Talbot County, Maryland

03/28/2025

Category: County Council

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Council unanimously approved the assignment of the lease agreement for the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry to the new owner, Captain Jim Andrews (right). Council thanked Captains Judy and Tom Bixler (left) for their many years of stewardship as owners.

The Talbot County Council held their regular meeting on March 25 at 5 p.m.; Council Member Haythe was absent.

Presentation of FY2023-2024 Audit

Chris Lehman, Engagement Partner at SB & Company, and Martha Sparks, Director of Finance for Talbot County, presented the results of an independent audit conducted by the company of the County’s financial statements through June 30, 2024.  This included the performance of the Uniform Guidance Single Audit, 9-1-1 Fund Audit, review of the Uniform Financial Report and preparation of the Data Collection Form.

The Audit has several goals: to detect financial statement risk and error, identify fraud, business failures, improvement opportunities, and evaluate client expectations.

The Audit indicated the County’s strong financial position and an unmodified opinion of the financial statements was provided.

“Talbot County’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2024 functions as a report card for the County’s overall financial health,” said Sparks. “The County’s strong financial position illustrates a longstanding commitment to responsible fiscal stewardship.”

View the presentation slides here: Audit Presentation

Introduction of Retirement Legislation

The Council introduced and unanimously approved three administrative resolutions that will allow for certain County public safety employees to participate in vocation specific State retirement programs.

County Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) will join paramedics in the ability to participate in the Law Enforcement Officers’ Pension System (LEOPS). Correctional officers will participate in the Correctional Officers’ Pension System (CORS).

Both systems are run by the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System and offer robust pension programs.

“It has been a longstanding goal of the County to shift our emergency responders and correctional officers into their respective State retirement programs,” said County Manager Clay Stamp. “As for the Correctional Officers Retirement System (CORS) if you recall, we started this process over three years ago with a request sent to the State Legislature to pass enabling legislation. Once it passed, the County entered a 1-year waiting period. Today, we are finally fulfilling this important promise to our public safety employees...”

Discussion of Solar Energy Domain Legislation

Council discussed State legislation SB931/HB1036 - Renewable Energy Certainty Act (Public Utilities – Generating Stations – Generation and Siting) and its potential affects on Talbot County and the Mid-Shore.

“The State is certainly looking to reach its renewable energy goals by citing solar energy facilities, and they are particularly looking to Eastern Shore farmland to do that. Some of that is happening,” said Council Member Pete Lesher. “This county passed legislation a few years ago to guide how that process [land usage guidance] is done. We want to make sure our best farmland is preserved for growing food, and perhaps our more marginal land can be used for the placement of solar generating systems. This State legislation, however, would trample of our local legislation and local zoning…local decision making should play a role in this [process].”

Council voted unanimously to oppose the bills and to send a letter of opposition to the respective Maryland State Legislature committees. The letter stated:

"On behalf of the Talbot County Council, I am writing in opposition to SB 931 (HB1036) – Renewable Energy Certainty Act (Public Utilities – Generating Stations – Generation and Siting). This cross-filed bill establishes a clear path for the preemption of local zoning authority by restricting and prohibiting local zoning laws that regulate the construction of certain solar energy generating station and energy storage devices.

Additionally, this bill creates an exemption from personal and real property taxes for solar energy generating stations. SB 931 disregards the good faith collaboration in which Talbot County participated along with state and county leaders, nongovernmental organizations, and solar industry leaders to advance Maryland’s renewable energy goals through clear, effective, and balanced policies. The Renewable Energy Certainty Act undermines local taxing authority, local zoning authority, essential community input and protections. This bill does not contemplate essential safety measures affiliated with utility scale battery storage devices. Furthermore, SB 931 is in conflict with the County’s local land use policy and Comprehensive Planning efforts."

The cross-filed bill is currently in Committee at the Maryland General Assembly. The respective hearings were held in late February.

Other Business

• The County Manager presented the following board nominations for the Council’s consideration:
  • Board of Electrical Examiners – Council unanimously approved the appointment of Joseph Nordike.
  • Talbot 250 Commission – Council unanimously approved the appointment of the following individuals to the Talbot250 Commission:
    • Charlie Powers (Tilghman)
    • Cindy Orban (Easton)
    • Emma Poole (Talbot County Free Library)
    • Ja’Lyn Hicks (Oxford)
    • Jerry Seiler (DAR)
    • Jill Ferris (Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum)
    • Joan Levy (Talbot Arts)
    • Mary Eileen Russell (unincorporated area of the county)
    • Richard Skinner (St. Michaels)
    • Dr. Sharon Pepukayi (Talbot County Public Schools)
    • Wesley Hagood (SAR)
    • Jaelon Moaney
    • Administrative Support to be provided by Pete Lesher, County Council liaison, Sarah Kilmon, and Kristen Goller.
• Talbot County Property Tax Assessment Appeals Board (PTAAB) – Mr. Stamp noted there are currently three vacancies on the PTAAB:  one full member and two alternate members.  The County is seeking individuals to serve on this gubernatorial appointed board.  If you are interested in serving or would like more information, please visit the Talbot County website (www.talbotcountymd.gov) or call the County Manager’s Office at 410-770-8010.
• Council unanimously approved the assignment of the lease agreement for the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry to the new owner, Captain Jim Andrews (Jettylight, LLC).  Council thanked Captains Judy and Tom Bixler for their many years of stewardship as owners of the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry and welcomed Captain Andrews.
  “Tom and Judy, you have been extraordinary stewards of this Talbot County treasure,” said Council Vice President Pete Lesher. “Perhaps the most important piece of your stewardship is ensuring a smooth transition to the next owner. Thank you for your patience in making sure that happened. Captain Andrews, welcome…we know how important this resource is to Talbot County residents, and the tourism industry.”
• Council unanimously approved sending a letter of support for the application by the Talbot Watermen Association, Inc. for a Maryland Heritage Areas Grant. The grant funding, if approved, will help to install wayfinding signs and interpretive panels at Talbot County’s historic public landings. Previously, the Talbot Watermen Association, in collaboration with Talbot County Parks and Recreation, installed a sign at Dogwood Harbor on Tilghman Island, highlighting North America’s last working fleet of skipjacks. They have plans to install signage at Bellevue, Oak Creek, and Neavitt public landings. No County funds are required.
• The Neighborhood Service Center, Inc. (NSC) requested contingency funding in the amount of $16,500 to be used for the upgrade and replacement of equipment for security and fire alarm systems in their building located at 126 Port Street, Easton, MD 21601. The Council currently supports the NSC each year in the County budget. The request was unanimously approved, and Martha Sparks, Finance Director, confirmed there are sufficient funds in the contingency balance.
• Members the Talbot County Commission on Aging and Talbot County Health Department briefed Council about a potential loss in funding for their Senior Care Program in the State budget. Approximately 200 senior citizens in Talbot County are served through this program each year. Services covered by this program include home support, respite care, assistance with the cost of medications, nutritional supplements, and incontinence supplies. Council voted unanimously to send a letter in opposition to potential budget cuts to the Senior Care Program to the appropriate committee in the State Legislature..
• Council unanimously supported sending a letter of support to Congressman Andy Harris for the application by the Trappe Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. (TVFC) for Maryland 2026 Community Project Funding. If approved, the funding will be utilized toward the construction of a replacement firehouse for the Town of Trappe. TVFC is currently fundraising for the project. No County funds are required.
• The Department of Parks and Recreation requested approval to extend their contract with Pierson’s Comfort Group under Bid No. 23-03 for portable sanitary services for the 2025 season in an amount not to exceed $46,147. Council unanimously approved the request.
• The Department of Parks and Recreation requested approval to award a contract to Dissen & Juhn LLC in the amount of $85,280 through Bid No. 24-42 for pier re-decking at Bellevue Harbor. This item was approved for State of Maryland Department of Natural Resources funding with a 100% reimbursement and the DNR concurs with the bid award. Council unanimously approved the request.
• The Department of Parks and Recreation requested approval to procure and install a new generator system at the Talbot County Community Center. This generator replacement was included in the FY2025 budget and was approved as a Capital Improvement Project. Emily Gilmer, Parks and Recreation Director, recommended awarding the replacement contract and temporary generator support to Barnes Electrical, Inc. in the amount of $211,950. Council unanimously approved the request.
• The Roads Department made their annual request to piggyback on a State of Maryland SHA contract for a purchase order with David A. Bramble in the amount of $1.2M to resurface approximately 14 miles of County main thoroughfare roads. The Talbot County Roads Department will also perform in-house resurfacing on other selected County roads at the same time. Specific road prioritization and work schedule is based on weather, contracting schedule, and other factors. Council unanimously approved the request.
• The Department of Public Works requested approval to purchase 20 additional Orenco STEP units at a cost of $138,800 under Bid No. 23-12. Schummer, Inc. was awarded the installation contract and is ready to begin installation of the tanks that will be used for connections related to Resolution 235. Property owners in the area of Resolution 235 have been receiving commitments to connect to the system and will pay their share for connection. Council unanimously approved the request.
• Council unanimously supported sending a letter of support to Congressman Andy Harris for Maryland 2026 Community Project Funding for the Eastern Shore Youth Crisis Center.  If approved, funding will be used to renovate an 11,300 s.f. space, the former Carter Youth Facility/Whitsitt Center, into an eight-bed crisis residential/stabilization unit serving 10–17-year-old youth with behavioral health needs.  Located in Chestertown, Maryland, this regional project is supported by Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties.  No County funds are required.

FY26 Budget Process

The County Council and County staff continue working on the FY26 Budget through a series of Budget Work Sessions occurring in the months of March and April, culminating with introduction of the FY26 budget on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 (a Special Legislative Day).  

Public hearings on the proposed FY26 Budget will be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. The public is encouraged to follow the budget process and engage as necessary. FY26 Budget information, including any relevant documents, meeting links, dates, etc. can be found at https://engage.talbotcountymd.gov/fy2026budget

On Monday, March 31, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. the Council will be holding a joint work session with the Easton Town Council and representatives from Easton Utilities to discuss a grant application to the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration for the Regional Medical Center project.  The work session will be held in the Easton Town Council Chambers located at 14 S. Harrison Street in Easton and is open to the public.

At 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 31, 2025, the Council will be holding a joint meeting with the Board of Education.  The meeting is open to the public and will be held at the Easton High School Culinary Arts Program located at 723 Mecklenburg Avenue in Easton.

Next Meeting

The Council’s next legislative meeting will be held on April 8, 2025, beginning at 5:00 p.m. in the Bradley Meeting Room located in the South Wing, Talbot County Courthouse, 11 North Washington Street, Easton.  The meeting is open to the public.

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