[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_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":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6246188,"mediaKeyId","3219164-a6fd1a69d11222940e2809716f0d2a03","parentId",3219164,"title","Bel Air budget includes $55,584 for fire hydrant rentals after Maryland American surcharge","audioSeconds",249,"startMs",2163000,"endMs",2412000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3219164-a6fd1a69d11222940e2809716f0d2a03&start=2163&end=2412","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3219164-a6fd1a69d11222940e2809716f0d2a03/thumbnail_2163000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6246188/Bel-Air/Harford-County/Maryland/Bel-Air-budget-includes-55584-for-fire-hydrant-rentals-after-Maryland-American-surcharge","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6246188-03c613be8c28e809edebc5c88a687585/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157217&Signature=geFqSegbgHc6roF4HSBvL0GRxI6TvnSy~Mfzu17cuQeaB7tBMcdSt65w6B6CIj6sN6pPnKrP8z6SNX1qGFBuKWKTtQQgV2LhHlAdEC1CEA63ngxVDLaBgJCtDT2sPhYhn3ZyKnHG41dLQc~sfi~mRa3Rgs4BRn7a0F3--jumXZx01WZQc0LSu0q1XwmEc04EfIgSuadov4rjoDZunWehLe-Y8h1Y5XH0jWy9PyCEmv8FipRf~j2FCHE4l6IADLM8SA8ORdci--RlCqSAh-iyney4N-D0d2l3SjWeYJ5E5aHqLg2qf67v6MeaBtfbjYRzffmrqPAXZTSV96lnC0WWoQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-08T00:37:37.217Z","article","Town staff told commissioners on May 7 that the FY26 budget includes $55,584 for annual fire‑hydrant rentals paid to Maryland American Water.

Public Works staff said the town maintains 304 hydrants that Maryland American invoices at a rental of $164.75 each. In addition, staff described a property‑tax surcharge introduced by Maryland American that increased the total bill by about $5,500 this cycle. “When we first saw this on our bills, we were getting calls from residents even though they’re not our bills, they’re Maryland American bills,” staff said, describing initial community confusion about the surcharge.

How it matters: hydrant rental is a predictable annual expense but the property‑tax surcharge and annual recalculation has notable budget impact. Staff said they monitor hydrant maintenance and report that Maryland American has improved responsiveness and hydrant upkeep in recent years.

Supporting details: staff noted 304 hydrants at the $164.75 rental rate yields the $55,584 budget allocation and that the company conducts an annual analysis that can tweak the surcharge. Commissioners asked for better communication from Maryland American about larger increases; staff agreed they will request earlier notice for significant hikes.

Ending: The commissioners did not take a separate vote; staff will continue to monitor the hydrant billing and follow up with Maryland American about notice and maintenance timing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","05/07/2025 Board of Town Commissioners Budget Work Session Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Staff reported that Bel Air pays Maryland American Water for rental of about 304 hydrants, at $164.75 each plus a property‑tax surcharge, and placed $55,584 in the FY26 budget for hydrant rentals.","taxTitle","Bel Air, Harford County, Maryland","taxId",54308,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6246193,"Bel Air schedules $430,000 in resurfacing and proposes $345,000 in vehicle replacements for FY26",551,3318000,3869000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3219164-a6fd1a69d11222940e2809716f0d2a03&start=3318&end=3869","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3219164-a6fd1a69d11222940e2809716f0d2a03/thumbnail_3318000.jpg","/articles/6246193/Bel-Air/Harford-County/Maryland/Bel-Air-schedules-430000-in-resurfacing-and-proposes-345000-in-vehicle-replacements-for-FY26","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6246193-a30bb327fa6266033b50952f3f139ab0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157217&Signature=hvgocs3zwf2kkgoP6FHN31qJZNdT0mrnswWeC~bK4pM~nVmaLWH~3~i10GsZixLB6uOMKFpjazI2yCxrfKe~~riUZv6CrhiXikWiEs8ovpkE6vEqIbf-wA0v2MUg5o1KREA531ICLTX1Gl9NS0XsINF7HjRpujVQ-T5RwzpbW5FAG0rXNbGUB3RPmkunmlS5tlUi1dvX1mv2LvLWvtoJAe51Tc~Jzgy1Ai8037K9LZNvaFYJfspTMake8bjK~G5aZDqGAaRBcpS9GKr3~i9cw6kdmW7BhaqsLW4cyBuAfNjyLfAKt7CnArq8ouVoQX3dtpcbsGWqqHGpBVgyl-77mA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Public Works presented the town’s proposed FY26 streets budget on May 7, 2025, detailing resurfacing priorities, equipment purchases and vehicle replacement needs.

The proposed streets operating budget is $2,196,962. Staff listed a resurfacing program that would use roughly $430,000 this year to repave segments including Lynnwood Avenue, Maitland Street, South Atwood Road, Grayson Square, Shamrock Road and Hall Street. The resurfacing plan emphasizes using one contract that may require nighttime work on higher‑traffic segments.

Vehicle and equipment capital requests were also highlighted. Staff requested $47,000 for equipment capital (utility trailer and a new Main Street clock) and $345,000 for vehicle capital, including replacing a rusted, plow‑worn dump truck (estimated replacement cost $265,000) and an F‑550 mini dump (estimated $80,000). Staff explained salt and plowing put heavy wear on chassis and frames and that a typical replacement horizon for heavy plow trucks is about 10 years.

How it matters: staff said keeping a steady equipment‑replacement schedule prevents higher maintenance costs and service disruptions. “If we hold on to them and run them for a lot more miles, you pay a lot more for repairs,” a public works speaker said; staff noted auction revenue for retired equipment offsets some costs.

Supporting details: staff discussed the street‑sweeper’s expensive repairs and an aging JetVac truck the town plans to retain longer. The FY26 plan also includes sidewalk maintenance budgeting ($60,000) and curb and gutter replacement tied to resurfacing projects. The town said it received higher than expected highway fund allocations this cycle, allowing extra resurfacing work.

Staff direction and next steps: staff will move forward with bidding one large resurfacing contract and return to the commission for contract award. Vehicle purchases and capital replacements will follow the vehicle‑replacement plan and be phased to avoid large one‑year spikes.

Ending: Commissioners acknowledged the maintenance‑driven nature of the requests and asked staff to proceed with procurements under the FY26 plan and to provide timing for major vehicle replacements.","Public works staff presented a $2.2 million streets operating budget that includes roughly $430,000 for resurfacing several streets and $345,000 proposed for vehicle replacements, citing salt corrosion and plow wear as drivers for replacement timing.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6246198,"Bel Air Armory budget shows operating shortfall despite full bookings, staff says",478,748000,1226000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3219164-a6fd1a69d11222940e2809716f0d2a03&start=748&end=1226","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3219164-a6fd1a69d11222940e2809716f0d2a03/thumbnail_748000.jpg","/articles/6246198/Bel-Air/Harford-County/Maryland/Bel-Air-Armory-budget-shows-operating-shortfall-despite-full-bookings-staff-says","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6246198-22c936307ee05ae22ded77195f358fae/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157217&Signature=kWVfKM2751C1b~4n4OIA1KqPCv3VPLz--Zj-aoM8qfaSUM2v-~M5AbC6oHHj6UI4M1foduqUuWDfI244UBWzY9GU32pNpjh5LLJCf~VJ7OVZ4qLtnuMfpo7aJZzxgANxidgybt7O4YwYqSIpss-6likWlrL6pYyeMzK6I1Bi1Mtgek5RtXh9Qo8GTugCJAycxVdmTaK8wxXtnLotNnDbfMO3HHFkhNxHyQQDnmE052oI3WuacvO8g2xO~IBYy8RgEARmX6Ix6xWiXjP6RYpDJjtoO1C7mnHK6xfzHBrSp4S4jJAz4DJNNuQ5JFEydzP3PZdIlbyiBoWS2ktpk1lgjw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Town staff briefed commissioners on the armory’s FY26 operating budget during the May 7, 2025, work session and provided advertising and programming details for bookings and revenues.

Staff presented a proposed operating budget of $254,460 for the armory and armory marketplace, with $16,500 earmarked for maintenance and utilities for the garages and $237,960 for regular armory operations, including salaries for the events manager and part‑time staff, utilities and maintenance. The events line includes $10,400 for advertising and outreach channels such as WeddingWire and Zola. Julia Potler was identified as the Town of Bel Air Events Manager who schedules private and public use of the armory.

How it matters: speakers emphasized the armory’s role as a community center and fundraising venue. Director Klein said the armory is “a community center first and foremost,” and staff noted bookings were strong — “booked all the way through 2025 as of yesterday” — and in demand for classes and fundraising events. Staff also told commissioners that the armory’s combined revenues from the marketplace and events total about $160,000, leaving a roughly $95,000 shortfall against expenses.

Supporting details: staff described advertising investments that staff say drive bookings: roughly $6,530 monthly on WeddingWire plus Zola advertising and brochure production. The presentation also cited new class offerings and a lecture series supported by a state arts grant. Commissioners asked whether the facility breaks even; staff said it does not and that the armory is intended as community service rather than a profit center.

Staff direction and next steps: commissioners asked staff to provide additional data on the origin of bookings (e.g., how many clients come through WeddingWire and how many travel distances of 45 minutes or more). Staff agreed to supply client origin and marketing‑source breakdowns by follow up email.

Ending: The commissioners did not change the armory budget at the session; staff will provide more detailed revenue origin and advertising return‑on‑investment data for the board to consider during final budget deliberations.","Town staff presented the Armory and Armory Marketplace FY26 operating budget and reported the facility is heavily used and booked through 2026, but revenues cover only part of operating costs, leaving a six‑figure shortfall.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6246203,"Bel Air proposes $60,000 roof replacement for Parks & Rec building; seeks 50% contribution from Parks and Rec",254,1364000,1618000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3219164-a6fd1a69d11222940e2809716f0d2a03&start=1364&end=1618","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3219164-a6fd1a69d11222940e2809716f0d2a03/thumbnail_1364000.jpg","/articles/6246203/Bel-Air/Harford-County/Maryland/Bel-Air-proposes-60000-roof-replacement-for-Parks-Rec-building-seeks-50-contribution-from-Parks-and-Rec","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6246203-f5aaac9afc5f01f53a10dc0a3d1626e4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157217&Signature=Tah7FL4awHLy-Rom1J6vBaJSFmSPutA6a7OLFkigH0rpZ8IwRE5GouyBnibOBY5PVOtiBmL6iV~e01xCNYDEhsX-xPZcBiwyAjV9~fd8oVXSO8yYvkCMFo7OXv8N7AV2a9aJStliZ-0UF6GBopDm6Y-Aab4Z3ae3o5bXiml6BtKQJOoFzk2~wPmFQ4EwaFD~5QMINDgM0KUX8mdyCeHU3~aA~h7h5xNP~7bIK9D4tuBUZBPB0RIIUcn8izWoDKzyK3Fxp6yxbr7O3I6F4cVSdOg~QrLScQUAHu-9yd0J4jfjkZlWEkIuNrQSjQ2ND3b5qtb4jOv6K0dauHRc1VRjBw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Town officials presented proposed FY26 town‑building capital work on May 7, 2025, including a $60,000 roof replacement request for the Parks & Recreation building that staff recommended split 50/50 with Bel Air Parks & Rec.

Public Works Director Steve described a difficult‑to‑repair roof with numerous fasteners and repeated leak repairs over several years. “It’s leaking pretty badly, and we’ve tried for over 3 or 4 years to correct the leaks,” he said while explaining why replacement is needed rather than patch work. Staff estimated the cost at $60,000 based on three contractor quotes and the building’s unusual roof construction.

How it matters: commissioners and staff discussed funding. Steve and town finance staff said $30,000 of the cost would be requested from Parks & Rec as a contribution; the town would cover the remaining $30,000 from current revenues. Director Klein said he had a December conversation with Dave (Parks & Rec contact) who understood the plan and that Parks & Rec could forward‑fund the work and be reimbursed. “They wanted to forward‑fund the roof project, and we reimburse them,” Klein said, noting staff weighed the complexities of that approach.

Supporting details: the town’s buildings budget for FY26 totals $538,782, including $164,000 in capital projects across several facilities. Other projects listed include wallpaper and ceiling tile replacement in DPW and planning offices, loading dock door replacements, polymer surfacing for a break room, and the Rockfield Playground pavilion roof replacement ($12,000). Staff also proposed replacing aging loading dock doors and spent figures for building maintenance line items.

Staff direction and next steps: staff asked for confirmation that commissioners would support the budget line; commissioners asked for clarity on where Parks & Rec would source $30,000 (county funds, parent fundraising or other). Staff said they will follow up to confirm Parks & Rec’s formal commitment and to finalize funding sources during the remaining budget process.

Ending: Commissioners did not take a formal vote on the roof at the session; they requested staff return with confirmation of the Parks & Rec contribution and final cost estimates before the budget is finalized.","Public works staff told commissioners the Parks & Recreation building needs a new roof priced at $60,000 because of recurring leaks; staff proposed splitting the cost with Bel Air Parks & Rec, which staff said had funds and could forward‑fund the project for reimbursement.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6246208,"Bel Air discusses condominium trash contract, considers buying collection trucks",1371,4289000,5660000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3219164-a6fd1a69d11222940e2809716f0d2a03&start=4289&end=5660","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3219164-a6fd1a69d11222940e2809716f0d2a03/thumbnail_4289000.jpg","/articles/6246208/Bel-Air/Harford-County/Maryland/Bel-Air-discusses-condominium-trash-contract-considers-buying-collection-trucks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6246208-7c9e06ee4eea5bc63135fa68ab47060b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157217&Signature=RvkalEjykw7p8kC5BRnenCSGq8wSTb4Iv2FTzkqGUCNlyfp7Sbq7Y2pnqYJWzK2147c1rQlkOU-SX6LAYyjoGJpgk8S4OW4ZZeWaoFO3EPJlSlLLFgZkCffN7oL94jEjwyeCEWPtiOlVFYhqUroJyN7xOyQLGWdrZxWmH9nwHryswgTxmRLbXbAs7toTQufam5YGwh6KjDJ4bAOF1YKtRapG1--fZi5GWATdM1i0t~2ycxA8c0KTBAI8mz62qsMFS4B3bl10d3LJnAsBPpcOsuzQad5rrpYAi1qEzO2tOZAXYHELLUZCCCO9ruoAS2m1KRKUXV44fMDoa-cccWhM4A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bel Air commissioners and public works staff discussed rising condominium trash costs at the May 7, 2025, budget work session and directed staff to develop a plan to evaluate bringing collection in‑house.

The conversation focused on the town’s contract with Casella to service condominium dumpsters and the county tipping fee paid to Harford County. Public Works Director Steve said the town pays Casella roughly $116,000 a year to provide dumpsters and service, and the town covers an estimated $133,380 a year in Harford County tipping fees for about 1,140 tons of condominium trash. “So it’s probably going to be a million‑dollar investment if the town were ever to do it on their own,” he said, while also noting annual costs paid now approach $240,000–$250,000.

Why it matters: commissioners and staff said that, with potential large increases from Casella and long lead times to buy specialized trucks, planning now could save money later. Steve and other staff outlined a roughly two‑year timeline to phase in town collection that would include buying one used and one new front‑end loader truck initially, purchasing dumpsters, and adjusting staffing. Commissioner Rutledge and others pushed for a feasibility study and for staff to prepare a procurement and funding plan, with capital reserves likely to be the funding source for any vehicle purchases.

Supporting details: staff noted several constraints. Harford County’s contract with Casella is a multi‑year agreement (three years with a two‑year renewal option) and the town currently piggybacks on that contract; the consultant/contract terms make immediate transition complex. Steve said truck lead times can be about a year, and the cost of two trucks and dumpsters could approach $1 million. Town staff said buying trucks and dumpsters would require short‑term overlap costs (double costs) during transition and careful procurement to avoid service gaps for condominium residents.

Staff direction and next steps: commissioners asked staff to prepare a formal plan and timeline, including capital‑reserve funding options, a phased purchase schedule (new + used truck), and an implementation plan, and to return with numbers and recommended procurement strategy at a future work session. Staff also said they will continue negotiations and coordination with Casella and Harford County and examine the legal/contractual details, including any escape clauses.

Context: Town staff and commissioners said the town currently spends roughly $1,015,649 on curbside collection overall in FY26, with $249,411 of that covering the condominium contract. The tipping fee portion of that contract is the largest single driver of the condo line item’s cost.

Ending: Commissioners agreed the topic merits a detailed staff study and asked for a two‑year implementation timeline and cost breakdown to be returned in a future meeting so the board can decide whether and when to shift to town-run condominium collection.","Town commissioners and staff reviewed FY26 refuse costs tied to a Casella contract for condominium dumpsters, including rising tipping fees, and discussed a multi-year plan to evaluate buying town-owned trucks and dumpsters to reduce long‑term costs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Bel Air budget includes $55,584 for fire hydrant rentals after Maryland American surcharge

Bel Air schedules $430,000 in resurfacing and proposes $345,000 in vehicle replacements for FY26

Bel Air Armory budget shows operating shortfall despite full bookings, staff says

Bel Air proposes $60,000 roof replacement for Parks & Rec building; seeks 50% contribution from Parks and Rec

Bel Air discusses condominium trash contract, considers buying collection trucks