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Mayor outlines infrastructure upgrades, library growth and reserve fund in State of the Town
Summary
Mayor Benton delivered a State of the Town highlighting stormwater and waterfront projects, the town's library and web traffic growth, and the town's fund balances. He said the breakwater RFP and pump-station upgrades are progressing and flagged state budget uncertainty affecting municipal revenues.
Mayor Benton delivered the State of the Town, emphasizing infrastructure, public safety, tourism and the town’s financial position.
Benton highlighted current and upcoming capital projects: a breakwater project for the boardwalk (RFP in final legal review), a Bay Avenue pump-station rehabilitation, and a 9th Street stormwater pump upgrade already approved by council. He said staff submitted a swim-area enhancement package to the Maryland Department of the Environment and that larger projects are advancing toward bid stages.
The mayor highlighted community and cultural accomplishments: a high-performing new library (the mayor cited roughly "97,000 people walk through those doors" since opening), expanded Nature Center programming, and robust tourism numbers. Marketing director Dawn and waterfront staff reported 376,238 page views on the town website and strong social-media reach; staff also previewed April events including the farmer’s market and Earth Day programs.
On finance, officials described a revised monthly treasurer’s report structured to match governmental accounting standards and show fund balances and encumbrances. Council discussion noted the Rainy Day Fund balance reported at about $3.9 million and the FY25 budget figure of about $3.7 million; one councilmember said that level of reserves merits future policy discussion about appropriate operating balances. The treasurer and staff offered to provide line-item clarifications for public-safety expenditures and other questions.
Benton reiterated advocacy efforts at the Maryland Mayors Association for more local revenue, saying, "I just want 1¢ of [the state's 6¢ sales tax]," as an example of ongoing lobbying to increase municipal revenue options. He told council that state budget outcomes remain uncertain until session concludes and said the town will brief council on any material impacts.
Why this matters: the State of the Town frames the council’s priorities for infrastructure investment, service delivery and revenue strategy as the town enters its busy event season and continues capital projects that affect flood mitigation, waterfront safety and tourism.
Next steps: staff will present a finalized staff budget in a work session next month and provide requested clarifications on expenditures.
