[{"_1":2,"_87":-5,"_88":-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],{"_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",6576286,"mediaKeyId","3141262-38ed9260763d1bb34cf653966eb24c91","parentId",3141262,"title","Westminster council rezones site for cannabis processor; approves nondiscrimination policy to meet EPA grant rules","audioSeconds",71,"startMs",4213000,"endMs",4284000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3141262-38ed9260763d1bb34cf653966eb24c91&start=4213&end=4284","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3141262-38ed9260763d1bb34cf653966eb24c91/thumbnail_4213000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6576286/Westminster/Carroll-County/Maryland/Westminster-council-rezones-site-for-cannabis-processor-approves-nondiscrimination-policy-to-meet-EPA-grant-rules","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6576286-59516f8ca402b3d66c8eef3fcc0881d3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196269&Signature=mVS089I4zJykW4nhR8yF~1Y1d~-iQE91J9wmlE5G5KPoNHcUAIeC8g9tWsNJXoCmOZQv3sR02koHsg9SbiBJu3thpzQQ~v5gzfNd3fxPGOvH6VQM~4ocnRChps8Ooop6dAbeFeoif6AgzUE6ocMQ7M4YGEqTTLKCeysuATpNfcpatnwc529wY5LV7mStCUfAQ55KN7lYximMKuLzyQjuJYJBgQNONEawq4PrZ2gYXvFzeiao4cIYEGCR7cULlenfLNN5YuqbXNPhRWHqZd40B6OMbIbXc-m6vssEsrPwQlwsPRQj-j34zGnHEvq4Rq4rpJo2vmNyix5rBqv45Psk7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Westminster, Maryland","date","2025-04-29T00:22:12.7Z","article","The Westminster Mayor and Common Council on May 5, 2025 voted to apply a floating cannabis overlay zone to a portion of a restricted industrial property to permit a cannabis processor, and separately adopted a nondiscrimination policy to address deficiencies cited by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for EPA financial assistance applications.

Planning staff reported that WHR Holdings LLC requested the local map amendment LMA 25-02 to apply the cannabis overlay to Suite 8 of a condominium (identified in staff materials as a portion of Lot/Unit noted on the Larian 4 condominium plat, book 48 page 274). Staff recommended approval and noted that any operation in Suite 8 would remain subject both to the underlying IR (restricted industrial) zone regulations and the cannabis overlay regulations. The Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing on April 17, 2025 and forwarded a recommendation to approve the ordinance to the Mayor and Common Council.

The council voted to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-04 (LMA 25-02) after a motion by Councilmember Haas and a second by Councilmember Tony Carvacci. The ordinance applies the floating cannabis overlay to the specified suite to allow the establishment of a cannabis processor under the overlay rules.

Separate EPA-related resolution: City staff told the council that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency had advised Westminster to correct deficiencies on a pre‑award form for EPA financial assistance. Staff presented a resolution (Resolution No. 25-05) that codifies the city’s nondiscrimination policy consistent with requirements in 40 CFR parts 5 and 7. The council adopted Resolution No. 25-05 on a motion by Councilmember Hoff, seconded by Councilmember Gilbert.

Why it matters: The zoning change clears the way for a cannabis processing operation at the specified condominium suite subject to applicable local overlay and underlying zone requirements. The nondiscrimination resolution is administrative but required for compliance with EPA grant regulations; staff said it requires no new funding.

Process and background details: The staff report on the local map amendment noted minor corrections to dates in the version of the staff report (publication years that were typed as 2024 were corrected to 2025) and confirmed proper public notice and Planning and Zoning Commission review. The staff report specified the target parcel using the condominium plat reference and noted the overlay is a “floating” overlay applied specifically to Suite 8; the underlying IR zone continues to apply. For the nondiscrimination resolution, staff cited 40 CFR parts 5 and 7 as the relevant federal rules and said the resolution addresses EPA’s notification of deficiencies on the city’s pre‑award form.

Ending: Both measures were adopted at the May 5 meeting. The ordinance formalizes the zoning change for the property identified in staff materials; the resolution updates the city’s written policy to meet EPA pre‑award requirements so the city may continue to pursue EPA financial assistance.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Westminster Mayor and Common Council Meeting - Monday, April 28, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.","oneSentenceSummary","Council adopted a local map amendment applying a cannabis overlay to a restricted industrial property for a cannabis processor and approved a nondiscrimination policy required by the U.S. EPA for financial assistance. Planning staff recommended approval of the rezoning and the council voted to adopt both measures.","taxTitle","Westminster, Carroll County, Maryland","taxId",71632,"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},6576291,"Westminster council introduces FY2026 budget with no property tax increase; water, sewer rates to rise",2169,2191000,4360000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3141262-38ed9260763d1bb34cf653966eb24c91&start=2191&end=4360","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3141262-38ed9260763d1bb34cf653966eb24c91/thumbnail_2191000.jpg","/articles/6576291/Westminster/Carroll-County/Maryland/Westminster-council-introduces-FY2026-budget-with-no-property-tax-increase-water-sewer-rates-to-rise","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6576291-9541b2c59ff4f687b5cd2aa9807370eb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196269&Signature=RN8uV7~0SWE8RNU0AidRTK4vLWni5oOf5wpc2TSCuSbSJpzfZKWaR3DhgMBt-WDK4aB3q8M~vBU6riZ1bO3OhBYH5zU4jMp0quHO5KLy8DpNTgBHp735Dd1r8r~oMniopYEbyvkhZ673K~hxoRqn5hHx3lffaqstpvrV0tCrvpv94znbpFGcEi2y2IzT5N5AaHI3wdEVB0oMuHDI3Y3la-I7xZUIaC~CxYZOSR5HMRMfpCPPxY3Q7t8zlqM2LjgfPX4WqZPEMz9CW0tYkFRNLLP2hNMQPbmuA3xcKWk~vPDMsO4Zm0BSjeRz9kGU6p2lfXeSBFpWYuaSTJsvEIfelg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Westminster’s Mayor and Common Council on May 5, 2025 heard a presentation of the city’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget and formally introduced an ordinance to adopt that budget, with no change to the real property tax rate and modest increases to water and sewer fees.

City Administrator Miss Imholz told the council the proposal is grounded in the city’s vision and strategic plan, reading the administration’s guiding statement: “Westminster is a safe, healthy, and engaged community where new ideas and sustainable innovation enhance the community’s quality of life and create economic opportunities for today’s residents and future generations.” The budget ordinance was introduced for consideration; Councilman Tony Carvacci moved to introduce the ordinance and Councilmember Gilbert seconded the motion, and the council voted in favor to introduce the ordinance.

Why it matters: The city’s proposal maintains the real property tax rate at 56 cents per $100 of assessed value for the thirteenth consecutive year while passing along higher utility costs to users. Officials said the decision was shaped by an increased assessable base and several fixed cost pressures the city must absorb.

Key details: City staff reported the city’s net assessable base rose by about $148,900,000 — roughly a 7.5% increase — as Westminster remains in the second year of the state’s triennial reassessment cycle and adds new properties through annexation. Because of that growth, staff said general-fund revenues are projected to exceed operating expenses in most funds, except the housing fund, under current estimates.

The administration told the council there will be no change to the real property tax rate; water rates would increase by 3.5% and sewer rates by 5.0% under the proposed operating budget. The presentation listed several cost drivers beyond staff control: an 11.5% increase in the city’s health insurance premiums, a roughly 10% increase in pension contributions for non‑sworn staff, a 4.1% increase in the Law Enforcement Officers’ Pension System (LEOPS) contribution rate, an estimated 16% rise in workers’ compensation renewal rates, and a 10% increase in general insurance premiums.

Capital projects: The city’s capital improvement program (CIP) highlights included upgrades and design work for the Carroll Arts Council building (door hardware and other items), trail design and upgrades at Wakefield, completion of playground equipment at Tahoma Farm Park (phase 2), pickleball courts at King Park, improvements to ball fields at City Park, continued infiltration and inflow repairs in the sanitary system, roof replacements at the water plant and the reclamation plant, the ongoing enhanced nutrient removal (ENR) project, and continued construction on the water reuse project.

Process and next steps: Finance staff said the ordinance that would adopt the budget was introduced at the meeting and will be the subject of working sessions and council deliberations over the coming weeks. Director of Finance Ms. Rogers and city staff said they will present more detailed line‑item material in upcoming meetings and that staff will continue updating projections as final numbers change.

What the council said: The finance committee chair thanked staff for the budget work and emphasized the city will pursue available county, state and federal funding sources to supplement local resources for large capital projects, including the ENR and water reuse initiatives.

Ending: The budget ordinance (introduced as Ordinance No. 2025-05) will return to the council for further review and formal adoption in upcoming sessions; no adoption vote was taken at this meeting.","City Administrator Imholz presented the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget to the Mayor and Common Council, noting a stable property tax rate of $0.56 per $100 of assessed value and planned water and sewer rate increases of 3.5% and 5%, respectively. The ordinance to adopt the budget was formally introduced for council consideration.","actionData","errors"]

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Westminster council rezones site for cannabis processor; approves nondiscrimination policy to meet EPA grant rules

Westminster council introduces FY2026 budget with no property tax increase; water, sewer rates to rise