Emmitsburg
Town Considering Adding a Third Sheriff’s Deputy
The Emmitsburg Mayor and Commissioners approved an adjustment to their contract with the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office for the two community deputies in town. Because of pay scale adjustments in the Sheriff’s Office, the cost of the deputies to the town is going to be $28,583 more for this fiscal year, for a total of $260,603. The town had budgeted $247,950 for the deputies, which covers most of the increase.
Interim Town Manager Cathy Willets told the commissioners that the sheriff has also agreed not to charge any overtime this year to the town as a way of helping offset the increase.
The commissioners also brought up adding a third community deputy to the town, but that deputy can’t be added until the next fiscal year so that the increased costs can be budgeted.
Commissioners Balk at Consultant Cost
Although the Emmitsburg Mayor and Commissioners had agreed to retain former Town Manager Dave Haller as a consultant on an as-needed basis at a cost of $24,000 for one year, they changed their minds when they saw that they could only use his services for 150 hours during that year.
Mayor Don Briggs reminded the commissioners that they had agreed to use Haller as a consultant for the reason that his knowledge of the town would be useful in transitioning to a new town manager.
Commission President Tim O’Donnell said, “150 hours is very limiting.”
The commissioners discussed options and thought that the Maryland Municipal League could also serve as a resource, and it is one that they already have.
“I think it’s time to move on,” Commissioner Joe Ritz, III, said.
Town Office Will Soon Accept Credit Card Payments
The Emmitsburg Town Office will soon be able to accept credit card payments for town bills, but there will be a $5 convenience charge to cover the costs the town has to pay to make that service available.
The service should be available in early October.
For more information on the town of Emmitsburg, visit www.emmitsburgmd.gov or call 301-600-6300.
Thurmont
Thurmont Growth Slows
One finding that is part of the Thurmont Planning and Zoning Commission’s annual report is that Thurmont is not growing as fast as projected in the 2010 comprehensive plan.
According to Town Planner Chris Jakubiak, Thurmont’s population has only increased by 280 since 2010. The majority of that growth hasn’t been through annexation but through infill. Parcels already zoned for residential growth within the town limits are being developed.
Colorfest Bids Approved
The Thurmont Mayor and Town Commissioners approved bids for security, bus transportation, trash removal, and portable toilets for the 2016 Colorfest.
May Security Services will provide security with twenty-nine officers for $13,224. They were the sole bidder, but they have provided Colorfest security before. This cost is the same as 2015.
Rills Bus Service of Westminster will provide bus transportation during the festival for $11,888. They were also the sole bidder, but they have provided the service for the festival for some time. Because the commissioners decided to reduce the number of buses used, this year’s cost is significantly less than the $17,160 for 2015.
Although there were two bidders for trash removal and portable toilets, only one bidder could provide both services. Key Sanitation of Dickerson will provide trash removal for $2,264 and portable toilets for $9,936. The commissioners had decided months ago to reduce the number of portable toilets from 162 to 123.
The total savings over 2015 is $7,772. If the town’s revenues for the festival remain the same, there will still be a deficit, but it will be less than half of the deficit of 2015. However, some fees have also been raised, which will increase the revenues. The number of highway signs has been reduced, which saves an additional $900.
Halloween Decorating Contest
The Town of Thurmont is sponsoring a Halloween decorating contest for homes and businesses. The decorated locations will be judged on October 27 and 28, and the winners will be announced at Halloween in the Park on October 29.
The prizes are $75.00 for first place, $50.00 for second place, and $25.00 for third place.
For more information on the town of Thurmont, visit www.thurmont.com or call the town office at 301-271-7313.