SMITHSBURG – Smithsburg officials updated the town’s ethics ordinance to comply with state requirements, postponed action on selecting a municipal adviser for future borrowing and moved forward on a planning and zoning appointment during the mayor and council meeting on Tuesday.
The council also got good news on water line leaks and urged residents to get involved in local government boards ahead of the town’s 2026 election.
Ethics updates meet state requirements
The council unanimously approved an amendment to the town’s ethics code using a model ordinance developed at the state level.
Town Attorney Edward L. Kuczynski explained that the change was largely procedural and was needed because Smithsburg had not updated its ethics ordinance in several years. He said the town must certify to the state that its ordinance complies with state law and that the model ordinance provides the most reliable way to ensure compliance.
The ordinance will take effect Jan. 26. Until then, the existing ethics rules remain in place.
Decision delayed on debt adviser
The council postponed selecting a registered municipal adviser to assist with potential general obligation debt or other public financing after three firms responded to a request for proposals.
Kuczynski said the town’s bond counsel, Lindsay A. Rader of Funk and Bolton, recommended a close review of the technical proposals. He told the council there was no urgency and that Rader is expected to provide feedback ahead of the next meeting after reviewing the three submissions.
The council voted to postpone the discussion and said it expects recommendations before its next meeting.
Economic Development Commission seeks members, considers survey
Officials said the Economic Development Commission remains focused on building membership and establishing goals, including addressing what Councilman Jon Snyder described as an “identity crisis” about what the town wants to be.
Discussion included a possible community survey and potentially contracting for door-to-door outreach to improve response rates rather than relying solely on email surveys. Officials encouraged residents interested in serving to apply.
Water line inspections find system performing well
Officials reported ongoing efforts to locate water line leaks through inspections and equipment sweeps, saying findings so far have been limited to minor cracks and smaller leaks rather than major pipe breaks.
They said the town’s equipment is performing well and that there were no complaints about its performance.
Election year reminders and a call for an election board chair
Smithsburg will hold municipal elections in 2026, with the mayor’s seat and two council seats up for election.
Officials said the town still needs a chair for the election board and urged residents to apply. They discussed preparing an informational document outlining the position’s time commitment and responsibilities, and noted that the town has increased the chair’s compensation.
The filing deadline is the first Monday in April, with the election expected on the second Tuesday in May.
Council thanks police for Shop with a Cop, offers condolences
Several council members thanked Police Chief Rob Marker and officers involved with the town’s Shop with a Cop program, calling it a positive event for the community.
Snyder also offered condolences to the family of Mildred “Mickey” Myers, a longtime community pillar and the namesake of the town’s council chambers.
New Planning and Zoning member appointed
The council unanimously appointed Janet Gilmartin to an open seat on the Planning and Zoning Commission. As a new member, she will be required to complete a state online training course.
Upcoming meetings
Park Commission: Jan. 12, 7 p.m.
Planning Commission: Jan. 13, 7 p.m.
Special session: Jan. 20, 7 p.m.
Special Education Advisory Committee: Jan. 20, 7 p.m.
Mayor and Council: Feb. 3, 7
