KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND
COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S

PUBLIC MEETING - 1/28/2003

An informational meeting was held on January 28, 2003 in the County Commissioners' Hearing Room in Chestertown, Maryland with the municipalities to discuss Tax Differential/Grant-In-Aid. Council members Whaland Clark, Mabel Mumford-Pautz, Bill Ingersoll, Town Manager, Chestertown, Mayor Dennis Hager, Millington, Mayor Jay Jacobs, Council members Robert Willis, and Olin "Butch" Price, Rock Hall, Mayor Candi Sorge, Council members Pat Morris, Karen Russo, Donald Sutton, Betterton, Mayor Harry Pisapia, Council members Betty Carroll, and William Blake, Galena were in attendance, as well as Gloria Urban, Kent County Librarian, and 2 interested persons. Chestertown Mayor Margo Bailey was not in attendance due to illness.

Commissioner Pickrum welcomed all. Mayors Sorge and Pisapia thanked the Commissioners for calling the meeting so they may address funding issues in their respective upcoming budgets. Commissioner Pickrum provided a brief update advising that as a result of changing from Grant-in-Aid to Tax Differential two years ago, the Commissioners scheduled this meeting to provide an opportunity to further address Grant-in-Aid funding which offsets duplicate services provided by municipalities.

Mayor Jacobs read correspondence directed to the Commissioners requesting the annual Grant-in Aid be reinstated to the same level as 2001. Mayor Jacobs expressed concern of the proposed reduction of State Highway User funding and Program Open Space funding to municipalities which may result in a reduction of as much as 10% of their general fund. He stated that the small amount each taxpayer received could have funded additional projects, such as a new police car in Rock Hall. Mayor Sorge concurred and advised that Grant-in-Aid funding may determine the difference between paving or patching a road.

Commissioner Crow and Mayor Pisapia discussed the difficulties in raising taxes for any government. Mayor Pisapia stated of past inconsistency in addressing tax differential and advised that the past disparity made the budget process more difficult. Mayor Pisapia thanked the Commissioners for discussing Tax Differential/Grant-In-Aid so early in the budget cycle.

Mayor Hager stated that typically the amount of Grant-in-Aid is not significant enough to make a major difference in Millington, however, he would prefer Grant-in-Aid return to the previous 2001 level. Commissioner Pickrum welcomed their input in order to make the best decision for the County.

Mayor Sorge reported that the municipality is performing more services previously performed by the County, such as roads maintenance, relieving County services.

Mr. Ingersoll noted that if the County were in a state of financial uncertainty, Chestertown would not expect Grant-in-Aid, however, should the County be fiscally sound, Chestertown would expect consideration in Grant-in-Aid funding. Mr. Ingersoll expressed his appreciation for the discussion. Commissioner Pickrum advised that Tax Differential/Grant-In-Aid will be considered during the County budget process and the Mayors and Councils will be notified as soon as possible.

As many Millington residents are of low income, Mayor Hager expressed concern that residents would be expected to pay additional taxes to help fund the municipalities. Again, Commissioner Pickrum gave assurance that a decision on the matter would be made in the best interest of the County and in a timely fashion. Mayor Jacobs expressed his appreciation for the Commissioners initiating the meeting.

In other matters, on behalf of Galena, Mayor Pisapia advised that during the construction of Toal Park, an agreement was documented diverting Program Open Space (POS) funding from Galena for a five year period. He reported that the requirements of the agreement have been completed and requested Galena be the next recipient for any available POS funding. The Commissioners concurred to consider the request pending POS funding information. Commissioner Pickrum requested effort be made throughout the County to supplement funding with grants. He reported that the Board of Education relies heavily on grant funding and expressed his intent to garner their assistance in grant writing skills.

Commissioner Crow advised of a meeting with Chestertown Mayor and Council to discuss the infrastructure in the County and noted of the intent to have future discussions relating to a strategic plan.

Commissioner Pickrum reported of meeting with volunteer fire departments and forwarded the concern of dwindling volunteer participation. He requested consideration be given to methods to encourage volunteerism such as a tax incentive to volunteer firemen. Mayor Pisapia stated an incentive would clearly demonstrate the importance of volunteers. Ms. Urban stated that a tax incentive must reach all citizens, not just homeowner volunteers. Mayor Jacobs reported that most Rock Hall responders to daytime fire calls are employed by Rock Hall and are permitted to answer fire calls during their work day. He stated that if it were not for those employees, fire calls may not be answered promptly.

Mr. Blake expressed the importance of recognizing volunteers as he considers them a priceless asset to communities and recommended volunteer recognition be made a priority. Commissioner Pickrum concurred and stated that volunteers can positively effect an entire community. Commissioner Livie suggested considering Jon Baker, Public Relations, Board of Education, to assist in developing a campaign to encourage volunteerism.

Commissioner Pickrum announced that this Board was introducing legislation to include two student members to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

Commissioner Livie advised of a proposed Resolution permitting County employees one hour per week to participate in the Mentoring Program sponsored by the Board of Education. Mayor Sorge stated her appreciation of mentoring and hoped other employers would follow the example.

Mrs. Russo advised of a meeting at the Betterton Firehouse on February 15 to discuss a proposed housing development (with private air strip) in Betterton and invited the Commissioners to attend.

The Commissioners thanked all for their attendance.

The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p. m.