Joline Humbert

The meeting addressed an amendment to the Federalsburg Town Charter regarding election dates, adoption of the FY 2025-2026 General Fund and Enterprise Fund Budgets, and adoption of a new municipal fee schedule. The council discussed the acquisition of a parcel on Benjamin Haynes Court for future development and evaluated proposals for a forensic audit. They also examined employee leave rollover policies. Other topics included a suggested ordinance update for trucking issues, public works projects, fire hydrant reimbursement, and a request for proposals for emergency services. A closed session was held to discuss a personnel matter.

The meeting included a proclamation for Endometriosis Awareness Month, supervisors' reports on maintenance, water/sewer, and police activities, and discussions on filling a vacant council seat. The council also discussed administrative access to bank accounts, reviewing a town property lawn RFP, and a proposal for a community garden. Action items included website updates, the Ethics Committee, town debts, and soliciting donations for road paving. Council members reported on Judy Center partnerships and the Chamber of Commerce Legislative wrap-up.

The workshop meeting included discussion on private property sewer lines, a franchise agreement with Chesapeake Utilities, the Chaberton Solar Project, and a festival for Haitian Flag Day. The council also discussed the Maryland Eastern Shore Trail Network, supervisors' reports, PIA/FOIA, business letters for roads, completed SOPs, the budget, employee handbook, health insurance/retirement, and the bicentennial.

The meeting included swearing in a new councilmember. An audit presentation was given, which included recommendations such as maintaining a sufficient funding balance in the general budget, aligning water/sewer rates with costs, creating a rainy day fund, tracking the operating budget quarterly, closing dormant accounts, conducting a forensic audit for fraudulent activity, and addressing the employee retention credit. The Parks & Recreation Committee provided an update on Springfest and Music on the Marshyhope, as well as a bingo fundraiser. The council discussed and adopted an ordinance for the conveyance of property. Concerns were raised about the job description for the Town Manager position, particularly regarding confidentiality. An update was given on the speed camera system, with discussions about its cost-effectiveness and revenue generation. The council also discussed a letter to business owners requesting donations to pave roads, a PIA/FOIA policy, and the appointment of Ethics Committee members. The budget was reviewed, and Unity Day planning was initiated.

The Mayor and Council held a budget/strategic planning workshop to discuss the FY 2024-2025 operating budget. Town Manager Marshall provided information about the budget, actual spending to date, and a comparison to what was budgeted for the fiscal year. The discussion included unexpected expenses with the treatment plant, potential line item trimmings, and the implemented spending freeze. The Mayor and Council discussed aligning employee salaries with the national pay scale, the commitment of ARPA funding, and the timing of the next election. They also discussed overtime expenses, quarterly budget reviews, dormant bank accounts, and the speed camera system. Strategic planning matters included ARPA funding, boards and committees, community engagement, levels of service, performance, and accountability. A closed session was held to discuss personnel matters.