Union Bridge council introduces $1.24 million FY2025–26 budget, adopts capital improvements plan

Union Bridge council on March 24 introduced its proposed fiscal year 2025–26 operating budget and approved a capital improvements resolution that prioritizes wastewater needs and relies on grants for large projects.

Laura (town official) read the proposed budget figures to the council, saying: "the proposed town budget for expenditures and revenues is $1,242,544. The town tax rate is proposed to remain at 35¢ per $100 of full value assessment and the town personal property tax rate is proposed to remain at 75¢ per $100 of assessed value." Copies of the budget are available at town hall, and the council scheduled a public hearing on April 28, 2025, at 7 p.m.

Mandy presented the town’s capital improvement program (CIP) and linked it tightly to the budget, noting that pressing needs at the existing wastewater treatment plant and related studies will limit the town’s ability to expand other capital projects without outside funds. She told the council the town is "relying on grants and forgiveness loans, not just straight loans," and highlighted that work already completed (an INI study and a PER by GHD) indicates further repairs and studies are needed.

The council moved to approve resolution 03-20-25 (the CIP). Laura made the motion and Amy seconded; the mayor called for a voice vote and announced the motion carried.

Why it matters: the introduced budget sets the town’s funding framework for services and capital work; the CIP adoption signals the council’s priorities for seeking grants and directing scarce local funds toward the wastewater plant and park/park amenities listed in the plan. The public hearing on April 28 will be the formal chance for residents to comment before the council considers adoption.

What’s next: the council will take resident comments at the April 28 public hearing, and staff will continue pursuing grants and remediation funding (including PFAS settlement proceeds) to support the CIP.