Commissioners weigh keeping Deep Creek MSBU rate to fund sidewalks

John Elias, Public Works Director, said the Deep Creek Street & Drainage advisory board recommended maintaining the current assessment rate (0.305) to support sidewalks this year and into future projects rather than implementing a scheduled reduction.

"The advisory board has come to us and recommend maintaining the current assessment rate of 3 0 5 to support additional sidewalks in FY '26 and '27 and future sidewalk projects," Elias said. Commissioners pushed staff to demonstrate that projects will benefit more than just adjacent homeowners and emphasized transparency: they asked for parcel-level assessments and options to eliminate the sidewalk project in the hearing materials so residents could see alternatives.

Commissioner Doherty, speaking as a resident of Deep Creek, said sidewalks on main collector roads are frequently used and voiced general support for sidewalks "on the main roads" while warning staff to expect vocal opposition from property owners opposed to sidewalks in front of homes. The board asked staff to present alternatives — including a version without sidewalks that would reduce the assessment to a lower figure — at the June public hearings so the community can weigh the options.

Public Works said it will return with a budget adjustment and an amended CIP for board approval in June if the board accepts maintaining the assessment rate. The staff presentation noted lessons learned from prior hearings and reiterated the county’s intention to provide clear, parcel-level information ahead of the June 23 meeting.