[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6207978,"mediaKeyId","3750265-76f55ac932a2973e40de69bb9430a986","parentId",3750265,"title","Kent County commissioners vote to seek state answers after audit, missing septic records hamper homeowners","audioSeconds",3701,"startMs",1067000,"endMs",4768000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3750265-76f55ac932a2973e40de69bb9430a986&start=1067&end=4768","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3750265-76f55ac932a2973e40de69bb9430a986/thumbnail_1067000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6207978/Kent-County/Maryland/Kent-County-commissioners-vote-to-seek-state-answers-after-audit-missing-septic-records-hamper-homeowners","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6207978-68cb011ff262f7eb429a9678b678a9b2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196250&Signature=d8sH9ZVLWLzbWAax6jQgg7l~HELXyWaV59Zv19DR~PJtA2-MXN8~I1N1UyPDuHudXRWKxTUeO6mVj-zRaKA0g-0RuNPQzcIUePBjmZauuPAKalOSDiymMp1RdpnWezsL2aj7TzwGAwljiE8yNzUugfQPhSsU5QSylsmg4h1x8hIbJxhi70QVmDWGKadL94DYB9dRlMsAN03LAEwTTybkIY2KfXYBB0hqMLmqebvy8e1xnMRBZS3y1xnckiuud5l9ma90YpFSy96~YA7svvBPZx4JhGBp5MkiXC-IW6Uyz13i8tXBbCg5k7x0lNnfn0uJPQU0SFEbvQNbAnALYEbxpQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Kent County, MD","date","2025-06-11T00:57:05.573Z","article","Kent County commissioners voted Tuesday to send formal written questions to state agencies after an audit of the Kent County Health Department and multiple constituent complaints about lost septic (\"perk\") records left homeowners unable to use previously approved tests.

The action came after homeowners Thomas A. Tucker and Bonnie Tucker told the commissioners they relied on a 2010 approved perk test and paid for a 2017 purchase that included a vacant lot with an indicated septic reserve area. When they attempted to move forward with construction, county sanitary staff told them the department had no record of the earlier approval and required new tests. Thomas A. Tucker said the change forced repeated new surveys, stormwater plans and test digs and added cost and delay: “We bought the property in 02/2017 … the parcel was 9 and a half acres with an approved perk,” he told the commissioners.

Realtor Billy Norris, who said he has worked on Kent County real estate and environmental health matters for 42 years, described similar incidents and told the commission he found plats recorded in the county land records even though the health office lacked corresponding files. “I went back into the health department with that after they told me they had no records because all the records disappeared,” Norris said.

Commissioners and staff described a broader problem raised by the audit: apparent gaps in departmental records and a lack of licensed sanitarian coverage since 2023. County staff said the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) conducted an audit spanning 2015–2024; commissioners said they received copies of the report and that it contained “scathing” findings that will require further review. County staff and planning officials confirmed copies of recorded plats exist in Kent County Planning, Housing & Zoning files; planning staff said a plat in the Tucker case bears an engineer’s seal and signatures and appears in the county land records.

County legal counsel and planning staff cautioned that if the health department refuses to accept a recorded plat as valid, the zoning office cannot issue a building permit without the health-district sign-off. Counsel warned that building without health approval could risk stop-work orders, fines or injunctive relief from the state health agency.

After extended discussion and public testimony from property owners and realtors, the board voted to direct staff to prepare and send written questions to the Maryland Department of the Environment and the local health department asking, among other items, why the audit covered 2015–2024, who conducted it, and whether recorded plats with signed septic-reserve areas provide a valid basis for permitting. The motion passed by voice vote.

Commissioners said the written inquiry is intended to get specific, documented answers that the county and affected property owners can rely on; they also asked staff to report back and to consider whether additional legal steps are necessary. Commissioners and residents repeatedly emphasized the issue affects realtors, landowners, septic contractors and prospective buyers countywide.

The board did not direct or authorize litigation during the open discussion; county counsel said he preferred advising the body in closed session about legal options if needed. The commissioners also noted the county’s funding role: Kent County contributes local funds to support the health department facility but the health department staff are state employees and the county’s direct oversight is limited. Commissioners said the board will pursue answers in writing from state agencies and will follow up when responses are received.

Community members and county staff said the issue has financial consequences for affected homeowners: Norris estimated repairs or replacements can range from a few thousand dollars to as much as $18,000 in some cases, and the Tuckers described duplicative surveying and stormwater costs after being told an earlier approval was not available for use. The board asked staff to prepare a formal letter with specific questions and to return with the agencies’ written responses.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","06.10.25 Commissioners Meeting 1","oneSentenceSummary","Kent County commissioners voted Tuesday to send formal written questions to state agencies after an audit of the Kent County Health Department and multiple constituent complaints about lost septic (\"perk\") records left homeowners unable to use previously approved tests.","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},6207963,"Kent County commissioners back Betterton's opposition to solar project on town growth land",304,5783000,6087000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3750265-76f55ac932a2973e40de69bb9430a986&start=5783&end=6087","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3750265-76f55ac932a2973e40de69bb9430a986/thumbnail_5783000.jpg","/articles/6207963/Kent-County/Maryland/Kent-County-commissioners-back-Bettertons-opposition-to-solar-project-on-town-growth-land","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6207963-505d52598a630b54bab99f19b0b6258b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196250&Signature=bPDuV6dtYMWl~UvpaMM4hNcI2EECt~UGPzcygP8zub28p5lou24txVcqbkTZifF7tHAOvK~-DZK1g0gmCdNjrgqbPelFvX~OYzCEoJfJH5sgnlKzAcynQtPyIyV6tfFDiwOJ~4TsP1y2A2E3iT1Ff5k21O0J~aJ3wA-JuaTk-VDSZxFGua562d6uOGF0pRUhHsmMHzHRSS5PdBybCzCo-oDkv47rWBQUyOjYCemCmOkCVuyN~Eo~Dd3y8MQDvD0hELBAUl1RljlC4eQ3s5rjK4-PqctP9q4A2xRJ4tEnHnMKw8aNCXgYGoIUNtpAKQBxt98FuAAXrIbk2HlQMhp8NA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kent County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday to send a letter supporting the Town of Betterton's opposition to a proposed 30-acre utility-scale solar project by Halo on land inside the town limits.

Commissioners and staff said the parcel in question lies within Betterton's growth area and was annexed years ago; the county's comprehensive plan and the town's land-use designations earmark the parcel for future development and potential sewer service rather than utility-scale solar. County staff prepared a draft letter supporting the town's opposition; the board approved sending that letter by unanimous voice vote.

Commissioners and staff said the Betterton case differs from some other solar siting matters because the parcel sits inside municipal limits and is considered a likely area for town expansion. One commissioner said locating a utility-scale array on land the town expects to develop would be “diametrically opposed” to state and local housing and planning policies.

Staff noted the project is one of several pending or proposed utility-scale projects in the county; the board said opposing the Betterton siting is consistent with a local planning goal of reserving certain parcels for municipal growth. The commissioners approved the letter as drafted and directed staff to transmit it to the town and relevant state reviewers.","Kent County commissioners voted to send a letter supporting the Town of Betterton's opposition to a proposed 30-acre Halo utility-scale solar array on land the town has designated for growth.",{"_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},6207968,"Kent County adopts FY2026 budget, tax levy and water/sewer rates; commissioners flag library information for follow-up",341,79000,420000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3750265-76f55ac932a2973e40de69bb9430a986&start=79&end=420","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3750265-76f55ac932a2973e40de69bb9430a986/thumbnail_79000.jpg","/articles/6207968/Kent-County/Maryland/Kent-County-adopts-FY2026-budget-tax-levy-and-watersewer-rates-commissioners-flag-library-information-for-follow-up","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6207968-17954ca90b45519a0e008c4d78693f95/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196250&Signature=glVSefxHV0OnzzFiMMK~ipPaN68VFIzxWspBnTJLh64V31OSW7QI3EH6LSAQy6PtKnOQIRJGWazHcDIPfdUNOylCVJNV4yZ6FXDA-zXbydx1aHfDJsKfIAQLo7h-lo2xQActGmZz6qvzZlP3I540zhJbWP-M658I-Ju2qzSCXemyKswKLgOPn0LnNvJv5MuCJFMo9Bm~UwTcqQvidol46-eJHnwE6WOVlsrOfGz186vt39VruqVZ4Ql9-ZvJ2rWC811C-ekWVqBb5tdmCIK~~TPcOa8u13N4WT~nuh2wKisfen5KBIcyaJyN8v9RXgS~qRiu4OPBy8EWf6bordc3eg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kent County commissioners on Tuesday approved a package of fiscal resolutions including the 2025 tax levy, the county income tax rate, the water and sewer service rates for fiscal year 2026 and the FY2026 general fund budget.

The board moved and approved Resolution 2025-05 establishing the Kent County tax levy and Resolution 2025-06 setting the county income tax rate. Commissioners also approved Resolution 2025-07, which sets water and sewer service rates for FY2026. Finally, the board approved Resolution 2025-08 adopting the FY2026 general fund budget.

During discussion of the budget, a commissioner said additional information had been presented to staff about the county library and requested staff investigate and report back. Commissioners directed staff to review the new material and noted the board could amend the adopted budget before the end of the fiscal year if necessary; one commissioner suggested placing the item on the June 24 agenda for follow-up. The board approved the budget adoption motion by unanimous voice vote.

County staff said they had received numerous written comments during the budget process and that county officials involved in budget preparation will follow up on the library matter and report back to the board.

The votes occurred early in the meeting and were taken by voice; each resolution was moved and approved with an \"aye\" from each commissioner as recorded in the meeting minutes.","The Kent County Board of Commissioners adopted several fiscal resolutions including the 2025 tax levy, county income tax rate, water and sewer service rates for FY2026 and the FY2026 general fund budget. Commissioners said new information about the county library requires follow-up and left open the option to amend the budget before June 30.",{"_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},6207973,"Kent County closes public hearings on new land-use ordinance and several agricultural preservation districts",544,517000,1061000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3750265-76f55ac932a2973e40de69bb9430a986&start=517&end=1061","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3750265-76f55ac932a2973e40de69bb9430a986/thumbnail_517000.jpg","/articles/6207973/Kent-County/Maryland/Kent-County-closes-public-hearings-on-new-land-use-ordinance-and-several-agricultural-preservation-districts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6207973-a45cfcaf6448fcb9c8e96ad526a18d70/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196250&Signature=dzbgnThSqt7~9QhzmQUqrAs50Cutd9suXwCbLtlq~DtbxGimw7TOUPitcoufUQ37AY6cdvFPwDaND8BZIG4hwL03WiT-rtUgXhl7JR~bdRaqXiZlzA~koJDeaMAHtWDK7rSyfV6YJELelhkTJSOm1vgs7xfulY8z4Ezwe8QCz0VV~zElgdldWzTQnkQmuHaU-E9E8IzRVUXWGLR--4BlFmezL3WCsC7SVTPn-LUEdeUQXKMPnZsk4gGCPRRpk9njc6xdYmroAywF-Z9C-xaV9TdV-E6PEAaEvfS5moTLQZqfmGdnEnFK3JydHP7YcNTzmQazZVWnw5zBQgEFdPSshQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kent County commissioners on Tuesday closed public hearings on a proposed Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) that would replace the county’s zoning code and on applications to create several agricultural preservation districts.

Tom Mackey of the county planning office presented the UDO update and told commissioners the Maryland Critical Area Commission had suggested five technical, non-substantive edits; planning staff will incorporate those edits before an adoption hearing planned in July. The county clerk read the formal notice establishing the hearing schedule: the public hearing took place June 10, 2025, at 10 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Hearing Room at 400 High Street in Chestertown, and written comments were accepted through noon on June 6, 2025.

No members of the public signed up to speak for or against the UDO, and the board closed the hearing by motion and unanimous voice vote. Planning staff said a complete copy of the proposed ordinance was available in the commissioners’ office and online.

The board then held a hearing on voluntary agricultural preservation districts for properties including Lester C. Jones and Sons (several parcels on Massey Road) and Fairfield I, LLC on Locust Grove Road. Planning staff said the farms lie within the county’s priority preservation area; the Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board and the Planning Commission had both recommended approval. Commissioners closed that hearing as well after no one from the public came forward to testify.

Commissioners and staff noted the UDO process has taken several years of drafting and negotiation and emphasized that the adoption hearing will include any remaining minor edits requested by the Critical Area Commission.

The hearings were procedural steps under Code Home Rule Bill 4-2025, which rescinds and replaces Chapter 222 (zoning) of the Kent County public local laws and rescinds and replaces the official zoning map to incorporate Critical Area Commission recommendations under the Maryland Annotated Code, Natural Resources Article §8-1809.

The board voted to close both public hearings by unanimous vote.","The Kent County commissioners closed two back-to-back public hearings on June 10 on a comprehensive Unified Development Ordinance and on the voluntary creation of agricultural preservation districts for several farms; no public speakers signed up and planning staff said the Critical Area Commission’s technical changes are nearly resolved.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Kent County commissioners vote to seek state answers after audit, missing septic records hamper homeowners

Kent County commissioners back Betterton's opposition to solar project on town growth land

Kent County adopts FY2026 budget, tax levy and water/sewer rates; commissioners flag library information for follow-up

Kent County closes public hearings on new land-use ordinance and several agricultural preservation districts