hearing

With consensus required of town and county comprehensive plans, Resolution 347 would move Lakeside closer to inclusion in our 2026 Comprehensive Plan – despite still no mention of planning for the demands of such a large development upon infrastructure, or of safety concerns or the timing and financing required to address such issues? Good to go until 2036?

As we were reminded with the adoption of Resolution 281, the planning commission’s approval is required in order to receive a council vote. At the recent planning commission work session we were also reminded of the commission’s opinion that Resolution 338, possibly with modification of the periodic review of wastewater treatment, seems worthy of consideration.

Maintaining the rural character of our county and protecting the health, safety, and well-being of our citizens in a resilient community might be interpreted in many ways, but the planning commission also determined that Resolutions 347 and 348 would require further consideration in order to be found in compliance with the basic requirements of our comprehensive plan.

The planning commission’s next meeting is December 6. Comments and concerns are welcomed.

Carol Voyles is a member of the Democratic Forum and resident of Talbot County.

Maryland Association of Counties Director Michael Sanderson left little doubt in his Spy interview regarding the level of concern for funding Blueprint – and fiscal year 2024 begins July 1.

Too many students had been underperforming on standardized state testing in Maryland. In 2016 William “Brit” Kirwan, former Chancellor of the University System of Maryland, was appointed chair of the commission charged with “assessing Maryland’s Pre-K – 12 education system and making policy and resource recommendations to ensure that Maryland children achieve at the level of students in the world’s best performing school systems.”

Thousands marched in Annapolis in support of proposals offered by the Commission on Excellence and Innovation in Education in 2019. And in 2020 the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future was passed by the General Assembly, vetoed by the governor, and then passed without his signature in 2021. Governor Hogan believed these efforts to be “good and worthwhile,” but the Blueprint wouldn’t be funded without a plan to pay for it.

COVID had taken a toll; but federal funds would become a primary, if temporary, source of revenue, and by fiscal year 2022 the state’s structural deficit had become “a long-term structural surplus” with rainy day funds at a level never seen before. Governor Hogan’s funding for K-12 education of $8.15 billion and $1 billion for school construction for fiscal year 2023 was welcomed.

Upon taking office on January 17, 2023, Governor Wes Moore discovered an unexpected level of “rainy day funds.” With federal funds remaining the state’s largest share of general fund revenues and Blueprint approved for funding in fiscal year 2023, our fiscal year 2024 budget includes $8.8 billion for PreK-12 education, $1.1 billion for school construction, and an additional $600 million for Blueprint funding.

There were suggestions of cost increases averaging 2.9 percent, but counties had understandably been frustrated by not knowing what to expect. They had a better idea of funding with detailed tables provided, but county budgets would be determined only once counties and schools worked together to determine missions most suitable for their districts.

As Thomas Porter, Kent County Public Schools Assistant Coordinator for Accountability and Implementation advised, “There are mandates, but we do have flexibility. Plans must be tailored to meet the needs within each jurisdiction.” Each jurisdiction also has a template for submitting their Blueprint implementation plan.” The next plan will be submitted on March 14, 2024, and will focus upon fiscal years 2025 through 2027.

As Talbot, Kent, and Caroline had been identified as counties that could receive less state funding, Talbot County’s positive experience seemed worth sharing, Pupil numbers and local tax rates remain factors in the funding equation; but with Blueprint’s goal of promoting equality in education, county wealth has also become a factor.

 A brief (and appreciated) reference to “trial by fire” followed the approval of Talbot County’s fiscal year 2024 budget, and expressions of relief and gratitude have since prevailed. Education expenses are up 8% ($46,9 to $50.9 million), but general fund expenditures for fiscal year 2024 are up 14.3% overall. On the revenue side, there’s also three times more state funding for education. That $3.9 million not only covers most of the increase in education spending, education has become a slightly smaller share of the county’s general fund.

We might wonder if this effort is worthwhile. Teachers may be leaving the profession, but salaries would seem to be competitive in Maryland. They’re lower in Delaware, West Virginia, and Virginia, but higher in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Maryland has also been identified as one of our nation’s wealthiest states – first place for highest household income according to the 2020 Census, and 10th for per capita income in 2022, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Also ranked 14th for spending on education, there could be room for improvement.

Expanding early childhood education remains a priority, and providing all children the opportunity to reach their full promise and potential, ensuring college and career readiness, providing resources for children in need, and retaining quality teachers and staff are all “pillars” of the Blueprint for America’s Future.

As Governor Moore reminded us, “The principles of the Blueprint are smart, and they are right. We have to make sure that we are providing a world class education for all of our students.”  He also recognizes that “education is central to providing an economy that works,” and “the way it is funded has to be sustainable.”

Federal funds are 31% of Maryland’s current general fund revenues, down slightly since fiscal year 2021. Income taxes are generally the state’s primary source of revenue. They will be again, and Governor Wes Moore appreciates Maryland’s AAA bond rating. Debt service is just 1.7% of Maryland’s general fund, and with revenue estimates updated, the reserve amount became larger in the amended fiscal year 2024 budget.

Federal debt was not only justified to sustain our population during a pandemic, it has allowed us to move forward and reminded us that we are in this together. We’re not only likely to hear fewer complaints for funding education without county input; more of us earning a living wage will reduce government spending, and consumer demand is the primary driver of our economy, That’s something to celebrate this week.

Carol Voyles is a graphic designer/illustrator who retired to the Eastern Shore and became interested in politics. She serves as communications chair for the Talbot County Democratic Forum and lives in Easton.

We were reminded at the May 2 meeting (and again at the public hearings that day) that Bill 1529 to adopt the County’s Proposed FY 2024 Budget will be voted upon on May 23.

With moments to spare after the meeting and before the first hearing, County Manager Clay Stamp took this opportunity to thank Finance Director Martha Sparks, Assistant Director Kaitlin Foster-Clark, Assistant County Manager Jessica Morris, and the Council and staff and everyone who had contributed to completing this task.

The proposed FY 2024 budget of $128,849,000, up $16,241,621 from the FY 2023 approved budget of $112,607,379, maintains the county’s strong focus upon public safety and education and prioritizes capital improvements for required infrastructure and mandated services.

Funded to Blueprint requirements and above Maintenance of Effort, Education remains the County’s largest expense. Projected to be 43.7% of FY 2024 general fund expenditures and having been budgeted at 48.9% for FY 2023, capital improvements including sewer modifications and extensions, road repairs and issues of employee recruitment and retention had also become matters of consequence.

Talbot’s real property tax rate is both the lowest of Maryland’s counties and the County’s largest source of revenue. This rate is up 2% in the proposed FY 2024 budget, accompanied by the one cent increase approved by voters in 2020.

There is also a 4.8% supplement for Education, and the County’s 0.6820 real property tax rate will be raised to 0.7434 per $100. A property assessed at $300,000 would see an increase of $184.

Income taxes are the County’s second largest source of revenue, and an income tax rate of 2.40%, the second lowest among Maryland’s counties, remains unchanged.

Budgeting in a conservative manner by overestimating expenses and underestimating revenues to maintain a healthy fund balance provides the County’s third largest source of funds. Then there are also service charges, license fees, and grants and transfers from other funds.

It cannot be easy to both cope with a 2% cap on the county’s largest source of revenue and pay down debt, but this is being accomplished. Both Moody’s and Fitch have praised these efforts, and the modest crowd attending these hearings offered well-deserved thanks.

Sheriff Joe Gamble, Neighborhood Service Center Chair Frank Divilio, Mr. Coppersmith of Chesapeake College, Dana Newman of the Easton Free Library, Vice President Robert Fortoney of Talbot County Libraries, and Superintendent of Talbot County Public Schools, Sharon Pepukayi all expressed their gratitude.

Council President Callahan expressed his appreciation for this opportunity to get to know Superintendent Pepukayi and the budget staff over the past few months. He then smiled and thanked them “for not attacking us yet.”

A spirit of levity now prevailed, and Council Vice President Lesher, recognizing the effort put into this mission over the past several months, offered his thanks to a county staff with “sharp pencils.”

Reminded once again that Bill 1529 to adopt the Proposed FY 2024 Budget could be approved at the May 23 meeting, County Manager Stamp mentioned that he “wouldn’t live anywhere but Talbot County.”

Carol Voyles is a graphic designer/illustrator who retired to the Eastern Shore and became interested in politics. She serves as communications chair for the Talbot County Democratic Forum and lives in Easton.

Having been through several weeks of budget planning, the council was familiar with this issue and pleased to raise the monthly 911 call rate from $.75 to $1.50. As discussed during budget presentations, this fee hadn’t been raised in 19 years. Public safety is a priority; and this increase may not cover all expenses, but it moves us in a positive direction.

Then following an update from Easton Airport at the April 25 council meeting, the Airfield Modernization Program was presented. With safety as a priority, runways will become longer. The outdated business center will also be demolished and replaced, and electricity usage will be reduced by 30%. Drain pipes will also be replaced. Impervious surfaces will be reduced; and with the county’s approval, all of this will happen over six years for $52 million, or possibly more now.

Talbot’s FY 2023 budget was $112.6 million. The FY 2024 proposed is $128.8 million. That’s up approximately 14%. Revenues are also up 14.7%. There’s a surplus; but more importantly, the council was also informed that the FAA will cover 90% of these costs, whatever they may be. Grants could cover more, and the airport will cover any remaining expenses.

Reassured that Easton Airport has planned adequately, and that it is self-sustaining and able to meet its obligations, requests were approved for permission to apply for FAA grant funding; and contingent upon that funding, hire a consultant and a contractor for this major safety and technology upgrade.

A $52 million price tag would understandably cause concern. Funded above Maintenance of Effort in FY 2023 for $50.2 million, Education is our county’s largest and most debated expenditure. Now with a mandated increase of $4.1 million for FY 2024 and little choice regarding funding levels (whichever is higher, MOE or Blueprint), $54.3 million is proposed for FY 2024.

There is an Education Supplement of $3.9 million, but those funds can be used only for education. That was mentioned several times during budget deliberations.

There’s $900,000 for renovations at Chapel Elementary, and $286,000 for social workers has been mentioned. $86,129 for additional school nurses is budgeted as a Health expenditure, but thank goodness the state covers most of those expenses. Healthcare is our county’s largest employer.

Property taxes are our county’s largest source of revenue. Those rates are the lowest in the state; and with a revenue cap of 2% and few exceptions, overestimating expenses and underestimating revenues is providing a healthy balance and rainy day funds.

Unexpended funds are our county’s third highest source of revenue for FY 2024 in Budget and Appropriation Ordinance 1529 currently under consideration – just after property and income taxes.

But with a balance of over $60 million mentioned recently and just under $20 million included as FY2024 revenue, ample funding should remain. We seem to be headed in a positive direction.

Maintaining public safety and an infrastructure that supports a healthy and dynamic economy, County Engineer Ray Clarke is planning roadway improvements near the airport and at several other intersections down Rt. 50. Also addressing wastewater treatment issues throughout the county, this evening he was granted permission to apply for a wastewater treatment grant, and a housing bond allocation was addressed.

Upon closing the meeting, Council President Callahan reiterated that great things are going on at the airport, and the council will keep the public informed in a more festive manner in the future. Budget deliberations will be over soon.

The coming week will be busy. The next council meeting will be at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, May 2, and the FY 2024 budget hearing will be held at 2 pm at the Bradley Meeting Room and at 7 pm at the Easton Elementary cafeteria.

Residents of Easton will also be voting for mayor and Wards 1 and 3 town council members at the Easton Volunteer Firehouse on May 2 from 7 am to 8 pm.

Carol Voyles is a graphic designer/illustrator who retired to the Eastern Shore and became interested in politics. She serves as communications chair for the Talbot County Democratic Forum and lives in Easton.