Leonardtown council backs state task force on revenue and approves liquor‑license support for two spring events

Leonardtown — The Town Council on March 9 voted to support a state task force on local revenue sources and approved letters backing two upcoming events’ liquor‑license extensions.

Council approved Resolution 1‑26 to support House Bill 1142, which the resolution describes as establishing a task force to examine county and municipal revenue sources and address the shift toward service‑ and digital‑based economic activity that has left some local revenues unchanged for decades. The resolution language in the meeting record states the intent is to study revenue allocation and reduce over‑reliance on property taxes; the motion was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

The council also approved a letter of support for Ruddy Garden’s request to extend its Class D license for Red Fest on May 23–24. Staff said last year’s Red Fest drew about 4,500 attendees and Ruddy Garden projected about 6,000 this year; the event plan includes a fenced area for extended alcohol service. The council similarly approved a letter supporting Social Coffee House’s request for an extended Class B license for a bar crawl in the alley behind its building on April 17; staff said the proposed fenced beer truck would remain on the venue’s property and that a pedestrian easement runs through the area.

Council members recorded no objections during the motions and approved the items by voice vote. Town staff said there were no major issues reported from past events and that event procedures used previously would be repeated.