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County outlines relationship with Neighborhood Service Center, the designated community action agency
Summary
Talbot County Manager reviewed legal and funding relationships with the Neighborhood Service Center, noting the nonprofit’s designation as the county’s community action agency and that designation does not obligate county funding under Maryland law.
County staff reviewed the formal relationship between Talbot County government and the Neighborhood Service Center, the county’s designated community action agency, clarifying oversight and funding responsibilities.
County Manager Clay Stamp (presenting) told the council the Neighborhood Service Center was designated by the council in January 1985 as the county’s community action agency under Maryland law. He said state law (Housing and Community Development Article, as cited in the meeting) permits counties to designate community action agencies but does not require counties to fund them.
Stamp summarized the federal and state history underpinning the network of community action agencies, noting the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 and the Community Services Block Grant Act of 1981 as the federal basis and that Maryland oversight requires designated agencies to meet annual reporting and compliance requirements with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. He said the Neighborhood Service Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit governed by bylaws and maintains board representation from local government, community organizations and individuals.
The manager told council the county has provided funding support historically — averaging about $83,000 annually from 2008 to 2020 and increasing in recent years to roughly $374,472 in FY2025 for operating and capital support — but characterized most of the center’s funding as coming from federal, state and private sources. He noted the Neighborhood Service Center reports to DHCD and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for federal and state programs.
Marilyn Neal, executive director of the Neighborhood Service Center, was present at the meeting; council members had no further questions after Stamp’s summary.
The presentation was intended to respond to council questions raised at the April 15 meeting and to provide public clarity about the roles, oversight and funding mix of the Neighborhood Service Center.
