Public Hearings - Proposed FY2017 Budget Hearing

PUBLIC HEARING
PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2017 BUDGET

June 7, 2016

In compliance with and pursuant to Section 6-308 of the Tax Property Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the County Commissioners of Kent County held a public hearing on Tuesday, June 7, 2016, at 6:53 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Hearing Room, R. Clayton Mitchell Jr., Kent County Government Center, 400 High Street, Chestertown, Maryland, on the proposed FY2017 Budget beginning July 1, 2016.

County Commissioners, William W. Pickrum, Ronald H. Fithian, and William A. Short, were in attendance as well as Shelley L. Heller, County Administrator, Thomas N. Yeager, County Attorney, and Patricia Merritt, Chief Finance Officer.

Commissioner Pickrum read the notice of public hearing into record. Commissioner Pickrum also read the procedures for testifying and encouraged anyone in the audience that wished to speak to please sign the testimony log. Written comments will be accepted until Friday, June 10, 2016, at 12:00 p.m.

Ms. Merritt presented the Proposed Fiscal Year 2017 Budget via a power point presentation. Some of the highlights are to maintain a strong fiscal position, enhance the homeowners’ credit, provide for the creation of the Kent County Fiber Optic Network, focus on economic development, reinstate lifeguards at Betterton Beach, and increase family support through the Kent Family Center. The budget hearing presentation can be viewed by accessing a link entitled “Fiscal Year 2017 Proposed Budget Presentation” at http://www.kentcounty.com/finance or by contacting the Commissioners’ Office at 410-778-4600, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

In attendance were approximately thirty-seven people, comprised of various department heads, county employees, members of the media, and citizens. Eight individuals signed the testimony log.

Several agencies funded by the County thanked the Commissioners for their support.

Allan Schauber, Member, Kent County SWOT Committee, stated that he believes public safety is in great danger if the hiring of four full-time EMTs is not funded and requested that the Commissioners reconsider.

Robbi Behr expressed her concern for the funding for Kent County Public Schools in FY2017.

The Commissioners are scheduled to adopt the FY2017 Budget and Tax Rate on June 14, 2016.

This hearing was taped for reference and adjourned at 7:31 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,



Sondra M. Blackiston, Clerk

Approved: William W. Pickrum, President
The County Commissioners
of Kent County, Maryland