Hideout council appoints JD Cronin, adopts budget and creates community reinvestment agency; several ordinances amended

Hideout Town Council members interviewed four candidates to fill a vacant council seat, appointed JD (David) Cronin and completed several budget and policy votes at a meeting that combined candidate interviews, a public budget hearing and multiple ordinance actions.

The council selected JD Cronin to fill the vacancy created by the departing member; the council then passed a resolution to appoint him and conducted a public swearing-in. Candidates who spoke during the session included Brian Cooper, Alicia Skalson, Doug Silver and JD Cronin. Each candidate outlined experience and priorities during one-hour interview rounds; council members asked follow-up questions before voting.

A key agenda item was the town budget. Katie (staff member) reviewed FY25 adjustments and changes proposed for FY26. Building-permit revenue expectations were lowered for FY25 (123 forecast reduced to about 105), producing a modest downward revision to revenues; engineering escrow offsets reduced some expenses. The budget adopted keeps the town near earlier projections and counts on MIDA (development) funds to cover some municipal costs while holding contingency for street repairs, sewer camera work and potential emergency repairs. The council voted to adopt the budget after a public hearing.

The council voted to create the Hideout…