Taneytown planning panel OKs release of draft water-resources segment for 60-day state review

The Taneytown Planning Commission voted to release the draft Taneytown segment of the Carroll County Water Resources Element to state agencies for a 60-day review.

The vote came on a motion by Barry, seconded by Bill, approving transmission of the draft so state agencies can provide comments; the commission recorded a voice vote in favor and carried the motion.

The water-resources segment is not being adopted tonight; staff said the draft will return to the commission after the county incorporates any comments from the state review. Planning staff told commissioners that Carroll County public works reviewed the draft and had no comments.

The draft is intended to align with the city's comprehensive-plan update. Planning staff said the figures in the water-resources segment draw on data used in the city's comp-plan update and that staff will check the two documents for consistency before final adoption. A joint public hearing with county and municipal planning commissions is expected after the 60-day review; staff said a date had not yet been set.

Commissioners discussed timing: staff estimated final approval could occur around 2027, depending on interjurisdictional coordination and the state review schedule.

What the commission approved tonight was limited to releasing the draft to state reviewers; the commission did not adopt the water-resources element itself.

Barry moved to release the draft Taneytown segment of the Carroll County Water Resources Element for a 60-day state review; Bill seconded the motion and the motion carried by voice vote.