(5/6) During the May 6 Emmitsburg town meeting, Commissioners voted to approve the 1.9 million dollar fiscal year 2020 budget. As presented, there will be no tax increase in the FY20 budget; it will remain at 0.36 cents per $100 of assessment.

Overall, the General Fund revenues increased by $98,193, or 5.4%, from last year’s budget. Most of this increase can be attributed to a 3% jump in projected tax revenues received. Additionally, state revenue increased this year; the town received $131,782 in State Highway Funds, approximately $27,500 more than last year, and the county tax equity funding came in higher than originally projected, at $440,603.

On the General Fund’s expense side, a few departments saw increases this year, bringing the total expenses up by approximately $82,000 in FY20. Department 10, Legislative, increased by about $3,000 this year, specifically within the Special Events line item. The town budgeted more funds for Christmas decorations, the composting program, National Night Out, Shred day, and the town’s contribution to the Boys and Girls Club. Within Department 20, the Police Department Safety Contract saw an increase by 2.89% from FY19. This was due to an increase in police officer salary merits. Also, overall salaries for town employees saw an increase by 1.35% in FY20. It was recommended that staff receive their two percent cost of living adjustment (COLA) this year.

Some capital projects planned for FY20 include: the rehabilitation of the community pool bathhouse and purchase of the community pool chairs and tables; the completion of the ADA accessible playground, which will be placed adjacent to the existing playground equipment in community park; MS-4 projects; MHAA Wayside exhibits; the construction of a disc golf course; resurfacing of the tennis/basketball court; new bleachers at the baseball field in Memorial Park; and community garden improvements. Capital funds transfers will increase to $248,171, up from last year’s total of $232,019. These Fund 2 transfers include: $6,300 for a new projector for the town office’s meeting room; $37,000 allocated for stormwater management; $3,000 for a mural and art project on Main Street; and a $60,291 transfer to vehicles, which will help fund the purchase of the town’s new dump truck and new electric town vehicle.

In regards to the Water Fund budget, both the revenue and expenses within the Water budget have decreased this year. Revenues decreased slightly to $555,810 in the FY20 budget, and expenses decreased from FY19’s budget by $5,512 for a total of $583,910. FY20 infrastructure projects within the Water Fund include: the completion of the final phase rip-rap ($10,000); Tract Road waterline replacement ($6,800); the installation of new culverts in the backwash pond ($18,000); the purchase and installation of a new furnace in the Water Plant ($5,500); and a project to tie to Mount St. Mary’s University waterline ($15,000).

Within the Sewer fund budget, revenues decreased slightly, while expenses increased. Sewer Fund revenues decreased to $1,060,250, and expenses increased from FY19’s budget by $9,958 for a total of $735,613. Future infrastructure projects for FY20 include: sewer relining from Irishtown Road to Creekside Drive ($36,400); sewer relining from the Emmitsburg Post Office to Mother Seton School ($63,000); the purchase of a new generator at the Waste Water Treatment Plant’s lab ($37,000); a new compressor for the filter facility ($13,800); East Main Street manhole project ($180,000); and the Creamery Road pump station, which is a priority project for the town, but the cost has not yet been determined.

As explained by the Town’s accountant, Cole Tabler, overall the town has been seeing slight decreases each year within both the water and sewer revenues. This can be attributed to residents’ efforts to conserve water as well as a decrease in utility and tap fees within both funds.

Town Commissioners unanimously voted to approve the budget as presented, including the tax rate of 0.36 cents per $100 of assessment, and the 2% COLA for town employees. Commissioner Cliff Sweeney was absent during the meeting, but according to Commissioner Glenn Blanchard, Sweeney had no questions or concerns regarding the budget as presented.