Talbot County, Maryland

09/01/2026

Category: County Manager’s Office County Council

The Talbot County Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.; Council Member Dave Stepp and County Attorney, Patrick Thomas were absent.

Earlier in the day, members of the Council toured the construction site of the new University of Maryland Shore Regional Medical Center in Easton with Ken Kozel, President and CEO of University of Maryland Shore Regional Health.

Council Tours Regional Medical Center Construction Site

The Talbot County Council joined University of Maryland Shore Regional Health leadership for a tour of the new Regional Medical Center construction site at 1 Medical Center Drive in Easton.

The visit provided Council members an opportunity to see progress on the new hospital campus and learn more about the ongoing construction of the facility, which represents a significant investment in the future of healthcare on the Mid-Shore.

Council members toured the active construction site with Ken Kozel, President and CEO of University of Maryland Shore Regional Health, and received an update on the project as work continues on the new medical center.  Building occupancy is planned for Summer 2028.

The new facility is expected to serve as a major regional healthcare hub and represents years of planning and partnership among the University of Maryland Medical System, Shore Regional Health, Talbot County, the Town of Easton, the State of Maryland, and other community partners.

Certificates of Recognition – Talbot All-Star Junior League

The Council presented Certificates of Recognition to members of the Talbot All-Star Junior League team in honor of their achievement as the 2026 Maryland State Champions.

Council members congratulated the players and coaches on a successful season and recognized the commitment, teamwork, sportsmanship, and perseverance required to earn a state championship.

The recognition also celebrated the families, coaches, volunteers, and community members who supported the team throughout its season.

Council members congratulated the players on representing Talbot County at the state level and encouraged them to carry the lessons learned through teamwork and competition into their future endeavors.

Recognition of County Engineer Ray Clarke

The Council presented a Certificate of Recognition to Raymond P. “Ray” Clarke, P.E., County Engineer, in appreciation of his 26 years of service to Talbot County Government. Clarke began his career as County Engineer on August 7, 2000.

During his tenure, Clarke and the Department of Public Works have overseen numerous infrastructure, environmental and capital projects throughout Talbot County. Major projects include upgrades to the Region II Wastewater Treatment Plant and sewer collection system; planning for improvements to the Region IV (Wye Mills) and Region V (Tilghman) wastewater treatment plants; and extension of public sewer intended to eliminate approximately 1,200 septic systems and improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.

Clarke and his team have also been involved in numerous road, bridge, culvert, school and County facility projects, including improvements to Glebe Road, Black Dog Alley, Goldsborough Neck, Airport Road and Dutchmans Lane. During his tenure, the County secured more than $150 million in federal and State grants for sewer, road, construction and renovation projects.

The Council thanked Clarke for his professionalism, technical expertise, integrity and commitment to the citizens of Talbot County and wished him good health, happiness and success in the future.

Bill No. 1652 – Next-Generation 911 Addressing Standards

The Council considered Bill No. 1652, which amends Chapter 131 (Road Naming and Property Numbering) of the Talbot County Code to modernize the County’s addressing standards to be compliant with Next-Generation 911 and to clarify staff responsibilities in administering the provisions of Chapter 131.

The legislation is intended to ensure that the County’s addressing system supports modern emergency communications technology and provides consistent standards for road naming and property numbering.

Council unanimously approved Bill No. 1652. Council Member Dave Stepp, who was absent from the meeting, provided a proxy vote on the legislation.

County Manager’s Report

County Manager Clay Stamp presented several items for Council consideration.

• Board and Committee Appointments: Council approved three board and committee appointments:
  • Agricultural Resolution Board– Council unanimously approved the appointment of Antoinette Johnson.
  • Commission on Aging – Council unanimously approved the appointment of Betsy Roe.
  • Talbot Family Network Board of Directors – Council unanimously approved the appointment of Pastor Demetrius Price as a representative of the private sector.
• Letter of Support – Waterfowl Festival, Inc.: Council unanimously approved a request to provide a letter in support of Waterfowl Festival, Inc.’s application for $200,000 in Maryland State Arts Council Capital Grant funding for restoration of the Waterfowl Building, Easton’s historic Armory. Proposed improvements include ventilation and HVAC improvements to the main floor and creation of ADA-accessible front steps and lobby. The project is intended to expand the building’s use as a year-round arts and cultural facility. No County funds are required.
• Roads Department – Dump Truck Purchase: Council unanimously approved the Talbot County Roads Department’s request to purchase a 2027 Freightliner 108SD Plus dump truck from Johnson Truck Center in Landover, Maryland, for $235,786, utilizing Sourcewell Contract No. 032824-NAF. The purchase includes a snowplow package and extended warranty. There are sufficient funds in the budget for the purchase.  Delivery of the completed truck is anticipated by March 2027.
• State Lobbying and Legislative Representation Services: Council unanimously approved the County Manager’s request to renew the County’s agreement with Providence Strategies, LLC under Bid No. 25-12 for State Lobbying and Legislative Representation Services. The agreement runs through August 15, 2027, at a cost of $4,000 per month, or $48,000 annually. Providence Strategies provides government relations services and legislative, regulatory and procurement advocacy on behalf of Talbot County.

Public Comment

Following Council Comments and the conclusion of the meeting, the Council briefly reopened the public meeting to provide an opportunity for one additional public comment that had not been received prior to adjournment. The Council then concluded the meeting.

Next Meeting

The County Council’s next regular legislative meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, 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 work session with representatives from the Talbot County Farm Bureau, Soil Conservation District, Extension Office and USDA Farm Service Agency at 2:30 p.m. in the Bradley Meeting Room.  The meetings are open to the public.

council highlights meeting highlights council providence strategies lobby services ray clarke retirement public works