Union Bridge council adopts $1.24 million FY2025–26 budget, keeps tax rates unchanged

The Chair of the Union Bridge Town Council opened a public hearing on the proposed FY2025–26 operating budget and read the numbers aloud, saying, “The proposed budget for expenditures and revenues is $1,242,544.” The council solicited public comment, heard none, and closed the hearing before taking formal action.

A council member moved to adopt Budget Ordinance 319-B, which would set expenditures and revenues for fiscal year 2025–26 at $1,242,544 and keep the town tax rate at 35¢ per $100 of assessed value and the town personal property tax rate at 75¢ per $100. The motion was seconded. The council approved the ordinance by voice vote; the Chair announced the ordinance will take effect 20 days after signing and signed it that evening.

Why it matters: The budget sets the town’s operating priorities and revenue requirements for the coming year. Keeping the town and personal property tax rates unchanged preserves current tax levels for residents while matching the $1.24-million spending plan to projected revenues.

Details: The council’s formal motion to adopt Budget Ordinance 319-B was offered by the clerk (speaker 4) and seconded by a council member (speaker 3). The public hearing had been advertised in the Carroll County Times on April 1, 2025. The council recorded approval by voice vote; the transcript does not record a roll-call tally or individual votes beyond audible “aye” responses from meeting participants.

Next steps: With the ordinance signed at the meeting, the budget will become effective 20 days after the date of signing unless other administrative steps intervene.