Council Notes: May Good Times Roll in Talbot County by Carol Voyles

Our county’s FY2023 budget of $112,607,000 closely mirrors the FY2022 budget. “Essentially flat” compared to FY 2022’s $112,816,000, Talbot’s FY2023 budget was passed unanimously at the county council’s May 17 meeting. We are spending a bit more, but our FY2022 budget surplus provides a cushion.

A surplus is also expected for FY2023. Planning for the possibility of unforeseen expenses is always a good idea, and we cannot help but appreciate that Talbot County is managing to provide this positive outcome with the lowest property tax rate and second lowest income tax rate in Maryland. We have a one cent increase in our property tax rate, as authorized by voters in 2020, and a one cent educational supplement for our public schools. FY2023 operating expenses are also up 7.7%; but that is below the inflation rate. We are in great shape.

The sheriff’s office and health department will be building new headquarters We’re also investing in first responders including our paramedics and volunteer fire departments, fulfilling educational commitments and requests, undertaking roadway and sewer projects, and providing information technology throughout Talbot County. Cost of living and wage increases will also address our county’s recruitment and retention issues.

As Council Vice President Pete Lesher pointed out once FY2023 passed, a county’s budget is a “policy document and a reflection of our priorities;” and “this budget reflects our commitment to funding public safety.”

Councilmember Laura Price, now serving her last year on the council, recalled a county budget of approximately $65 million 12 years ago. She also reminded us that low tax rates will likely continue to result in lower levels of education funding from the state, but raising taxes can cause people to leave. And funding could then go down even more.

Talbot County has seen a modest level of population growth over the past 12 years. We experienced a bit of a surge from 2009 to 2010 and welcomed around 1,000 new residents. Traffic might have become a bit heavier then, but our population has remained relatively stable since.

But we could be faced with additional revenue requirements for FY2024. Tax rate increases generally accompany significant levels of population growth. Talbot’s population was 37,782 in 2010, and our population is currently estimated to be 37,502. It’s slightly smaller now, but from 2009 to 2010 we experienced a population growth rate of 3.7%, high for Talbot County. Our population increased from 36,034 to 37,361 and has changed little since.

That may be changing now. Developments totaling over 3,000 residences are currently planned for Talbot County. With an average occupancy rate of 2.2 persons per residence, and if all goes as planned, we will be welcoming approximately 6,600 new residents in a relatively short period of time. An 18% level of growth is unprecedented for Talbot County, at least in times that most of us can recall. Our FY2023 budget is making welcomed investments; but we might prepare for more challenging circumstances in coming years.

Our public schools currently comprise 43% of our county’s expenses. They are performing well, but we would be demanding more of them and of other county operations. A surplus is planned for FY2023; but revenues could become a concern for FY2024. This is a play in motion for a whole new level of development for Talbot County. With revenues and taxes in mind, we’ll be looking forward to hearing about fee-per-residence infrastructure agreements with developers.

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.