MENU

Sections

  • Home
  • About
    • Contact Us
    • Editors and Writers
    • Join our Mailing List
    • Letters to Editor Policy
    • Advertising & Underwriting
    • Code of Ethics
    • Privacy
    • Talbot Spy Terms of Use
  • Art and Design
  • Culture and Local Life
  • Public Affairs
    • Ecosystem
    • Education
    • Health
    • Senior Life
  • Community Opinion
  • Sign up for Free Subscription
  • Donate to the Talbot Spy
  • Cambridge Spy

More

  • Support the Spy
  • About Spy Community Media
  • Advertising with the Spy
  • Subscribe
June 20, 2025

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

  • Home
  • About
    • Contact Us
    • Editors and Writers
    • Join our Mailing List
    • Letters to Editor Policy
    • Advertising & Underwriting
    • Code of Ethics
    • Privacy
    • Talbot Spy Terms of Use
  • Art and Design
  • Culture and Local Life
  • Public Affairs
    • Ecosystem
    • Education
    • Health
    • Senior Life
  • Community Opinion
  • Sign up for Free Subscription
  • Donate to the Talbot Spy
  • Cambridge Spy
Point of View Opinion

Much (More) Time on Lakeside Resolutions? By Carol Voyles

April 9, 2024 by Carol Voyles

We moved from Minnesota to be closer to family in Maryland 20 years ago this November. Having hunted on the Eastern Shore, my husband knew Talbot County would be our destination. In just one day, we found our new home on a curving county road.

Referencing environmental and safety concerns, our real estate agent informed us that “those 60 acres” would remain in reserve. There would not be dense development with just one road out through St. Michaels, and the county would plant trees on the back acre at little or no cost. That happened as we added a screened porch, deck and utility garage. Those trees grew fast.

Comfortable with what we assumed was county policy, Lakeside wasn’t on our minds. But we would eventually wonder why water and sewer were so frequently referenced when discussing development concerns.

Towns have comprehensive plans, but in Maryland, state and county codes require the county to plan and oversee water, sewer, and wastewater treatment (WWT) in all jurisdictions.

Resolution 281, as amended, passed in 2019, and Lakeside was finally on its way.  865 acres, “more or less,” were reclassified as “immediate priority” for building an unspecified number of residences in an unspecified order with the ability to “update the narrative” through 2030.

With requests from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) for an estimated number of equivalent dwelling units (EDUs) for Lakeside unanswered, a permit for 100,000 gallons/day serving approximately 400 residences (rather than 540,000 gallons for 2,501 residences) was issued by MDE in 2022.

A lot has gone on since, but these resolutions, introduced over the past 14 months, are now being considered. Here’s hoping:

Resolution 338, introduced in February 2023, requires consistency with the WWT permit issued in 2022 and an amendment to the county’s Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan (CWSP) reaffirming the terms of MDE’s permit.

Resolution 347, introduced in August 2023 to provide the estimated number of EDUs requested by MDE since the passage of R281 in 2019 and also amended to require an amendment to the CWSP reaffirming consistency with the WWT permit.

“Reinforcing” (my term) law seems a common course for strength. Resolution 141 reinforced state code for the county’s role in water and sewer in 2007.

Resolution 348, introduced in August 2023 to include Lakeside as annexed by the Town of Trappe, and updated and corrected maps.

(This will certainly be reviewed this evening.)

Resolution 353 was introduced in March 2024 to incorporate elements of R338, R347, and R348 into one resolution.

It would be good to have just one or two numbers after 20 years, and a lot of work has clearly gone into these resolutions and amendments.

The details are endless, and we must thank the council for their efforts, but what seems of great importance (to me) at this point is that R338 and R353 also clearly reaffirm the county’s role in planning and oversight of water and sewer throughout the county; and in that process provide an opportunity for order supportive of the periodic review and assessment of growth, infrastructure, and plans for our county’s future.

With responsibilities and benefits shared, we must work together.

The Town of Trappe’s population (1.2K) is the second largest of Talbot County towns. With an average county occupancy rate of 2.3 per household, once occupied, the 400 residences currently permitted in Lakeside could double the town’s population. That’s still a far cry from Easton (11K+), but our county seat is also larger.

Suggestions that the Town of Trappe is being treated unfairly have yet to be documented, but the county’s role for oversight of water and sewer is easily confirmed. At this point, after over 20 years, we must all look forward to resolving these issues,

As a member of the planning commission noted at a recent work session, no county project has ever taken so much time and effort as Lakeside. We might also appreciate being reminded that the average time to obtain a building permit (nationally) is trending toward months, not years.

Let’s hope we will soon have something to celebrate after (over) 20 years.

A public hearing will be held this evening, April 9, 2024.

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.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Opinion

Still No Planning? By Carol Voyles

December 1, 2023 by Carol Voyles

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.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Opinion, Op-Ed

Talbot County Comprehensive Plan Navigates Two Decades of Controversy by Carol Yoyles

September 9, 2023 by Carol Voyles

Last updated in 2016, our Talbot County Comprehensive Plan is in that process now; and we’ve been advised to pay attention.

Described as part of a planning process to determine aspirational goals and provide guidance for development, the stated purpose of our Talbot County Comprehensive Plan is “to promote a high quality of life, to preserve the rural character of our county, and to protect the health, safety and well-being of its citizens in a resilient community.

The primary purpose  of the Town of Trappe Comprehensive Plan remains word-for-word identical to its 2010 purpose “to ensure coordinated and harmonious development in the Town and its environs while preserving the natural and traditional village settings central to its character.”

A vision statement can be part of this process, too. There’s always the possibility of guidance leading to legislation, and state code reinforces that possibility:

Section 9-503 of the Environmental Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland requires Maryland Department of the Environment to issue and enforce permits according to regulatory standards, and

Section 9-505 requires counties to be responsible for the planning, financing and oversight of sewerage “in a manner consistent with all county and local comprehensive plans.”

This may seem aspirational, but we do have both state and county code.

With concerns for development in the Town of Trappe following the annexation of over 800 acres in 2002, in 2007 Talbot County passed Resolution 141 reaffirming the state-mandated role of county oversight for the planning and construction of wastewater and sewer systems.

We also have Resolution 281 to amend the Talbot County Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan (CWSP) to reclassify and remap 865 acres, more or less, annexed by the Town of Trappe to be programmed and amended relative to the Lakeside project from fiscal year 2020 through 2030.

Voted down by planning and zoning and approved (3-2) by the planning commission, the last council passed (4-1)Resolution 281 on August 11, 2020.

Six more years? Without county oversight acknowledged “in writing?”

Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) approval of Resolution 281 was accompanied on November 4, 2020 by Water and Sewer Division Director Lee Curry’s letter requesting equivalent  Dwelling Units (EDUs) for planning purposes.

There would be more of those, but both Resolution 308 and Resolution 313 to amend failed (3-2) on March 3, 2022.

Public sentiment following the hearing at the community center on October 31, 2021 seemed clear; but unable to reach an agreement locally regarding the terms of a permit application, a permit for 100,000 gpd spray wastewater, not 540,000, was issued by MDE on October 27, 2022.

The New Year was ushered in with requests to rescind Resolution 281 and consider planning measures at the council’s January 24, 2023 meeting.  After two decades of controversy, planning seems like a plan.

Back to the “Plans.”

Having been reminded at their last meeting of letters from MDE dated April 27, 2023 and May 9, 2023 requesting EDUs for all phases of Lakeside and updated maps for the Town of Trappe, a July 21, 2023  letter included a reminder of the August 31, 2023 deadline for submission of documents.

Informed on August 8 that EDUs had been provided by the Town of Trappe, and that those numbers would be included in the 2023 (Draft) Report of the Review, a long discussion of procedure for submission of updated Town of Trappe maps followed.

With an August 31 deadline, submitting this in “one step” with the  2023 (Draft) Report of the Review would save time. Documents are sent to MDE, reviewed, then returned to the county for review by the planning commission and public works.

And this does take time.

Advised that two steps could take months, or even “into next year,” and assured that a link would be provided “at the Talbot County government website for public review,” the council voted (4-1) to deliver the updated maps in one step with the 2023 (Draft) Report of Review.

Having concluded by their August 22 meeting that not only would more time be required to review these documents, submitting a map that isn’t approved, but will be approved as part of the 2023 Report of Review, isn’t acceptable; the council rescinded their previous decision and voted (3-2) to submit the updated maps and draft documents in two steps.

The next council meeting is scheduled for 5 pm, September 12, 2023.

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.

 

 

 

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Opinion

Some Good News on Maryland’s Education Blueprint by Carol Voyles

June 30, 2023 by Carol Voyles

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.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Op-Ed, Opinion

Preserving Our Republic: A Bipartisan Effort to Address Debt Ceiling and Ensure Fiscal Responsibility

June 2, 2023 by Carol Voyles

Our Founding Fathers chose a republican form of government. In this form of government the power is held by the people and elected representatives are required to help all people, not just a few. To further guard against tyranny, our Founders established three coequal branches of government.

 “A republic, if you can keep it,” Benjamin Franklin warned.

The debt ceiling has been raised 78 times since 1960, 49 times during Republican administrations and 29 times during Democratic administrations. A record number of 18 increases occurred under President Reagan, and he warned us of the consequences of default:

“This brinkmanship threatens the holders of bonds and those who rely on Social Security and veterans’ benefits would skyrocket. Interest rates would skyrocket, instability would occur in financial markets, and the deficit would soar.”

Following the failed negotiations of a bipartisan commission and days away from default, Obama would agree to a deal to end the 2011 debt ceiling crisis. Recovery from our Great Recession was described as the slowest since WWII, and our our nation’s debt became $8.6 trillion larger in eight years. Or was that $9 trillion?

The debt ceiling was raised three times during Trump’s time in office as our nation’s debt became $7.8 trillion larger in just four years. But Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) explained that Republicans had only a slight majority in the Senate and didn’t really control Congress.

There also seem to be several ways to calculate debt since a national emergency was declared in order to circumvent Congress and build barriers along our border. This effort was met almost immediately with legal challenges, and we are learning how long this process can take.

Pew Research found in 2019 that a majority of us lacked confidence in our government, and the economy has since become our top concern. We were warned three weeks ago by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen of the possibility of an economic downturn, should we not pass a debt ceiling measure.

Upon reaching the $31.4 trillion debt ceiling on January 19, President Biden submitted a budget proposal including $3 trillion in cuts on March 9. Awaiting a response, he reminded us, “”Our national debt is the consequence of actions already taken, and now is our moment to meet and overcome the challenges we face. And we will, as one people. One America. The United States of America.”

The Fiscal Responsibility Bill of 2023 was passed by a strong bipartisan vote of 314-117 on the evening of Wednesday, May 31 in the House and cleared the Senate chamber late Thursday evening by another strong bipartisan 63-36 vote.

Passed in exchange for increasing the debt ceiling for two years, the bill will not limit defense spending, allow taxes to be raised, or allow other spending to rise more than 1%. But in an unusual step during the long evening, Senate Majority Leader Schumer and House Minority Leader Mc Connell released a joint statement noting that this legislation cannot block future emergency supplemental spending.

Let’s hope that narrative might survive, along with our democracy.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Opinion

County Council Watch: Out of the Park? By Carol Voyles

May 6, 2023 by Carol Voyles

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.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Op-Ed, Opinion

County Council Watch: Busy, as Usual by Carol Voyles

April 28, 2023 by Carol Voyles

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.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Op-Ed, Opinion

County Council Watch: Reviewing the Budget by Carol Voyles

April 11, 2023 by Carol Voyles

Those many hours of open presentations and deliberations over the FY 2024 budget couldn’t help but remind us of what it takes to keep a beautiful county with 600 miles of shoreline and the lowest property taxes and second lowest income taxes in Maryland running smoothly.

Talbot County’s offices, agencies and courts employ over 300. Requests for upgraded technology, additional personnel and wage increases were heard regularly; and a “4% COLA with one step” seems likely. We also learned that equipment can be purchased using surplus funds from the previous year.

Having lost employees, at the March 28 council meeting County Manager Clay Stamp shared his office phone number (410 770 8010) for anyone who might be interested in serving on a board or filling a county vacancy. Several counties are experiencing these problems, but Talbot remains competitive with Caroline County.

We were informed of Public Works projects including sewer extensions and improvements to county roads and intersections at US Route 50. The county will apply to the Maryland Transportation Administration for grant funding from the Federal Transportation Act. Grants were mentioned frequently.

With 500 teachers and nearly as many additional employees providing support for 4,524 students at the county’s 8 public schools, Education is 49% of the county’s general fund expenditures and remains the county’s largest expense.

Counties will become responsible for either Maintenance Of Effort (MOE) or the Kirwan Commission’s level of funding, whichever is higher, for FY 2024. Talbot’s number is $50.2 million, the cost estimated in the county’s FY 2023 budget. With additional funding for education available, an opportunity to move our schools above MOE was taken.

With over 180 full-time county employees, Public Safety is our county’s largest employer and second largest expense. A new headquarters is nearing completion; and with safety as our sheriff’s highest priority, additional personnel for our schools has been requested.

With over 1,500 employees, University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is the largest employer in Talbot County. The state pays most of these expenses. Healthcare expenditures are less than 3% of the county’s budget; but additional school nurses were requested.

Parks and Recreation remains a relatively small share of the county’s general fund expenditures, but a new and improved ice rink, basketball courts and a possible new activity at Hog Neck Golf Course are welcomed additions to the community.

The county’s current budget is $112,607,379. $119 million has been mentioned as a target; and $123 million, an amount approximately 10% larger than our current budget, has also been mentioned. An approved budget for FY 2024 will likely fall somewhere in between.

With relatively high inflation and interest rates, we cannot help but appreciate budgeting that provides a cushion when our largest source of revenue is capped at 2% (with a $.01 per $100 value option).

As County Manager Stamp advised during the March 30 deliberation, “All we’re approving tonight is leaving money in the capital plan. All projects require enabling legislation.”

In other words, it’s up to our council; and we may know more by May 1.

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.

With 20 hours of video at talbotcountymd.gov/ there’s much more.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Op-Ed

County Council Watch: Budget Wrapping-Up

March 23, 2023 by Carol Voyles

Having heard the needs and requests of county departments and agencies, negotiated options when practicable and determined revenue gaps for FY 2024, Talbot County Manager Clay Stamp and Budget Director Martha Sparks presented an overview of the county’s FY 2024 budget on March 16. The council is now in the process of budget deliberation.

Talbot County budgets conservatively. Expenses are overestimated, and revenues are underestimated, resulting in revenues that surpass budgeted expenses. A two percent revenue cap passed several years ago had been a point of contention at times; but providing a cushion addressed that issue, and Talbot County been awarded the highest ratings of both Moody’s and Fitch.

Talbot’s property tax rate is the lowest among Maryland’s counties, and its income tax is the second lowest; but a small share of large incomes can be quite a lot. We were reminded that just 1.5 percent of taxpayers are providing approximately 30 percent of the county’s revenue – in a county whose residents may also have a considerable amount of valuable waterfront property.

Expenditures have been slightly less than budgeted. Those numbers are up, but with a “rainy day fund” in reserve, the county is on target to spend less than in FY 2023. The general fund balance, including American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds and other funds, is approximately $100 million now. (FY 2023 was approximately $112 million.)

Tax rates are certified for constant yield by the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. Talbot has a revenue cap, but the state has provided the possibility of raising funds through its education supplement. Those funds must go to the schools, though.

The general fund balance has been up over the past several years. Revenues are also expected to be up for FY 2024. With education funding, “we’re in the ballpark.” And as Council President Callahan noted, “We have a great team.”

Concerns have surfaced regarding the State of Maryland’s FY 2024 budget, as to whether or not it will provide funding for Eastern Shore projects promised during the past administration. Talbot received funding from the state for broadband in 2022.

The council is looking forward to yet another “budget wrap-up” on March 28. A public hearing for the FY 2024 is scheduled for May 4, and this mission is expected to be accomplished by May 28. The State of Maryland could have news by then, too.

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.

County council videos: talbotcountymd.gov

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Archives

County Council Watch: The Dollars and Sense of it All

March 17, 2023 by Carol Voyles

At the February 28 county council meeting we were advised of Maryland Department of the Environment’s role in sponsoring the Midshore Regional Landfill. A cost-effective solution to requirements of the Clean Water Act. Talbot’s landfill would serve four counties until 2010, when it closed and became a transfer station.
The Mid Shore landfill will remain in Caroline County until 2031, when it will likely be moved to a location near Centerville. But in this case counties bear no expense for the services provided by MDE. It could help that agriculture is our county’s largest industry and we must take care of our land.
The council might also have been reminded of the possibility of finding solutions to worthy causes during their closed session with Easton Utilities. Community-owned and working with the county, the utility received $13 million from USDA ReConnect in 2020.  This good fortune was followed by American Rescue Plan contributions from the Town of Easton and Talbot County. A $3.5 million grant from the state cinched the deal, and Talbot could very well become the first county in Maryland to extend broadband to all its underserved areas.
The March 7 council meeting began with the FY 2024 budget presentation of Talbot County Public Schools. At 48.9 percent of the the county’s current budget, education comes first.
Acknowledging that schools are half of the county’s budget, Superintendent Sharon Pepukayi trusted that this presentation might reflect a strong partnership, as we’re “all on the same page when it comes to educating our future leaders.”
Student enrollment of 4,524 students in Talbot’s eight public schools is down 10 this year. (That’s 4,514 every day in eight facilities with how many buses?) Talbot schools have the highest graduation rate and lowest dropout rate in Maryland, but test scores for grades three through eight for English and mathematics are below average. Reasons include  disabilities, language barriers, and families qualifying for free student meals.
Pillars of the Blueprint are early childhood learning, quality teaching with competitive salaries, college and career readiness, resources for student success, and governance and accountability.
Budget priorities include competitive salaries, factors of class size and mental health issues. Other priorities mentioned during this presentation include advocating for students and staff, honoring collective bargaining agreements, and establishing community support.
The bottom line? The education budget is up $7.8 million, $4.2 million due to Blueprint. That is a lot of money. The health department asked for just six figures, but is funded primarily by the state. And as testified, that can get confusing.
The cost for providing facilities, transportation, education, and frequently food on a daily basis at eight locations for the county’s single largest population requiring this level of assistance has hovered at 50 percent of the county’s budget.
And now thanks to state funding, the revenue being requested may actually be a smaller share of the budget than the expenditure allotted for this task in FY 2023. (48.9 percent of $112,607,379 is larger than the amount requested, $52,040,078.)
The March 14 budget hearing included budget presentations from departments and agencies including the states attorney, county circuit court, public works, planning and zoning, volunteer fire department, department of emergency services, our library and more.
Our sheriff requested more school resource officers at his March 8 budget presentation. Requests have seemed reasonable overall, but as one council member concluded, “We’re in the throes of budget season, and I see the amount of work that goes into this.”
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.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Op-Ed, Opinion

Next Page »

Copyright © 2025

Affiliated News

  • The Chestertown Spy
  • The Talbot Spy

Sections

  • Arts
  • Culture
  • Ecosystem
  • Education
  • Mid-Shore Health
  • Culture and Local Life
  • Shore Recovery
  • Spy Senior Nation

Spy Community Media

  • Subscribe
  • Contact Us
  • Advertising & Underwriting

Copyright © 2025 · Spy Community Media Child Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in