Taneytown council affirms Main Street commitment, debates staffing approach and funding safeguards

Taneytown Mayor and City Council members signaled a renewed commitment to the Maryland Main Street program at a Jan. 29 special meeting focused on restarting local Main Street efforts and defining the city’s role, staffing and financial safeguards.

Council members and city staff emphasized that the city must comply with a letter of agreement from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) that sets expectations for a designated Main Street manager and other program requirements. Jim (staff member) told the council that DHCD has been “stressing … the need to have a, 30 hour per week or full time Main Street manager,” and noted that the agreement is a written obligation between the state and the city.

The discussion centered on three linked issues: whether to hire an economic development director who would also serve as Main Street manager or to post and recruit multiple candidates; how many hours the Main Street duties should require; and how to protect program funds and improve oversight.

Public commenters urged a robust approach. Paul Cluth, who read a written statement from business owner Amy Goodell, said Goodell’s message was that the city should retain the Main Street designation, and…