Talbot County, Maryland

06/12/2025

Category: County Manager’s Office County Council

The Talbot County Council held their regular meeting on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.; all Council members were present.

A work session was held earlier that afternoon at 2:30 p.m. with the Talbot County Planning Commission to discuss proposed text amendments related to short-term rental regulations and the Short-Term Rental Review Board. Proposed changes to the short-term rental licenses can be found here: MetaViewer.php, additional changes are expected before final legislation is brought before Council for consideration. 

Talbot County Public Schools FY25 Categorical Budget Transfers

TCPS requested approval from the Council for an amendment to its FY25 budget. Similar to the County’s “4th Quarter Transfers”, the school system identifies areas of savings in its budget, and requests consideration to re-obligate the funds to other areas of need. Council unanimously approved the FY25 budget transfers from savings in the following categories:  Instructional Salaries, Materials of Instruction, Special Education, and Pupil Personnel Services and Transportation.  Funds will be transferred for instructional hardware and software, coverage for projected overages in contract services, supplies, utilities, equipment, and purchase of supplies, HVAC replacement, field maintenance, and prepayment of FY26 employee benefits.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

The Council voted 4-1 to approve an Administrative Resolution to repeal Administrative Resolutions adopted on June 23, 2020 and July 14, 2020 regarding diversity training initiatives for employees of Talbot County and associated reporting requirements, and to repeal the County’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) statement.

The Administrative Resolution noted that the County relies heavily on financial assistance from the federal government in various projects, including, but not limited to, the pending Airfield Modernization Program for the Easton Airport.  The Resolution further cited that based on the correspondence received from the U.S. Department of Transportation, “any policy, program, or activity that is premised on a prohibited classification, including discriminatory policies or practices designed to achieve…diversity, equity and inclusion or “DEI” goals, presumptively violates [federal] law” and as such, inclusion could jeopardize federal funding for infrastructure projects.

“The County’s handbook clearly sets forth the intent and desire of the County Council and County administration that every County employee and prospective employee enjoys a welcoming workplace, where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, consistent with applicable laws and regulations and the County’s commitments to EEO, ADA, and zero tolerance for harassment of any kind whatsoever,” noted County Manager, Clay Stamp.

Staff was requested to craft a new Welcome Statement to be included in the Employee Handbook.

Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan Amendments

Council introduced five resolutions to amend the Talbot County Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan to reclassify and remap various properties in Easton, St. Michaels, Bozman, and Neavitt from “Unprogrammed” to “S-1” Immediate Priority Status.  Public hearings on the resolutions (Resolution Nos. 378 – 382) are scheduled for Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.

Capital Enabling Legislation

Council introduced 31 capital project related bills, which included appropriations for improvements to County roads, wastewater treatment infrastructure, public safety facilities, parks and recreation, library facilities, and other county-owned buildings. With the adoption of Bill No. 1585, the FY26 budget and appropriation ordinance (adopted by Council on May 27, 2025), funding was obligated for various capital projects.  Capital enabling legislation is done in accordance with Section 612 and Section 217 of the Talbot County Charter and reflects the addition or change in source of funding for new and previously established capital projects.  Notably, legislation was introduced to authorize:

• Improvements to Hog Neck Golf Course and Talbot County community pools
• ADA compliance projects at County properties
• Extension of sewer and water lines to Regional Medical Center project
• Amendment to North EMS Station project
• Recycling station improvements in St. Michaels
• 911 Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system upgrades
• Sewer extensions and pump station repairs throughout the Talbot County Sanitary District
• Improvements to County roads

Public hearings for these bills (Bill Nos. 1586 – 1616) are scheduled for Tuesday, July 8th at 5:30 p.m.

Other Legislation

Bills to amend Chapter 190 Zoning Code (Zoning, Subdivision, and Land Development) were also introduced:

• Bill No. 1617 addresses regulations for Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) Residuals and organic material and storage
• Bill No. 1618 establishes regulations for cannabis growing and processing facilities as well as cannabis dispensaries

Public hearings for both bills are scheduled for Tuesday, July 8th at 5:30 p.m.

County Manager’s Report

• Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Letter of Support: Council unanimously approved a request from the Talbot County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee for a letter of support for the FY26 Safe Streets and Roads for All Planning Grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation. The proposed planning grant seeks $300,000 in federal funding, with a 20% local match (either in-kind or cash), to engage a qualified consultant to develop a comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Action Plan for Talbot County.
  The Committee meets monthly; more information can be found at: Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee - Talbot County Economic Development
  Hog Neck Golf Course: Council unanimously approved a contract with H&H Marine Construction in the amount of $60,825 for emergency repairs to the bridge at the 9th hole.
• Public Works: Council unanimously approved a contract with Good Life Lawn Care & Landscaping, LLC for emergency repairs at the Region V (Tilghman) Wastewater Treatment Plant in the amount of $67,622.  Council also approved a contract for relocation of Verizon utility lines along Goldsborough Neck Road in the amount of $105,213.50, with Mr. Stepp abstaining.
• Easton Airport: Council unanimously approved the following airport-related actions:
  • Rejected the sole bid received for Bid No. 25-08 from Atlantic Contracting & Materials Company for Package 3: Improve RSA and Extend Runway 4-22.  Mr. Risher noted that Easton Airport has been working with their engineering consultant, AECOM, to a reduce the scope of work for this project which will then be re-bid.
  • Authorized submission of a funding application to the FAA’s Airport Improvement Infrastructure Grant program not to exceed $6,000,000 for Package 3 of the Airfield Modernization Program.
  • Providing a Letter of Support for the State of Maryland’s Deer Cooperator Permit Program to support public safety operations

The Council’s next legislative meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, beginning at 5:00 p.m. in the Bradley Meeting Room, South Wing, Talbot County Courthouse, 11 North Washington Street, Easton. The meeting is open to the public.

council highlights council meeting dei tcps budget capital enabling legislation