Sykesville council appoints election supervisors, sets pay and adopts budget revision; proclaims Black History Month

The Sykesville Mayor and Town Council on Feb. 24 appointed five members and two alternates to the town’s board of election supervisors, set the supervisors’ election‑day pay, named the town clerk as assistant election secretary and adopted a fiscal‑year budget revision, and approved a Black History Month proclamation.

The council first approved appointments to the board of election supervisors: Trevor Evans, Lauren Hanratty and Carmen McAvoy were appointed as supervisors, with Carrie Brecky and Jamie Neath named as alternates. Councilman Leo Keenan made the motion to appoint the five individuals; Councilman Mark Dwyer seconded the motion. The clerk called the vote and council members responded “aye”; the mayor later administered the oath of office.

The appointments matter because Maryland law requires election supervisors to staff polling places; the town clerk explained terms run through February 2027 so the board can cover any special election needs through that period.

The council then set the pay rate for election supervisors at $20 per hour for work on election day. Councilman Grassley moved the pay‑rate motion and it was seconded by Councilman Schofield; the motion passed with no recorded opposition. The council also appointed Carrie Kanalowski, town clerk, as assistant election secretary; that motion passed after a second by Councilman Mark Dyer.

Later in the meeting the council opened a public hearing on Ordinance 2025‑01, a midyear budget revision that increased both revenues and expenditures by $488,005 to reflect capital projects and updated revenue forecasts. Staff said the largest addition was for the Sykesville Station project and the gatehouse front‑porch work. The council closed the public hearing with no public speakers and, after a motion on the floor, adopted Ordinance 2025‑01 unanimously.

The council also considered and approved a Black History Month proclamation recognizing national observances and the 2025 theme “African Americans and Labor.” During the roll call several members announced abstentions; the mayor later recorded the final vote as 6‑1 in favor of adopting the proclamation.

Votes at a glance

- Appointments: Trevor Evans, Lauren Hanratty and Carmen McAvoy appointed as election supervisors; Carrie Brecky and Jamie Neath appointed as alternates; terms expiring February 2027. Mover: Councilman Leo Keenan. Second: Councilman Mark Dwyer. Outcome: approved.

- Pay rate for election supervisors: set at $20 per hour for election day. Mover: Councilman Grassley. Second: Councilman Schofield. Outcome: approved.

- Assistant election secretary: Carrie Kanalowski (town clerk) appointed assistant election secretary. Mover: Councilman Grassley. Second: Councilman Mark Dyer. Outcome: approved.

- Ordinance 2025‑01 (FY2025 budget revision): increases revenues and expenditures by $488,005 to recognize capital projects (notably Sykesville Station) and updated revenue estimates; includes small reallocations in streets/roads for sign work and parks signage replacement. Outcome: adopted unanimously.

- Black History Month proclamation: adopted with a final recorded vote of 6‑1 in favor; transcript shows multiple members announced abstentions during the roll call prior to final tally.

Council procedure and context

Town staff noted the budget revision includes a $100,000 increase to professional services to cover expected legal expenses related to pending litigation. The town clerk reminded potential candidates that election candidacy filing forms are due March 24 and the election is May 6; residency and registered‑voter requirements will be posted on the town website.

No formal public testimony was recorded on the budget revision during the 45‑second public‑hearing period.

Ending

The council concluded with announcements about volunteer openings (board of zoning appeals, auxiliary police, crossing guards) and scheduled its next regular meeting for March 10, 2025.