Leonardtown approves two budget amendments to add rate‑modeling software and buy electric shuttle; ordinance for FY27 budget set for April 13

Leonardtown — On March 9 the Town Council approved two budget amendments to support planning and downtown services and introduced an ordinance to adopt the FY27 budget.

Treasurer Sharon described BA‑2026‑106, a partial‑year budget amendment to purchase Waterworth rate‑modeling software for the town’s water and wastewater departments. Sharon said the software provides five‑year historical information and scenario modeling to help plan sizable capital projects such as the concluding wastewater treatment expansion; the amendment decreases contingency for water and sewer and increases software/support line items. Council moved, seconded and approved the amendment by voice vote. The amendment as described in the meeting record increases computer software/support by $1,200 for each department as a partial‑year purchase and staff said the full cost is included in the FY27 budget build.

The council also approved BA2026‑105 to buy a six‑to‑eight passenger electric shuttle for downtown and Wharf circulation. Staff said about $3,000 remained from a prior tram purchase and the town would request an additional $15,000 from capital outlay and interest income to complete the purchase; several businesses agreed to help fund operating costs. The vehicle will be used on Friday and Saturday evenings and for larger events to shuttle visitors from outlying parking lots to the square and to provide improved access for people with limited mobility. The council moved, seconded and approved the amendment by voice vote.

Separately, town staff introduced Ordinance 232 to adopt the FY27 budget and set property tax and service charge rates; a public hearing and adoption are scheduled for April 13, 2023 and staff will provide a clean copy before the hearing.

Council members and staff framed the software purchase as a tool to reduce manual forecasting and preserve institutional knowledge, and the shuttle as an operational improvement to ease parking demand and improve accessibility for residents and visitors.