Talbot County, Maryland

03/26/2026

Category: County Manager’s Office County Council

The Talbot County Council held a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the Bradley Meeting Room.

Board of Health Update

Dr. Fahmi Fahmi, Talbot County Health Officer, provided a comprehensive update on public health programs and services provided by the Talbot County Health Department.  The Health Department presents bi-annually to the County Council, which serves as the Board of Health.

The update emphasized continued collaboration, expanded services, and innovative approaches to community health. The entire presentation can be viewed here: https://talbot-md.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=4&clip_id=1474&meta_id=121123

FY2027 Annual Transportation Plan – Delmarva Community Services

Representatives from Delmarva Community Services presented the FY2027 Annual Transportation Plan.

The Council unanimously approved the FY2027 Annual Transportation Plan, which emphasized the importance of maintaining and expanding transportation services for the residents of Caroline, Kent, and Talbot counties Council Vice President Pete Lesher noted, “This service is absolutely critical, especially in the rural community.”

The plan includes approximately $2.33 million in total funding from federal, State, and local sources to support transportation services for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and rural residents, along with capital investments in vehicles and system maintenance.

Program statistics highlighted the impact of these services, including more than 22,000 rides provided in Talbot County and approximately 2,600 on demand rides across the three counties served.

Council members expressed enthusiasm for planned updates and improvements under new leadership, including Samantha Parker and Michelle Nichols, who shared their intent to host annual meetings to strengthen community engagement.

DCT staff also noted that they are required to complete a Maryland Transit Administration Transportation Plan every three years which will be used to help guide future projections and service enhancements.

Council also introduced and unanimously approved an administrative resolution authorizing Talbot County to file an application with the Maryland Transit Administration of the Maryland Department of Transportation for Sections 5303, 5304, 5307, 5309, 5310, and 5311 grant funding under the Federal Transit Act. The funding supports transportation planning, operations, and capital improvements.

Connect Talbot – Rural Broadband Project Update

John Horner, President & CEO, Easton Utilities, and Ted Book, Vice President, Easton Velocity, provided an update on the Connect Talbot broadband initiative, a collaborative effort between Talbot County, the Town of Easton, and Easton Utilities.

The project represents a more than $40 million investment, including approximately $35 million in grant funding from the FCC, USDA, State of Maryland, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and Talbot County. Originally initiated in 2016, the project reflects nearly a decade of work to expand broadband access to unserved and underserved areas of Talbot County.

To date, the project has installed approximately 360 miles of fiber infrastructure across Talbot County,  and connected  2,300 new customers . The initiative continues to improve internet access, support economic development, and enhance the quality of life for residents.

Eligible residents and businesses within the funding area are strongly encouraged to request installation of their broadband service drop while grant funding remains available. Property owners may schedule an on-site consultation with no obligation to subscribe to service, ensuring their home or business is prepared for future connection. Residents can visit eastonvelocity.com for more information.

Council members expressed their appreciation to Easton Utilities for their leadership and team effort in delivering the project. Council Vice President Pete Lesher noted, “Because of this work, we don’t have digital-haves and digital-have-nots.”

Talbot Works Business Academy Graduation

The Council recognized 12 graduates of the Talbot Works Business Academy. The program, led by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, in partnership with Will Holmes Consulting, provides training and support for local entrepreneurs who desire to increase revenue, add jobs and make an impact on the local economy.

Since its inception, the program has supported 50 businesses, helped launch 9 new businesses, and enabled others to expand and create new jobs. As noted by Director Cassandra Vanhooser, “Growth doesn’t happen by chance, it happens by design.”

The fourth cohort of graduates includes Stephanie Doeler (All in the Mix Bakeshop), Dustin Good (C.J. Weisman Balancing LLC), Patricia King (Gluten Free Bakery Girl), Elizabeth Kelly (Sanctuary Interiors LLC), LaShelle Lewis (Shelly’s Passionate Care), Sandra Maier (Roma Wedding Updos), Michael Meier (The Snuggery Inn & Suites, St. Michaels), Dylan Mathias (Mathias Marine LLC), Joshua Richardson (Richardson Marine Repair, Inc.), Kevin Rosenthal (Nightingale DPC LLC), Marguerite Spies (St. Michaels Winery), and Van Topjian (The Loft at Dover Station).

Graduates receive a certificate of completion and a $2,000 grant funded through ARPA to reinvest in their businesses. The program continues to support small and minority-owned businesses and strengthen the local economy.

Bill No. 1624 – Cannabis Zoning Regulations

Council considered Bill No. 1624, which proposes amendments to Chapter 190 of the Talbot County Code regarding cannabis-related uses.

The legislation would allow cannabis growing and on-site processing in agricultural zoning districts , and permit processing and dispensaries in designated commercial and industrial zones by Special Exception from the Board of Appeals and establish operational standards including setbacks and location restrictions.

The bill passed by a vote of 4–1, with Council President Chuck Callahan voting against. He acknowledged that everyone involved with the new ordinance had done a great job but explained that he could not support the measure.

2026 MDOT Priority Listing

County staff presented the draft 2026 Priority Listing to be forwarded to the Maryland Department of Transportation, which identifies key infrastructure needs

Top priorities include safety improvements at the MD Route 322/US 50 intersection, capacity and evacuation improvements along MD Route 33, flood mitigation on MD Route 333 (Oxford Causeway), and additional intersection and traffic flow improvements throughout the county. Council also requested the addition of the Frederick Douglass Rail-Trail project and improvements to the Dutchmans Lane/Route 50 intersection to the Priority Listing.  The Council unanimously approved the Priority Listing as initially presented and again to include the Dutchmans Lane/Route 50 intersection improvements.

The Priority Listing as  presented during the Council meeting can be found here: https://talbot-md.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=4&clip_id=1474&meta_id=121147

County Manager’s Report

The County Manager presented several items for Council consideration:

• Board and Committee Appointments: The Council unanimously approved appointments to the following boards and committees:
  • Adult Public Guardianship Review Board – Council unanimously approved the appointment of William C. Chapman as the Board’s attorney and Christine Montague
  • Commission on the Aging – Council unanimously approved the reappointment of Kate Stinton, Wendy Palmer, and Sandra Wieland as citizen representatives and nursing home/mental health consultant representative, respectively.
  • Property Tax Assessment Appeals Board – Council unanimously approved forwarding a letter to the Governor’s Office of Appointments recommending that Tom Costigan be moved from an alternate to full member of the Board.
  • Upper Shore Aging Board of Directors – Council unanimously approved the appointment of Judy Simons to the Board.
• Letter of Support – Waterfowl Festival, Inc.: Council unanimously approved a request for a letter of support for Waterfowl Festival, Inc.’s application to the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) for $41,250 in Heritage Area Grant funding. If awarded, the funding will be used to support restoration of the historic stage at the Waterfowl Building (historic Easton Armory) to enhance cultural programming and tourism opportunities in downtown Easton.
• Grass Cutting Services for Parks and Recreation: Council unanimously approved extension of the grass cutting services contract with Marshall’s Professional Property Management LLC (Bid No. 25-04) for the 2026 season in the amount of $89,500. Originally awarded in 2025, the contract includes four, one-year renewal options. Staff noted the contractor’s strong performance in maintaining County parks, ball fields, and public landings, and confirmed that sufficient funds are available in the County budget.
  Rails-to-Trails Easement (Town of Easton): Council unanimously approved a request to enter into a Deed of Right-of-way and Easement with the Town of Easton to support the extension of the Town’s Rails-to-Trails project. The easement will allow for construction of a multi-use path across County owned property, improving pedestrian and bicycle connectivity.
• Public Works – Region IV WWTP Project (Wye Mills): Council unanimously approved two requests related to Bid No. 25-15 for improvements to the Region IV Wastewater Treatment Plant at the Preserve at Wye Mills. The Council approved a $110,000 contract scope adjustment for system commissioning and a $62,350 contract with Rauch, Inc. for construction engineering and inspection services. Both items are eligible for significant State funding support.

Next Meeting

The Talbot County Council will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the Bradley Meeting Room, Talbot County Courthouse, 11 North Washington Street, Easton. The meeting is open to the public.

 The Council continues  holding weekly briefings with Providence Strategies during the Maryland General Assembly legislative session. These briefings are held each Thursday at 4:30 p.m. via Zoom and are open to the public.

Budget Season

The County Council will be holding FY27 budget work sessions on the following dates, all of which are open to the public:

• Thursday, March 25, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

The FY27 Budget is scheduled to be introduced on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

For more information on the budget process, visit FY2027 Budget | Engage Talbot County.

council highlights meeting highlights transportation board of health health