Taneytown to test six‑month economic development staffing model; chamber urges designated point of contact

Council agreed to give the administration six months to evaluate whether current staff and consolidated communication channels can deliver local economic development services before hiring a full‑time economic development director.

Administration officials proposed using a consolidated economic‑development email (e.g., economicdevelopment@taneytown.md.gov) routed to multiple staff and noted that the most immediate deliverable should be measurable: recordkeeping of outreach to businesses, responses, and follow‑up actions.

Bob, speaking for the Taneytown Chamber of Commerce board, recommended the city designate a published point of contact (a name and phone number on the city website) so businesses can reliably reach someone. The chamber also said the role could start part‑time (for example, 20 hours a week) with the potential to grow to full time if the workload merits it.

"We believe there's a need even if it's a part‑time basis for someone who's designated as that party that's on the street visiting businesses on a regular basis," the chamber representative said.

Council members emphasized the need for a clear scope and deliverables if a position is created, and some expressed skepticism that a part‑time role could achieve the deepest objectives. The administration asked for council input during the six‑month trial and promised to return in August with a recommendation.

Separately, the council interviewed three applicants for a current council vacancy. Applicants highlighted differing priorities: parks and a Festival Park concept (Bill Kennedy), infrastructure and bypass advancement (Alex Kelly), and collaboration and volunteer engagement (Kimberly Craft). Council will consider appointments at the next regular meeting.