SMITHSBURG, Md. – Preliminary figures from a long-delayed rate study show water and sewer increases for Smithsburg customers will be significantly lower than officials once feared.
Town Manager Brian Brandt told the Town Council Tuesday that county sewer rates are projected to rise about 3.5 percent and city water rates about 5 percent. “Which is significantly less than the 14 percent that they had mentioned before,” Brandt said. The Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project (SERCAP) rate study is still not complete and could take another one to two months.
Brandt said the final study will go back to engineering firm RK&K for verification before returning to the council. The updates came as the council prepares its fiscal 027 budget.
Council accepts water and sewer engineering plans
The council unanimously accepted preliminary engineering reports for improvements to the town’s water and sewer systems. Brandt described the documents dated April 16 as the first real long-term plan for the utilities.
“We actually have a plan,” he said. “We have a footprint to move forward. There’s never been a plan in place [before.].”
Officials said the reports will serve as the guiding document for future projects and grant applications.
Annexation petition delayed over verification
The council tabled a petition for annexation of new properties until its May 5 meeting. Town Clerk Jenni House said she was not comfortable signing the verification statement because she did not personally witness the signatures.
Budget preparations include new reporting format
Officials gave an update on the 2027 budget, projecting operational general fund revenues at about $1.6 million after shifting restricted funds into separate accounts. House is implementing a new reporting style designed to make tracking of items such as speed camera revenue and fire company requests much clearer. The operational side of the budget will be lean, officials said. A public hearing is planned in time to meet the required July 1 adoption deadline.
Hometown Heroes banners eyed for Veterans Park
The council discussed launching a Hometown Heroes banner program to honor veterans, most likely beginning in Veterans Park. Officials said they will consult the Park Commission and reach out to Potomac Edison about possible additional locations on town poles. Families would typically supply the flags while the town handles the bracketing. No formal vote was taken.
