[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6075471,"mediaKeyId","2979730-b3ada30fc5c8b6bf431fd61f06495330","parentId",2979730,"title","Commissioners review FY2026 draft budget; staff identify $5.7 million shortfall and surface allocation options","audioSeconds",1927,"startMs",2423000,"endMs",4350000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2979730-b3ada30fc5c8b6bf431fd61f06495330&start=2423&end=4350","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2979730-b3ada30fc5c8b6bf431fd61f06495330/thumbnail_2423000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6075471/Kent-County/Maryland/Commissioners-review-FY2026-draft-budget-staff-identify-57-million-shortfall-and-surface-allocation-options","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6075471-f9188d2f55df4fa26593ea6205c3365f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770791905&Signature=S0USGkkkQyLRqoGomgV8e3NAgvb~zzGSdnaXxNJAAqEwtlgltliL2H8wnX363j-Ngfndg2Sg4nB-td7eaoVEW9gnpEHBMBHCgfTAahgDCmKOFyuQhInCvG3BfhI4R6~slIwnIedkKDSCxgWPc5BaC2cbaJqI70SDyTZP5tfWOy0nZbyDjRQtRNywgxe2fwa1Li1al9amlgfg0OqK4ZqYpcmK7wGUhU-9KhHa38CxXBbItmW3MArgeqclj5DcyXPdJ1gKDXuK2H2fObWD7d1p~Vy07KoMD-Rh1OvChq3qJmNOk4XFCDm8YqkuUNRd2pgiHmo7K5xVMKrrtRjbP-YdVw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Kent County, MD","date","2025-04-14T08:43:50.273Z","article","County staff presented a high‑level FY2026 revenue and expenditure summary and walked commissioners through allocation requests from local partner agencies, then sought direction on trimming requests.

Shelly (budget staff) reported the draft revenue summary showed about $2,300,000 in new revenue for the coming year, while the expenditure summary totaled about $72,736,000—leaving roughly a $5,700,000 gap that will need to be addressed during the budget process.

Staff and commissioners reviewed allocation requests line by line. Major items discussed included the health department (staff noted the county’s share depends on state core‑funding formulas and an April 10 update was expected), the public library, Upper Shore Aging (meals program and state funding changes), Delmarva Community Services transit request, and several small nonprofits and town requests. Several partners had asked to use fund balance or one‑time contingency funds for capital or equipment purchases in FY2025; staff reminded commissioners that one‑time funding decisions can be treated differently than recurring operating increases.

On specific allocation choices the commissioners directed staff to: remove proposed new positions from partner requests where appropriate, align partner salary increases to the county employee salary change (the board indicated a 4% placeholder for county employees but discussed leaving final salary action until later), ask partners to use fund balance for one‑time equipment where feasible (examples: library security cameras), and keep several partner allocations flat while revisiting high‑priority items. Commissioners also asked staff to produce subtotals excluding one‑time town requests so the board can see a clearer recurring‑cost picture.

Ending: No formal funding votes were taken. Commissioners scheduled further budget work sessions and a full day for budgets on the fifth Tuesday block noted in the calendar; they asked staff for more detail on a handful of partner items (health department formula update, library rent and insurance cost‑share, transit cost allocation comparisons) ahead of the next meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","04 08 25 Budget Work Session","oneSentenceSummary","County budget staff told Kent County commissioners the FY2026 draft shows roughly $2.3 million in new revenue against $72.736 million in requested expenditures, leaving an approximately $5.7 million shortfall to be addressed during upcoming work sessions.","taxTitle","Kent County, Maryland","taxId",69327,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6075480,"Consultants present preliminary water and sewer rate findings; recommend phased 4% annual increases",798,312000,1110000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2979730-b3ada30fc5c8b6bf431fd61f06495330&start=312&end=1110","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2979730-b3ada30fc5c8b6bf431fd61f06495330/thumbnail_312000.jpg","/articles/6075480/Kent-County/Maryland/Consultants-present-preliminary-water-and-sewer-rate-findings-recommend-phased-4-annual-increases","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6075480-a92238e34ffd3394faa4e6009a22d3cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770791905&Signature=NSDqYxAk3cDVEB4yRj5CuM39P9iA63I~sRyA~KKFEgP~43kusBTVLQV8n-iLc71txi3hegeuq566V1SUMGfa6Bf6HlogKxzEq7Moatdb0ux~AvUwRIAS0C~RbZlNHspiCORy34XGdYBs3Y6Noxm7GTU7Xg-ahPLTwDW-5vKLdctSiEbsC~FS-HLuCTmsU1sG7ynxqQr040lgrAnWiQidEfny63CEorNVR1x6KEmNttVgScSxIkS3MgwCzvTh5cHvzqjyqE1Pb0Fieky270WIzBK2UrOxrIxeflwN5k5IMwiobKR0PyxchiS75NPxqigQyBrxIUoeae5HyyEi5k4chQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Consultants from NewGen Strategies told Kent County commissioners on the record that the county’s water and wastewater systems will require rate changes and explicit reserve-building to meet near-term capital needs and long-term maintenance.

Mike Maker, the consultant, said the firm modeled operating cost escalation at about 3% annually, assumed modest customer growth (about 2% per year for water and 1% for sewer) and separated recurring operating needs from capital. Maker identified the county’s capital program—particularly a planned Millington wastewater treatment plant—as the largest driver of future rate pressure and said the Millington project would create a one-time customer bump in 2028 and a much larger multi‑year spending profile for sewer projects.

Maker said the firm’s recommendations include two reserve targets: an operating reserve of at least 90 days (about 25% of operating expenses) and a capital reserve equal to roughly 2% of fixed asset value. He described the capital‑reserve target in dollar terms as about $3,035,000 per year for water and about $130,000 per year for sewer, based on asset valuations the firm used in the model.

On proposed rate action, Maker said the team’s baseline recommendation is a phased 4% annual increase in both user rates (recurring charges) and allocation fees (one‑time connection charges), with the allocation fees phased in annually rather than implemented all at once. He said an alternative scenario — 8% annual increases — would reduce future general‑fund subsidies, “and because of compounding the 8% scenario materially lowers future subsidy needs.” The consultant showed an illustrative household example: a quarterly bill for 12,000 gallons rising by about $13.50 under a 4% change.

Maker explained the distinction the consultants used in the model: operating and non‑growth capital should be paid from user rates, while growth‑related capital is best funded with allocation fees, grants or developer contributions. He warned that if allocation fees are set below the cost of capacity and the anticipated growth does not arrive, remaining costs could fall back onto user rates and the general fund.

Commissioners and staff asked questions about alternative rate paths, the timing of the Millington plant, and whether the county could rely on grants to reduce the debt portion. Maker said the CIP for water is mostly cash‑funded replacements (PAYGO), while the sewer CIP anticipates larger debt funding; the top scale on the sewer chart he showed was about $12 million, versus $1.6 million for water projects in the same year.

The presentation did not include any formal decision; commissioners indicated the study will inform FY2026 budget deliberations and that final rate choices will be decided later as part of the budget process.

Ending: County staff and the consultant agreed to run follow‑up scenarios if the board requests different percentage increases, and to supply any extra detail commissioners want as they finalize the fiscal‑year 2026 budget.","Consultants from NewGen Strategies presented a preliminary water and wastewater rate study to Kent County commissioners, recommending phased annual increases (the firm used 4% as a baseline) and new reserve targets to cover operating, capital and a large wastewater program tied to a planned Millington treatment plant.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6075475,"Delmarva asks Kent County for $157,157 to sustain rural transit; agency pitches expansion of mobility‑on‑demand pilot",690,1440000,2130000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2979730-b3ada30fc5c8b6bf431fd61f06495330&start=1440&end=2130","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2979730-b3ada30fc5c8b6bf431fd61f06495330/thumbnail_1440000.jpg","/articles/6075475/Kent-County/Maryland/Delmarva-asks-Kent-County-for-157157-to-sustain-rural-transit-agency-pitches-expansion-of-mobilityondemand-pilot","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6075475-2fa1f73abbb0b2915734fbada3dccd72/orig.mp4?Expires=1770791905&Signature=k4GymhTG-3IiT~2NOklyq6NkZ2l3F~p7vKoHc3hL8NSeDRHg9oKsKbhLTKIhOYPSU-ge396mL~H2yOA3i1e03ApzMjEA3nko-s1hWg5nXgmoCmOVfBlmttUO9nhVAUBorr2hxq1RyuS~h3-xnYOy7SOzgwjaReOnfrlIGW8VBTjYkCxTclNVjPGPHWYx6kVep2Nq6cAGw7yc7HwpGKaML0zEtgavI6C7shUdn2sKaZv8AkWHgOqFBXslzFIzTCNWQJD3MZdtyMqKartI5~S9xt6I1E3fI2rtJ4wGOpj3vmyKx7tPscSfg4RjXhvVKvipH4mitrZvHV8rm5eg7RcE0g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Delmarva Community Services representatives told Kent County commissioners they are requesting $157,157.45 in county operating support for FY2026 and described a recent mobility‑on‑demand (MOD) pilot that the agency has run in Kent County.

Andy (identified in the meeting as representing Delmarva Community Services) said the agency is asking for “a little over a hundred and 57,000 in operating” and that the current county contribution for the program has been about $91,000. He warned that pandemic (ARPA/COVID) funds that previously helped sustain service levels have been exhausted and that without continued county support Delmarva may have to reduce routes or frequency.

Andy described the county’s service footprint and use patterns: Delmarva reported about 6,728 total passenger trips in the county in the last year, with the most used single route recording 3,062 trips. The agency said it quietly rolled out a Kent‑on‑Demand mobility service that logged 1,405 trips without extensive advertising.

Henry, the transit director who accompanied Andy, and Delmarva staff said MOD (a demand‑responsive, smaller‑vehicle approach) is increasingly used in rural systems to reduce per‑trip costs and to improve user experience for older and disabled riders. Andy told commissioners that MOD allows smaller vehicles—often wheelchair accessible—to provide door‑to‑door service and shorter waits, and that Delmarva has started mobility pilots in other Mid‑Shore counties.

Delmarva’s presentation also asked the commissioners to consider regionwide reallocation of the multi‑county cost share for transit. Andy said current cost allocation splits the Mid‑Shore share evenly among participating counties, though usage and routes are uneven; he told commissioners he has discussed potential reallocation with neighboring counties and suggested Kent County’s share could fall if a new formula were adopted.

Commissioners asked about the operational tradeoffs of converting bus routes to small‑vehicle MOD, the timing needed to implement a larger MOD program and whether existing inter‑county trips (for work, college or medical appointments) would be retained. Andy said MOD is best suited to concentrated areas but that Delmarva would be willing to test expanded MOD in Kent with adequate funding and a one‑year lead to plan and advertise the service.

Ending: Commissioners did not take a formal vote. Several said they will review the FY2026 budget and consider Delmarva’s request alongside other competing needs; Delmarva requested a year of continued funding to pilot and plan service changes.","Delmarva Community Services sought roughly $157,157 in county operating funds for FY2026 and described a mobility‑on‑demand pilot now serving Kent County. Agency officials warned federal/state grant support is declining and urged commissioners to consider reallocation of multi‑county cost shares.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6075462,"Commissioners discuss major capital items — middle school, regional jail and Wharton renovations — and consider reserving fund balance",570,4500000,5070000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2979730-b3ada30fc5c8b6bf431fd61f06495330&start=4500&end=5070","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2979730-b3ada30fc5c8b6bf431fd61f06495330/thumbnail_4500000.jpg","/articles/6075462/Kent-County/Maryland/Commissioners-discuss-major-capital-items-middle-school-regional-jail-and-Wharton-renovations-and-consider-reserving-fund-balance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6075462-05a9e4ca8175ff8cc3426ee659dc5ed5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770791905&Signature=OYMg9SB60s-srnhIPjO1gf8X3Htv361766ZuvZauKtYzVAhAvGfwOjuOx0oUqigshpoKEvJSSkC~77-VtY62S9Br7~8lp4D~dzIA-mV4Xb229Zymo4RZRjufpkPS48mXHbJ08-hperBjdY5E3yY9F55F0w3CH9nsStXUhe9XRt~sg8iRM3cNW-v~ZmU9AFWvr5YpmK0GhUL1i0J87pbs8GGHOKFsTG8xN8HjPXx-yD7Idk22U9613rmDUiCND-OM~09kfBthrfL4UuVXXkraaKMDz~3y4XCr0kUMlx6p3nBTSD~lXDqGc7jqvzorQDKFuGdZZj4MY8v7PjUR5U-XgQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioners reviewed larger capital projects that could affect the county’s multi‑year borrowing profile and discussed how much of the projected fund balance to reserve for those projects.

Pat (a commissioner or county official speaking during budget review) noted staff projections that Kent County is likely to end FY2025 with about $22.9 million in fund balance and that roughly $18.183 million sits above the county’s target. Commissioners discussed earmarking portions of that excess fund balance to lower future debt service for major projects rather than spending it on smaller recurring items.

The board discussed several large projects that remain unresolved: the proposed new middle school (the school system and state processes are still under negotiation), a regional jail (which depends on commitments from partner counties), and evolving proposals for Wharton Elementary School renovations to house county functions such as the board of elections or county offices. Commissioners noted a governor’s budget element that would put $4 million into the school project across two fiscal years but also said that even with that state support the county’s residual share could be around $30 million, which would carry an estimated debt service of more than $1 million per year.

Several commissioners suggested setting aside monies now — for example $5 million — so that future borrowing needs could be reduced and debt service would be lower. Staff reminded the board that large one‑time commitments should be planned carefully and clarified that some projects (for example Wharton’s rehabilitation) may be feasible without full new construction and could hold operating cost implications.

Ending: Commissioners asked staff to bring more concrete project cost estimates and to discuss reservation strategies in future budget work sessions. No formal earmark or appropriation was adopted at the meeting.","With projected FY25 ending fund balance near $22.9 million and about $18.18 million above the county target, commissioners debated whether to reserve money for possible large capital projects including a middle school, a regional jail and renovations at Wharton Elementary, and discussed the effect of those commitments on future debt service.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6075466,"County hears EMS staffing and Betterton facility request; officials describe overtime, response‑time tradeoffs",424,3794000,4218000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2979730-b3ada30fc5c8b6bf431fd61f06495330&start=3794&end=4218","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2979730-b3ada30fc5c8b6bf431fd61f06495330/thumbnail_3794000.jpg","/articles/6075466/Kent-County/Maryland/County-hears-EMS-staffing-and-Betterton-facility-request-officials-describe-overtime-responsetime-tradeoffs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6075466-b6a731fe2d90d69f35e8d20efd4a209a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770791905&Signature=L~N9kEpikvLhaJqjps9ZCqfH0lbSTPBHHS0r80myHtT9DDkeYAjglNYfa~Bh~ORNB4RoQl4OFZuaoms0XYBMJs33ilostuX~-BIBoHecAEOMk81nKH~FjZHoonaT-V-zLXuBbUfUWO6tkcYETnF-cWpfBipu2jTOlM7EZR9ZtHK-mSsx4W4GzvmYdgNJeGIo3kZDotIlbrkSegohI9-o6yK66JJDGzG3OW6wYiSoK4HpQxALd5k3A62FHiGUd93JaLE7S~tFpJ~fR-Dg13AVigWz0Tcio1nBmB~OHvh3Fab6WOvMrs-mtqNXsC3zIle6AGYpRnoHchDANkpzGrmitA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kent County commissioners heard a staffing and facility request from emergency medical services officials who said part‑time EMT positions have been hard to fill and that stationing paid EMTs in Betterton could reduce response times in the eastern part of the county.

An EMS representative (Pete, speaking during the county budget session) explained that previous efforts to recruit part‑time EMTs have left shifts unfilled; as a result EMS uses overtime for existing staff to maintain around‑the‑clock coverage at the primary stations (Galena, Rock Hall and Chestertown). Pete said staffing gaps are especially acute when personnel rely on secondary employment and cannot pick up part‑time shifts.

Pete said the Betterton Volunteer Fire Company has purchased an ambulance and wants to renovate bunkroom space to make it habitable; one estimate discussed at the meeting for bunkroom renovation was about $45,000. EMS representatives proposed placing two paid EMTs in Betterton as guaranteed coverage for that call area, with paramedic staffing remaining centralized at the larger stations.

Elected officials asked about typical response times. EMS staff estimated response times from central quarters (Chestertown) would add roughly 12–15 minutes to some outlying calls; they said rural response times vary by location and that law‑enforcement responders often assist on medical calls when EMS is traveling longer distances.

Ending: There was no funding vote. Commissioners asked staff to include the Betterton renovation request and EMT staffing implications in upcoming budget deliberations and to provide more exact call and response statistics for the board to review.","EMS officials told commissioners of trouble staffing part‑time positions and asked the county to consider placing paid EMTs at the Betterton station after the volunteer fire company renovated space. Officials said some routes/stations run with overtime and cited typical rural response times around 15 minutes from central stations.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commissioners review FY2026 draft budget; staff identify $5.7 million shortfall and surface allocation options

Consultants present preliminary water and sewer rate findings; recommend phased 4% annual increases

Delmarva asks Kent County for $157,157 to sustain rural transit; agency pitches expansion of mobility‑on‑demand pilot

Commissioners discuss major capital items — middle school, regional jail and Wharton renovations — and consider reserving fund balance

County hears EMS staffing and Betterton facility request; officials describe overtime, response‑time tradeoffs