Council Meeting Highlights January 27, 2026

01/29/2026

Category: County Council

The Talbot County Council held a meeting on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, convening via Zoom at 5:00 p.m. due to the inclement weather.

Update from the Department of Social Services

Linda Webb, LCSW, Director of the Talbot County Department of Social Services (DSS), presented an overview of the department’s programs, services, and performance for Fiscal Year 2025 (July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025).

Ms. Webb highlighted DSS’s recent Council on Accreditation (COA) site review conducted in November 2025, noting positive feedback regarding staff professionalism, transparency, client-centered service delivery, and strong community partnerships. The department is in the final stages of its four-year accreditation cycle, which is due for renewal in January 2026.

The presentation included updates on Child Welfare and Adult Services, Family Investment programs, Child Support enforcement, and the Citizens’ Emergency Fund. Ms. Webb reported that in FY25, Talbot County households received an average of $634,631 per month in SNAP benefits, supporting approximately 2,282 households countywide.

Ms. Webb also provided an overview of the Talbot County Children’s Advocacy Center, which serves children and families across the Mid-Shore region through multidisciplinary collaboration with medical, legal, and social service partners. Recruitment, retention, and staff development initiatives, as well as community outreach and prevention efforts, were also discussed.

Council members thanked Ms. Webb and DSS staff for their work supporting vulnerable residents and families throughout Talbot County.

Cannabis Zoning Legislation

Brennan Tarleton, Planning Officer, presented the Planning Commission’s recommendations regarding a proposed zoning text amendment related to cannabis uses. The proposed amendment was originally forwarded to the Planning Commission by the County Council in November 2025. The proposed text amendment aims to align County zoning with the State of Maryland’s legalization framework while ensuring that cannabis cultivation, processing, and dispensing facilities are appropriately sited to balance public safety, health, and community character.

Mr. Tarleton reported that at its December 3, 2025 meeting, the Planning Commission voted unanimously (5–0) to recommend approval of the text amendment with two modifications: (1) changing cannabis processing for cannabis grown off-site from a permitted use to a special exception use in the Limited Industrial (LI) zoning district; and (2) excluding the growing and processing of cannabis from the protections provided under Talbot County’s Right to Farm Law.

Council member Keasha N. Haythe directed County Attorney Patrick Thomas to draft new legislation incorporating the Planning Commission’s recommended modifications for consideration of introduction by the Council at a future legislative session.

County Manager’s Report

  • Board and Committee Appointments: The Council unanimously approved appointments to the following boards and committees:
  • Letter of Support for FY 2027 Rural Legacy Program: The Council unanimously approved a request from the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy for a Letter of Support for the FY 2027 Mid-Shore Rural Legacy Program applications. The letter identifies Talbot County’s Rural Legacy priorities for the upcoming year: the Eastern Shore Heartland Rural Legacy Area and the Tuckahoe Rural Legacy Area.  No County funds are required.
  • Grant and Loan Applications for Sewer Projects: The Council unanimously approved a request from the Department of Public Works to apply for grant and loan funding through the Maryland Department of the Environment and, if applicable, Rural Development programs for several major sewer and wastewater projects. The request included applications for funding related to wastewater treatment plant upgrades, sewer collection system improvements, and pump station improvements across multiple service areas. For a full list of the capital improvement projects included in the funding request, see the Department of Public Works request.
  • Hog Neck Golf Course – Tree Removal Work: The Council unanimously approved a request from Hog Neck Golf Course for tree removal work necessary to support new greens and planned cart path paving improvements. The work will be awarded to the lowest bidder, Mid-Atlantic Tree Experts, in the amount of $53,400, and will be funded from an existing capital allocation previously approved for the cart paving project at the course.

Comments of Note

During Council comments, members recognized and applauded the efforts of the Talbot County Roads Department and public safety employees for their work during the recent snowstorm. Council members expressed appreciation for the long hours and challenging conditions faced by crews as they worked to keep roadways safe and maintain essential services for residents throughout the County.

Next Meeting

The Talbot County Council will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in the Bradley Meeting Room, Talbot County Courthouse, 11 North Washington Street, Easton.  The meeting is open to the public.

In addition, the Council will hold weekly briefings with Providence Strategies during the Maryland General Assembly legislative session. These briefings will be held each Thursday at 4:30 p.m. via Zoom and are open to the public.

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