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Council reviews FY27 budget items: parks enhancements and police cruiser financing discussed
Summary
Council reviewed parks budget additions (benches, Phase 2 pavers/ADA access) and police budget considerations; the police chief proposed financing two cruisers and council asked staff to verify legal permissibility of leasing arrangements under Maryland law.
The Smithsburg Town Council reviewed departmental FY27 budget items, including parks improvements and police equipment.
Parks committee members requested funding for Phase 2 of the vacant-lot-to-park project, estimating roughly $30,000 for pavers, ADA access, benches and site prep; members discussed grant timing (POS, T‑Mobile) and possible partial use of current fiscal-year funds to accelerate work. Councilors asked staff to break down the request and consider grant constraints (a 20‑year POS stipulation was noted for certain funds).
Police leadership outlined a draft budget that includes a 4% proposed salary increase and noted utility cost pressures. The police chief described exploring financing for two fully equipped cruisers at approximately $70,000–$75,000 each through a governmental leasing company; he said payments could run about $32,000–$35,00 per month if financed and that the leasing agreement typically allows early payoff without penalty. Council members cautioned that Maryland municipal borrowing rules can constrain long‑term leasing and asked staff to verify the permissibility of the proposed financing program (First Government Leasing Company) with the town auditor/attorney before proceeding.
Staff will provide a line‑item breakdown for the parks request, look into available grants, and report back on legal and budget implications of cruiser financing ahead of final FY27 appropriation.
