Pony Town Baptist Church Seeks Water Bill Reprieve After Tree Clearing Dispute

The Mayor and City Council of Taneytown, Maryland, convened on August 6, 2025, to address several key issues, with a significant focus on a water reprieve request from Pony Town Baptist Church. The meeting began with a discussion led by Jim, who explained the situation regarding Well House Number 17, located on the church's property.

The church expressed dissatisfaction after the Public Works Department cleared scrub vegetation and trees that had been obstructing the communication signal between the well house and the city’s wastewater treatment plant. This clearing, which occurred around the time of a community event, has led to the church requesting relief on their water bill, citing their limited water usage and the fact that they had previously granted an easement for the well's installation.

The council discussed the implications of the easement, noting that while the city has access rights, the church owns the property. Jim recommended a water reprieve of 6,000 gallons, which would amount to approximately 10 to 20 percent above the church's monthly average usage. The council acknowledged the church's concerns about the visibility of the well house and the need for a green buffer, which would take time to establish.

Further discussions highlighted the importance of reviewing the easement documents to clarify the city’s rights regarding tree maintenance and clearing. The council agreed to investigate the easement's language and compare it with aerial maps to determine the exact boundaries and rights.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the need for improved communication and consideration of community concerns, particularly regarding the church's request for goodwill from the city in light of the recent clearing. The council plans to follow up on the easement review and consider the church's request for a water bill adjustment in future discussions.