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Port Deposit introduces FY2027 budget and unanimously adopts civil rights, Safe Roads and drainage measures
Summary
Treasurer Patti Gray introduced the FY2027 budget based on a 0.4761 tax rate; council adopted a Civil Rights Compliance Policy required by a USDA grant and a Safe Roads resolution to support a Safe Streets grant, and approved a $22,785 drainage improvement estimate.
Town Treasurer Patti Gray presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget at the May 19 Port Deposit work session, and council adopted two grant‑related resolutions and approved a drainage improvement estimate.
Gray said the proposed budget is based on the previously approved real‑property tax rate of 0.4761. Major line items discussed include a Town‑funded façade and landscape grant, anticipated tax‑sale property acquisitions, project costs on Granite Avenue and Race Street that are not covered by grants, restoration of the dog park, support for fire and rescue personnel including funding for the Water Witch Fire Company, purchase of a new Public Works truck and salt boxes, engineering for parking‑lot improvements and Visitor Center electrical and exterior maintenance. The council discussed parking‑lot design costs and possible phasing; Gray said capital funds are available for some items. The budget will return for public hearing and possible adoption at the June 2 meeting.
Town Administrator Vicky Rinkerman presented Resolution 12‑2026, adopting a Civil Rights Compliance Policy required by a USDA grant application; Councilman Tom Knight moved adoption and Councilwoman Randa Thiele seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Rinkerman then presented Resolution 13‑2026, a statement of support for roadway safety endorsing the Cecil County Strategic Highway Safety Plan to support a Safe Streets grant application; Knight moved adoption and Thiele seconded, and the council adopted the resolution unanimously.
On an Old Business item, Rinkerman described a reduced scope for stormwater work behind the Town‑owned parking area near 43/45 S. Main Street to install a grass swale that avoids neighbor easement requirements. Councilman Dan Berlin moved to approve the estimate of $22,785 for the 45 S. Main Street drainage improvements; Councilman Tom Knight seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Council also discussed operational and administrative items: Port Deposit will host the Maryland Municipal League Cecil‑Harford Chapter quarterly meeting on July 16 at the Carriage House (approximately 50 attendees), the Annual Rockfish Tournament is scheduled for June 6, and Town Hall will be closed May 25 for Memorial Day. The Planning Commission will meet June 25 to consider the Bainbridge annexation resolution introduced at this session.
Votes at a glance: Resolution 12‑2026 (Civil Rights Compliance Policy): moved by Councilman Tom Knight, seconded by Councilwoman Randa Thiele — adopted unanimously; Resolution 13‑2026 (Safe Roads endorsement): moved by Councilman Tom Knight, seconded by Councilwoman Randa Thiele — adopted unanimously; 45 S. Main Street drainage estimate ($22,785): moved by Councilman Dan Berlin, seconded by Councilman Tom Knight — approved unanimously.
Next steps: the budget is scheduled for a public hearing on June 2 and the Planning Commission will review the Bainbridge annexation on June 25.
