June 2007

By FRANK M. JOHNSON, Mayor of Mt. Airy
As published June 6, 2007

Thanks again to the Messenger for allowing this report, which is intended to let more of you know about the issues our town government is working on.

1. The Budget. After many months of work by staff and many others, the budget will be voted on at the June council meeting. Since the budget was formally “introduced” at the May meeting, cost and income figures have been reviewed again, with minor changes based on final information.

This budget proposes to adopt the “constant yield” property tax rate, reducing the tax rate from 18.3 cents (per $100 of value) down to 17.4 cents. In addition, no additional water or sewer rate increases are called for under the proposed budget.

One major reduction in costs for the coming year came in the health care area. With minimal impact on employee benefits, the town overall saved approximately $50,000 by moving to a “health savings account” system.

2. Unified TV Coverage for Cable Viewers. Council meetings have been shown on Carroll County’s Cable Channel 23 since August. Frederick County’s Channel 99 is now also broadcasting this channel, at least for those on cable. Meetings are replayed three times weekly on Channel 23/99 – Sundays at 7:30 p.m., Tuesdays at 3 p.m., and Fridays at 10 a.m.

In addition, Planning Commission meetings are being broadcast and other town meetings are also under consideration.

We’re thankful both to the Community Media Center in Carroll County as well as Comcast Cable in both counties for their help.

3. Water Billing. For water and sewer users with multiple connections, generally commercial properties using larger amounts of water, the town council at the May meeting approved billing properties on a “per property” basis. This change was recommended by the Water and Sewer Commission, reflects typical practice, and as our town attorney advised, is required by town code.

Past practice in Mt. Airy has been to bill on a per-hookup basis. Staff expect that the change, which again will impact only larger water users, will be reflected in the July billing.

4. Water Options. At the May meeting of the mayor and town council, the council approved groundwater exploration on the eastern part of the town, and on county land east of Route 27. Any property owners who believe they may have a well or a well site in the area, and who would be willing, for compensation, to allow the town to explore for water, should contact Monika Weierbach, town administrator, at Town Hall at 301/829-1424.

The town council will also at the June meeting consider a revised “consent agreement” with the state, eliminating the South Branch of the Patapsco as the primary option for our future water needs, among other provisions.

5. Thanks to the Schools Task Forces. With the adoption of capital budgets for both counties, and the end of the school year, I want to express appreciation for the work of the Schools Task Forces.

The Frederick County Schools Task Force supported the rebuilding of Linganore High School by 2010, as well as a recordation tax increase to help finance that project, among others.

In Carroll County, a long-awaited auditorium addition to South Carroll High School is planned for 2009. The Carroll County Schools Task Force has supported this project as well as a more comprehensive modernization of both South Carroll High School and Mt. Airy Middle School.

6. Downtown. After many years of planning, new steps to the Town Parking Lot have been constructed. We look forward to ideas for lighting and signage for this area.

We also invite ideas for a “Welcome to Downtown Mt. Airy” sign, for which the town provided funds from the 2005 fund balance. This sign would be placed on the area just before the Flat Iron Building (north of the old Fire Hall, on the right when coming into downtown from the south).

The next community forum will be on Thursday, June 14 at 7 p.m. at town hall. Community Forums are always on second Thursdays, and are simply an opportunity for citizens to ask any questions they may have – you set the agenda.

Thanks again for reading!