SMITHSBURG, Md. — Smithsburg officials said the town could receive more than $1.1 million in federal funding for long-planned sewer infrastructure upgrades, enough to fully fund improvements at the Smithsburg High School pump station and begin work on a second station.
Mayor Donald Souders Jr. told the mayor and council that U.S. Rep. April Delaney is seeking an $800,000 federal earmark for the project. Combined with approximately $306,000 already associated with funding pursued through Maryland’s two U.S. senators, the town could receive about $1.1 million if Congress approves the federal budget this fall.
Town Manager Brian Brandt said the funding would cover “the high school station and money to start putting towards the second station.”
The improvements are part of Smithsburg’s continuing efforts to upgrade aging water and sewer infrastructure while relying on outside funding sources to reduce costs for local ratepayers. Town officials have spent several years pursuing grants and federal assistance for utility projects intended to support future growth and improve system reliability.
Council rejects Clovery Hill taxing district request
After months of discussion, the council voted to reject a petition seeking creation of a special taxing district tied to the proposed Clovery Hill mixed-use development.
The 68-acre project, proposed by developer Daniel Cross, would include 63 single-family homes, 50 townhouses, 162 senior living units and commercial space on annexed property within the town.
The developer had asked the town to establish a special taxing district to help finance infrastructure improvements associated with the project. Under state law, such districts can be used to issue bonds for public improvements, with the debt repaid through additional taxes assessed only on property within the development rather than on town taxpayers as a whole.
Council members spent months evaluating the proposal before voting against moving forward with the taxing district.
“I appreciated all the input that my fellow council members gave tonight,” Council Vice President Kathy McCormick said after the vote. “And I’m happy with the decision we’ve made to do what we did.”
Councilman Jon Snyder said the decision carried consequences beyond the current council’s term.
“I don’t take it lightly that the decisions that we’re making today will far outlive me,” Snyder said. “And my kids are likely to be in the area at some point for some period of time.”
Approval of Veterans Park mural
Council also approved spending up to $8,000 from hotel-motel tax revenues for a community mosaic mural at Veterans Park.
The project will create an 8-by-12-foot mural composed of individual tiles painted by residents and assembled into a permanent public artwork.
