Talbot County, Maryland

05/29/2025

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The Talbot County Council held their regular meeting on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 5 p.m.; all Council members were present with Council member Stepp participating via telephone.

40th Anniversary of Chesapeake Music

David Faleris, Executive Director, Chesapeake Music accepted a proclamation in recognition of the organization’s four decades of bringing world-class musical performances to the community. Founded in 1985, Chesapeake Music continues to engage audiences and nurture future talent through its programs and events.

“I have been enjoying Chesapeake Music’s performances since their first year, when I was a summer employee at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and got to witness one of those first concerts and have followed the journey ever since,” said Council Vice President Pete Lesher. “The way it has grown, and continued to serve more and more of this community is truly impressive.  Thank you, and congratulations on this milestone.”

The 2025 Chamber Music Festival will take place from June 6-14, 2025. For more information, visit chesapeakemusic.org.

Bill No. 1585 – FY26 Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance

The Council unanimously approved the FY26 General Fund Budget, as amended, in the amount of $161,117,000. The budget includes a 1.06 cent education supplement per $100 of assessed valuation to help fund teacher pensions and nine priority educational positions (two social workers, six instructional assistants, and one special education teacher). The income tax rate remains unchanged at 2.4%, the second lowest rate in the state, and there were no increases in the County’s schedule of fees.  As amended, the budget reflects the Council’s commitment to fiscal responsibility while supporting public safety, education, and infrastructure.

The final budget, as well as a summary of funding will be available at FY2026 Budget | Engage Talbot County.

Broadband Update

Representatives from the Department of Economic Development and Tourism and Easton Utilities shared an update on broadband expansion to unserved and underserved areas of Talbot County through the Connect Talbot project. With full funding secured through partnerships and various grants from the federal government and State of Maryland —including the DHCD’s Difficult to Serve Properties Grant—the Council approved returning $400,000 in surplus funds to the State, to be used by other jurisdictions.

Easton Utilities is still on track for completion of the Connect Talbot rural broadband project. To learn more about their progress, visit Connect Talbot – Easton Velocity.

Update on the Neighborhood Service Center as Talbot County’s Designated Community Action Agency

County Manager Clay Stamp reviewed the role of the Neighborhood Service Center (NSC) as the County’s designated Community Action Agency (CAA) since 1985. The NSC operates as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit governed by the NSC Board and is primarily funded through federal, State, and private sources.  The NSC operates independently of the Talbot County government and reports to the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  The County’s involvement is limited to its authority to designate the CAA as well as representation on the NSC board as outlined in its bylaws.  While not legally required to do so, the County has provided funding support since 2008.

County Manager Report

• Board and Committee Appointments:
  
  • Public Advisory Board: Cory Buxton (2nd District representative) was reappointed by Council.
• Town Crier Designation: Council unanimously approved a request to formally designate Richard Culotta as the official Town Crier of Talbot County, Maryland. Known as “Town Crier Richard,” his presence at events such as The Talbot Resolves, Caroline Resolves, and Constitution Day has enriched community traditions. As part of Talbot250, his role will continue to bring local history to life for future generations.
• Roads Department: Council unanimously approved an amendment to the contract with David A. Bramble, Inc. in the amount of $193,000 to complete paving on the entire County portion of Glebe Road.
• Economic Development and Tourism: Council unanimously approved the award of Bid No. 25-06 to Destination by Design for the redesign of TourTalbot.org in the amount of $70,000. The project is funded through a non-compete grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration via the Maryland Department of Commerce Office of Tourism.
• Temporary Road Closure: Council unanimously approved the temporary closure of Goldsborough Neck Road near Villa Road from approximately June 15 to September 1, for the purpose of completing culvert widening and road widening, with a detour located through Mistletoe Drive.
• Public Works – EMS North Station: Council unanimously approved Change Order No. 3 for Bid No. 24-14 to Industrial Engineering Company, Inc. (IEC) in the amount of $166,800.00 to meet sprinkler requirements required by the State Fire Marshal at the EMS North Station in Cordova.
• Public Works – Septic System Program: Council unanimously approved a request to apply for and accept up to $2,125,300.00 in funding from the Maryland Department of the Environment’s FY26 Bay Restoration Fund Septic System Upgrade Program.  No County funds are required.
• Technical Services: Council unanimously approved the purchase of thirty-six (36) replacement Dell computers, monitors, and accessories in the amount of $85,054.85. Council also approved a sole source purchase of network infrastructure from ePlus Technology Inc. as part of the countywide network upgrade at a cost of $260,010.49.

The Council’s next legislative meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, beginning at 5:00 p.m. in the Bradley Meeting Room, South Wing, Talbot County Courthouse, 11 North Washington Street, Easton. The Council will be holding a joint work session with the Planning Commission beginning at 2:30 p.m. to discuss a proposed text amendment concerning Short Term Rentals and the Short-Term Rental Review Board. Both meetings are open to the public.

council highlights meeting highlights county council grants septic chesapeake music