Talbot County, Maryland

02/27/2026

Category: County Council

The Talbot County Council held a meeting on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the Bradley Meeting Room, South Wing, Talbot County Courthouse, Easton, Maryland.

Work Session – Economic Development and Tourism Strategic Plan

Prior to the regular meeting, the Council held a work session with the Department of Economic Development and Tourism and representatives from consultant, Camoin Associates, to review the Draft 2026 - 2030 Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism Strategic Plan.

Dan Gundersen, Senior Vice President, Camoin Associates; Lindsay Ortiz, Director of Strategic Planning, Camoin Associates; Debbie Walsworth, Chairperson, Economic Development Commission; and Cassandra Vanhooser, Director, Department of Economic Development and Tourism, presented the draft plan  for Council review.

The consultants outlined the planning process, stakeholder engagement efforts, and key strategic priorities designed to strengthen Talbot County’s business climate, support small businesses, expand workforce opportunities, and enhance tourism-driven economic activity. The draft plan will continue to be refined prior to formal consideration by Council. 

Learn more about the Strategic Plan process at www.talbotworks.org/strategic-plan/

FY25 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report

Chris Lehman, Partner with SB & Company, LLC, and Martha Sparks, Talbot County Finance Director, presented the results of the independent audit of the County’s financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, as part of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). The audit also included the Uniform Guidance Single Audit, 9-1-1 Fund audit, review of the Uniform Financial Report, and preparation of the required Data Collection Form.

The audit is designed to identify financial reporting risks and errors, evaluate internal controls, assess compliance, and detect potential fraud or operational improvement opportunities.

The County received an "unmodified" (clean) opinion, indicating that the financial statements are presented fairly in all material respects and reflect the County’s strong financial position.

Sparks noted that the ACFR serves as a report card for the County’s overall financial health and reflects a longstanding commitment to responsible fiscal stewardship.

Council members thanked staff and auditors for maintaining high standards of fiscal oversight and transparency. County Manager Clay Stamp added, "I am very proud of our financial team. Martha and her staff have continued to improve each year over the past three years. The Council and our citizens should take comfort in the strength and competence of our financial operations."

Administrative Resolution – Resident Agent

The Council adopted an Administrative Resolution changing the designated Resident Agent for Talbot County, Maryland to ensure continued compliance with State filing requirements.

Council Discussion – Short-Term Rental Text Amendment

The Council discussed a proposed Zoning Text Amendment introduced by Councilmember Dave Stepp and referred the legislation to the Planning Commission for review by a vote of 3–2.

The proposal would amend Sections 190-63 (Short-term rental licenses and Review Board) of the Talbot County Code to revise notice requirements for new and renewal short-term rental licenses. The amendment would require applicants to provide notice to the 50 properties nearest to the short-term rental dwelling or to owners of all properties with a property line within 1,000 feet, including line of sight within 1,000 feet across waterways, whichever is less. Currently, notice must be sent to all property owners within 1,000 feet, including line of sight across waterways. Councilmember Dave Stepp stated that the proposal was a minor modification to the existing notice process.

Council Discussion – Zoning Text Amendment pertaining to Signage

The Council discussed a proposed Zoning Text Amendment to Chapter 190 regarding flags and signage. The amendment would permit a corporate flag displaying a business name, trademark, or logo, subject to specific restrictions. Current zoning regulations prohibit the use of a nonprofit organization’s flag as an advertising device.

Following discussion, the Council voted to refer the proposed text amendment to the Planning Commission for review and recommendation.

County Manager’s Report

• Board and Committee Appointments: The Council unanimously approved appointments to the following boards and committees:
  • Agricultural Land Advisory Board – Council unanimously approved the reappointment of John Swaine.
  • Commission on Aging – Council unanimously approved the reappointment of Jenna Marchi, Rachel Smith, Carrie Ottey, Rachel Cox, and Veda Gibson.
  • Frederick Douglass Park on the Tuckahoe – Council unanimously approved the reappointment of Richard Marks.
  • Parks Advisory Board – Council unanimously approved the appointment of Sean O’Connor as the Trappe District representative and Michael Brophy as the Town of Easton representative.
  • Tourism Board – Council approved the appointment of Jennifer Brown, representing the Short Term rental industry.
• Letter of Support – Waterfowl Festival, Inc.: The Council unanimously approved a letter of support for Waterfowl Festival, Inc.’s application for $1.7 million in Congressionally Directed Spending funding for restoration of the Historic Easton Armory (Waterfowl Building).
  Proposed improvements include roof repair and restoration, rehabilitation of the main stage and gym floor, boiler replacement, installation of a modern HVAC system, ADA-accessible restrooms and entrances, and window replacement. The nearly 100-year-old facility serves as one of only two venues in Easton capable of accommodating groups of more than 300 and hosts numerous civic, cultural, and arts events throughout the year.  No County funds are required.
• Easton Airport – Construction Package 3 Funding: The Council unanimously approved two related funding requests to advance Construction Package 3 of the Easton Airport Airfield Modernization Program.
  First, the Council authorized the Airport to apply for and accept up to $10 million in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding to advance construction of the new 6,400-footRunway 4/22. Approximately $6.7 million is anticipated to be available this year, with potential additional funding later in the fiscal year. The FAA funds 90% of eligible project costs, with the Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) contributing 5% of hard construction costs and the Airport responsible for the remaining 5% share, including administrative and engineering expenses. Grant issuance is anticipated in September 2026.
  Secondly, the Council approved a request to apply for up to $27 million in FY2027 Congressional Community Project Funding to address the remaining unfunded portion of Construction Package 3. While the package was originally designed to complete the full runway replacement program, inflation and market volatility required reducing the scale of the project to align with available FAA funding. Congressional funding, if awarded, would supplement annual FAA AIP funds and accelerate completion of the project without increasing the local funding share. Council discussion emphasized the importance of pursuing federal funding opportunities to maintain project momentum and cost stability.
• Drainage and Utility Easement and Memorandum of Understanding – Hailem School Road: The Council unanimously approved the acquisition of a 30-foot-wide drainage and utility easement from James E. Parker and Byron A. Wilson for property located at 9811 Hailem School Road (Tax Map 64, Parcel 64) to support water line extension to the UMMS/SHS Regional Medical Center, and a related Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by and between Talbot County, Easton Utilities Commission, and the property owners
  The total compensation for the easement is $22,500, with Talbot County contributing $15,000 and Easton Utilities contributing $7,500. The County’s share will be funded through the water and sewer extension project associated with the regional medical center.
  Under the MOU, the property owners will grant the 30-foot easement within 15 days of presentation of final documents. The agreement outlines compensation and acknowledges that any future annexation into the Town of Easton is subject to the Town’s legislative approval.
• Senate Bill 791: The Council unanimously approved sending a letter of opposition to Maryland Senate Bill 791 (SB791), Correctional Services and Public Safety – Immigration Enforcement – Prohibitions (Community Trust Act). Council discussion focused on the potential local public safety impacts of the proposed legislation and the County’s position on coordination between local correctional facilities and federal immigration authorities.

Next Meeting

The Talbot County Council will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., in the Bradley Meeting Room, Talbot County Courthouse, 11 North Washington Street, Easton. The meeting is open to the public.

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

Budget Season

The County Council will be holding FY27 budget work sessions on the following dates, all of which are open to the public:

• Tuesday, March 3 at 4:00 p.m.
• Thursday, March 5 at 5:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 10 at 2:00 p.m.

For more information on the budget process, visit FY2027 Budget | Engage Talbot County.

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