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Town manager presents year-in-review: budgets, permits, hires and new businesses
Summary
The town manager reviewed budgets and ordinances, described staffing and permit reforms, reported rental licensing growth from about 100 to over 400 properties, announced a pending Wendy's opening and a Popeyes site approval, and said the audit was extended to April 30 to allow reconciliation before minority business grants are awarded.
The town manager delivered a detailed state-of-the-town report at the Princess Anne commission meeting on Jan. 5, outlining fiscal activity, staffing changes, permitting reforms and commercial developments. The manager said the town handled three major budgets last year (an amended municipal operating budget for 2024–25, the 2025–26 operating budget, and American Rescue Plan funds), processed five ordinances and three resolutions, and pursued several operational improvements.
On staffing and operations the manager reported three hires in 2025 (including code enforcement hire Martin Bearman and the shared circuit rider Cheryl Hires), promoted Krista Cooper to full time, and implemented updated permit and license fees for commercial and residential applicants. The manager said planning & zoning created escrow-account requirements for projects and reorganized the rental licensing program; registrations rose from about 100 properties in Sept. 2024 to more than 400 today, and one staff member now manages that process.
The manager listed infrastructure and facility work — a completed road paving project, new speed humps, and upgrades to the town hall conference room including a TV and sound system — and noted partnerships with UMES, the state Department of Transportation, Somerset County and the fire department. He said the town invested in interest-bearing accounts and transferred $100,000 in December to cover payroll needs.
Regarding the audit, the auditor requested and the town approved an extension to April 30 to address compensated liabilities and the loss of the financial clerk; the manager said the town hopes to complete the audit sooner and that once it is finalized the town can proceed with minority business grants.
On development the manager reported pending openings and approvals: a Wendy’s soft opening expected within a week (subject to health department inspection), a ConEquity project possibly in May, and a Popeyes site approved in November and slated for fall. The manager also said the Main Street director recruitment is underway with interviews planned in January and an estimated February start date.
The manager closed by thanking commissioners and staff and urging continued progress in 2026; no formal action was taken on these informational items.
