Town Manager reports May income tax receipt, park project timelines, and federal grant requirements

Town Manager Barb Matthews briefed the council on several financial and project updates. She reported that the town received an income tax payment of $146,103.17 in May and noted that Montgomery County adopted a graduated FY2027 income tax structure that could affect Garrett Park’s local income tax receipts but is difficult to predict because of capital gains and other variables.

Ms. Matthews updated the council on the Cambria Park Improvements Project: the bid package was issued May 20, 2026, with a submission date of June 18; staff anticipates seeking contract award at the July council meeting. Work is expected to begin around Labor Day and must be completed by Oct. 30, 2026, per the contract. She also said the acoustical consultant report was delayed due to illness and that the town retained a plumber who located the Town Hall lateral sewer and found cast iron pipe in good condition and clear of obstructions.

On Yeandle Park, Ms. Matthews reported that work is progressing and that Keller Brothers must complete the landscaping contract by late July. She also summarized grant-related obligations for the Town Hall project: federal grant paperwork for the Save America’s Treasures earmark requires a 1:1 match, photographic documentation of existing conditions, and National Park Service approval of construction documents before construction may begin; staff is coordinating with CCS to prepare the required project budget and determine eligible elements under the grant program.

Councilmembers asked follow-up questions about site drainage at Yeandle Park and about potential impacts of the County’s new income tax structure on town revenues; Ms. Matthews answered and said staff will continue to monitor and report back. The council agreed to hold its August summer recess unless a time-sensitive issue arises.