SMITHSBURG – Smithsburg officials hailed a $306,000 federal grant for water system improvements during the Feb. 4 Mayor & Council meeting, amid discussions on infrastructure, town finances and community health initiatives.
Secured through the office of U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland), the funding includes upgrades to treatment plants and efforts to combat pollution as Maryland grapples with water and sewer challenges statewide.
Town Manager Brian Brant told the council the grant is part of a larger $2.5 million request list aimed at enhancing water reliability. While specifics are pending, council members expressed hope that it could extend to sewer needs and support ongoing projects, such as the town’s $2.1 million water and sewer upgrades launched in late 2024.
Brant said funding could support expansions at the wastewater treatment plant, which is undergoing upgrades to improve nutrient removal and reduce nitrogen discharges into local waterways, in line with state environmental goals.
Council members noted the funding’s potential to offset shortfalls, leaving them optimistic that sustainable improvements will help the town address quarterly billing lags and ongoing capital demands.
Financial transfers highlight fiscal vigilance
Smithsburg’s Auditor Erin Clark reported from the 2025 audit that the water fund owed the general fund about $400,000, and the sewer fund owed about $21,000 due to cash flowing only through the general fund while revenues are recorded separately in the water and sewer funds, creating timing gaps.
She suggested transferring only a partial amount now, warning that moving the entire $400,000 from the water fund could dangerously reduce its cash reserves. The council deferred any decision and asked town Treasurer Jenni House to verify current cash levels and report at the next meeting to consider a schedule for the transfers.
The council exhibited a strong focus on financial oversight with detailed discussion of accounting challenges. Councilmember Jon Snyder raised concerns about delays in recording revenue and the way payroll is split across funds, resulting in overly complex reports. Clark explained that quarterly billing for water and sewer pushes them out of sync with revenue and suggested tracking major capital projects in a separate spreadsheet until year-end adjustments.
Snyder advocated for better software to make reporting easier, while Clark said the current QuickBooks system works well for a small town like Smithsburg, but agreed to price the upgrade. Mayor Donald Souders confirmed the request for estimates and said the council could decide whether to proceed with the upgrade as it plans the next budget.
Water bill dispute spotlights consumer tips and policy gaps
A heated exchange over a disputed water bill underscored policy limitations and offered lessons for neighbors facing similar issues. Resident Jonathan Davis contested a $141 spike after a reading of more than 11,000 gallons of consumption over three October days, blaming a faulty meter possibly affected by air pockets, and assured the council the property had no leaks, maintained a large septic tank and were careful in their usage.
Council members were sympathetic but said town ordinances barred refunds. Davis said he installed a flume device for real-time monitoring, and that bills have been normal ever since. Snyder suggested establishing a three-member appeals board, common in municipalities like Smithsburg, to handle disputes without council involvement.
Stormwater tree project gains momentum
The council endorsed a commitment letter for a stormwater tree planting grant at the 4.55-acre Geyser Way and Main Street dry pond, partnering with Maryland Forest Service and Catoctin Land Trust. Coordinator Anna Twigg continued her presentation from the last meeting and outlined how to transform turf grass into native habitats by infusing large and medium-sized trees, small shrubs and meadow trees to improve water quality, wildlife habitat and the site’s aesthetics.
Funded by Chesapeake Bay Trust and state watershed acts, the matching-fund initiative includes five years of maintenance, slashing long-term costs. Plans include play areas, paths and low-mow turf, with flexibility pending a review by the town’s engineering consultant, RK&K, later this month.
The project stems from the state’s Five Million Trees goal, which aims to surpass 1.5 million planted by 2025. Twigg’s earlier presentation had explored Smithsburg’s potential for Tree City USA status, reflecting the town’s volunteer planting history in local parks.
Overdose awareness event renewed for community healing
The council approved a Smithsburg Goes Purple event at Veterans Park for late next summer, waiving fees for the gathering, after hearing testimony on the importance of stigma reduction through remembrance, speakers and resources. The event ties into Maryland’s overdose efforts, including International Overdose Awareness Day.
Snow ordinance tweaks aim for safer streets
In the wake of the latest snowstorm, Police Chief Rob Marker proposed amending the snow emergency parking ordinance, with the ordinance scheduled for Feb. 17 adoption. The change requires vehicle removal within two hours of declarations, easing plowing amid advance weather warnings. Chief Marker urged community cooperation and urged residents to be neighborly toward the elderly, who are vulnerable when navigating snow and ice.
