Citizen Report: The top take-a-ways from the Sykesville Town Council Meeting on May 8, 2023:

FY2024 Town Tax Rate

The first order of business was a Public Hearing and Consider/Discuss of the Town’s FY2024 Tax Rate.  The Town proposed to continue at .33 per $100,000 and the Council unanimously approved.  Discussion, which was carried over from passed budget meetings, continued in regard to reducing the tax rate.  Agreement was to revisit this at the beginning of FY2025 Budget meetings in September. 

FY2023-2024 Budget

The Council also held the last Public Hearing and Consider/Discuss/Act on Ordinance NO. 2023-02 in regard to adopting the FY2023-2024 Annual Budget and Tax Rate.  This was passed unanimously.

Election Results and Swearing in May 15th

There will be a meeting Monday, May 15, 2023 to swear in the three incumbents to the Town Council seats. Ninety voters turned out and 1 mail-in vote to re-elect Anna Carter (86 votes), Jeremiah Schofield (79), and Mark Dyer (78).  The low turnout is attributed to the fact that all 3 were running uncontested and the rainy weather.

Main Street and Springfield Avenue Work

Carroll County Bureau of Utilities continues water and sewer mains work from Springfield Avenue to Baldwin Drive. The Town Manager conveyed that the hope for completion for the July 4^th parade is likely not going to happen until late in the Summer.  After completion, there will be additional work by the County and Town on Springfield and Central Avenue including correction of storm water anticipated to begin this Fall.  Lastly, next budget year there will be work on Norwood Avenue storm water issue once discussions are complete with St. Paul’s church.

Volunteer Opportunities

As always, the Town has volunteer opportunities available on the Historic District Commission and Police Auxiliary.  Email town@sykesville.net for more information about volunteering with the Town. 

Public Safety Report 

Chief Spaulding reported that there were 521 events in the time span between April 15-May1st.  During community policing, there were reports from two Main Street businesses about thefts and attempted thefts that happened several weeks before.  The Chief emphasized the importance of timely reporting to give the police a better chance of a more successful investigation to help business reduce these incidents. Two officers have recently received beneficial training.  Sgt. Kirkner will graduate on May 19^th from Northwestern School of Police and Command after completing their 10-week program.  Lt. Kilgore completed First Line Administrative School, a 1-week program.  In addition, Sgt. Kirkner and Lt. Kilgore will receive awards from the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce to recognize there fine policing efforts.

Closed Session for Legal Counsel on the Warfield Contract

After the public meeting, the Council had a closed session pursuant to the General Provisions Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, Section 3-305(b): (7) to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on a legal matter. There have been many Town meetings, news articles and social media over the Warfield developer not meeting its contractual obligations to rehabilitate the historic buildings and the developers desire to add denser housing.

The next Town Council meeting will be May 22, 2023.