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Cold

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Order. Alright, we're gonna bring this

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Meeting to order.

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Alright, good evening everybody.

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Welcome to the Queen Annes County Commissioners meeting.

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This is a public meeting that is being

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aired live on our local, local cable television station,

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QA CTV seven.

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These media broadcasts provide county citizens an

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opportunity to watch and participate in scheduled public

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meetings for the county commissioners.

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In addition to the live audience this evening,

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we are providing remote options for citizens

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to watch county commissioner meetings.

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Citizens may watch our meeting live on our website at

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qac.org/live

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or on our television channel Breeze Line channel seven

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and high definition Channel 5 0 7.

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We acknowledge everyone's participation

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and by attending you acknowledge

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that this session is both recorded and aired.

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Press in public comment will be taken

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and is limited to three minutes per person.

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If you do care to speak,

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please sign up at the information table in the lobby.

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Comments longer than three minutes can be submitted in

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writing for the commissioner's review as well.

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We will now stand and be led in the

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Pledge of Allegiance by commission.

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President Jim Moran,

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I pledge allegiance to flag on the

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United States of America

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and to the republic for which it stands,

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one nation under God invis with liberty and justice for all.

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Alright, again, welcome everybody.

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So the purpose of our meeting this evening is

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to present the county commissioners proposed FY 27 capital

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and operating budgets

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and then receive public comment from folks

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that have signed up and don't fret if you haven't signed up,

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we will call anybody that wants to sign up

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or speak at the end of the meeting

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after the presentation if you choose to do so.

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So with that I want

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to introduce our accounting

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commissioners, your county commissioners.

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So starting here with

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commission at large President Jim Moran.

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Seated next to him is our Vice President

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from District one, Jack Wilson.

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Sitting next to Jack is District two representative

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Patrick McLaughlin.

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Next to him is Phil Elle from District three

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and all the way down at the end

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of the table is Chris Corino from District four.

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Okay, so I have a short presentation

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that provides a high level overview

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of the F fo I 27 proposed budget

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and again, following the presentation,

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we'll we'll be receiving public comments from the audience.

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And again, we have the signup sheets out there

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but we, we'll also take a raise of hand

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for public testimony at the conclusion of the presentation.

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So I see the commissioners are in the front

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row so they can see as well.

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Alright, so here we go

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Again, I am Todd Mon, the county administrator

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and again, this is the county commissioners FY 27 proposed

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operations and capital budget.

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So leading off our FY 27 budget is comes in at

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$231 million.

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That's primarily derived of income tax revenue,

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which is projected to grow by about 14%

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property tax revenue, which is projected to grow about 10%.

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Those are over the FY 25 actuals.

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We do have some new tax revenue from short term rental

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permitting and tax collection for that program

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that increases of over a hundred thousand dollars

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in revenue next year.

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As far as the tax rates,

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the county commissioners have two tax rates that they set.

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The first one is income tax, then as proposed

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to remain the same at 3.2% for FY 27.

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And the good news is the property tax rate.

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The commissioners have proposed a decrease in your property

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tax rate of 3 cents per hundred dollars of assessed value

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and the chart on your left shows that the lion's share

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of our revenue stream comes from income

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and property tax at 86%.

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Some highlights of the operational budget expenditures

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leading off we have the Board of education

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that was funded $8.7 million above the FY 26 allocation.

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That is $8.90, 8.9 million

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above the maintenance of effort requirements.

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We've also added an additional emergency

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medical systems crew.

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A seventh EMS unit has been added to the, to the budget

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to continue to increase

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or decrease our response time

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for emergency services at $1.2 million per year.

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We've also included 16 new positions,

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including a new bus driver for the county ride group,

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a new jury commissioner for our circuit courthouse,

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a communications captain

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for the Department of Emergency Services.

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And as I mentioned earlier, the eight positions

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for the seventh EMS unit.

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For our staffing, we've included funding

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for employee recruitment

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and retention actions, which includes a 3% cost

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of living allowance and pay for performance.

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And our capital plan, we have pego money

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that's gonna be transferred to the capital projects account

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of $4.4 million.

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I wanna talk a little bit about the Board of Education

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appropriations history and the forecast going forward.

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As many of you know, we get funding from both the state

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and the county commissioners for our public school systems.

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So the first I wanted to talk about the state funds.

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The state funding for fiscal year 2027 is

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$45 million and change.

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Unfortunately that's about three

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and a half million dollars less than the original state

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Kerwin funding plan for FY 27 projection.

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So that adds to the deficit,

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which is now at $12 million less than the original state

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Kerwin funding plan allocation was projected for FY 22

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through FY 27 from our state of Maryland.

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The county funds for fiscal year 27 come in at

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$91.4 million.

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Again, that is $8.8 million

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above the maintenance of effort requirement.

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And this does not include teacher pension liabilities

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or private daycare costs that were shifted

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from the state passed down to the county.

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So on average, the county has been funding above maintenance

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of effort of of about $7 million per year

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for the last several years.

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Now this next slide shows a little graphic representation

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of some of those figures.

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You can see the blue line on the left hand side, that is the

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the actual state funding that we are receiving from the

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for the Board of Education.

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The red line just above that shows where they should be,

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where they projected they would be.

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So you see they're falling a bit short

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for their funding allocations.

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The green line is the county commissioner's allocation.

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You can see they are above the red dash line,

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which shows they are above what the requirement is

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for the maintenance of effort calculations

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for public school funding.

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The the other chart, the K through 12 student population,

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you can see we are experiencing continued

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enrollment deficits for declines.

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We started back in 2017 at 7,397 students.

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We peaked just before COVID at 7,500, over 7,500 students

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and we've been declining ever since.

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In FY 26 we have 7,115

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students in our school system just

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to give you perspective on funding versus our

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student enrollment.

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All right, this next slide shows the revenue streams

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that we receive as a county government.

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All of them over the past few years we've been very

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conservative out of concern for tariffs

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and potential federal layoffs and impacts

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and other uncertainties with the federal government.

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So we have been conservative with our revenue estimates.

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However, we do continue to see income tax growth in excess

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of state estimates.

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And for next year we are estimating 105.5 million in total

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revenue from income tax.

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And to highlight a few other allocations on this chart just

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below that, our public utility tax is expected to decline

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as utility assets are continuing to decrease due

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to asset depreciation.

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Our recordation and transfer taxes are both increasing

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primarily due to continued strong newham new home sales

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and increased home values.

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Our inter intergovernmental revenue are increasing due

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to increased and higher 9 1 1 fee collections

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and grants for police aid.

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Our interest income is expected to continue to decline

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as the federal government continues

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to slowly lower our interest rates.

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So our total revenue stream for FY 27 at the bottom

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and the FY 27 commissioner budget column is

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$230,000,950 880.

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This graphic depiction just shows where your tax dollars go.

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So 66 cents of every general fund dollar is allocated

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to education and public safety.

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So what does that mean? 43 cents of every dollar goes

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to the public school system Board of Education.

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23 cents goes to our public safety group,

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which is Emergency Services Police, fire Volunteer Services

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and Detention Center.

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That's followed by general government at 9 cents Public

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Works 7 cents Parks recreation, natural resources 3 cents

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and everything else that's left outside agencies

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and other departments at 15 cents just to give you

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a representation of where those tax dollars are allocated.

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But the takeaway here is two thirds of our operations budget

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goes for education and public safety.

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This is our chart we show every year.

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It's the real property tax rate by county.

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This is all the counties in Maryland and Baltimore City.

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We are very pleased to report that we are projected

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to be the absolute lowest property tax rate in the state

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after the FY 27 decrease of 3 cents per hundred dollars

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of assessed value and

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that's Queen Anne County down there in the yellow bar

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where the star is and everything goes up from there.

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Well over a dollar for most of the counties

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and then Baltimore City all the way to the left hand side

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of the chart over $2 per hundred dollars of assessed value.

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Alright, this next series

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of slides shows the budget expenditures by department

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and the other agencies that we fund outside agencies

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and other debt service and other expenses.

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I will highlight a few things on these,

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but generally our departmental increases are expected

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to increase by about five to 7%, mainly due

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to staff salaries, health insurance and benefit increases.

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So we are expecting additional

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needs in the legal services group due to increasing

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anticipated litigation on some high profile cases.

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Budget and finance is up due

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to additional accounting support

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for the town of Sellersville.

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We just recently acquired their water

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and sewer division as part of the county system along

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with increases for postage expenses for tax bills

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and tax delinquency bills.

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Our human resources group

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expenses do include now a new peer-to-peer counseling

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program for our public safety employees

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and volunteer firefighters.

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So a little bigger increase there.

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Our public housing shows a higher increase as well

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to cover the hiring of an additional employee

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for ongoing maintenance services in our housing group.

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This next slide includes public works

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and parks and recreation.

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So under the public works,

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our animal services division is a bit higher

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for additional kennel equipment, necessary

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emergency lighting and other safety features at our animal

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services shelter under the parks and recreation groups.

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Some good news here, both the airport

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and the golf course are lower due

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to reduced general fund support needed

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to balance their budgets respectively.

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We recently closed on an airport loan

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and we are receiving greater revenue streams from the

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golfing fees at the Blue Herring Golf course.

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So good news there. Okay,

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these are our outside agencies leading off again the board

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of Education with a 10.6% increase as mentioned.

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And that's to cover the cost of mandated cost

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by the Blueprint for Mails education future for primarily

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for salaries for teachers.

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The other agencies that we have listed here,

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the state's attorney's office shows a larger incre larger

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increase to cover new case management software

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for their agency to increase for their increasing caseload.

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Also, the Circuit court is getting an additional jury

268
00:12:59,125 --> 00:13:01,965
commissioner next year with the help to help them

269
00:13:01,965 --> 00:13:03,085
with their increased caseload.

270
00:13:04,225 --> 00:13:06,845
The Board of Elections increases, covers the leasing

271
00:13:07,085 --> 00:13:09,405
of additional polling book equipment

272
00:13:09,745 --> 00:13:13,725
and our soil conservation service is lower next year due

273
00:13:13,725 --> 00:13:15,725
to the reduction in their workforce by one

274
00:13:15,725 --> 00:13:17,685
and a half full-time equivalents.

275
00:13:21,555 --> 00:13:24,185
These are the other categories, including debt, other

276
00:13:24,185 --> 00:13:26,545
and transfers and the operations budget.

277
00:13:27,725 --> 00:13:30,785
The Board of Education debt is higher next year due

278
00:13:30,785 --> 00:13:33,385
to the debt service for the new administration building

279
00:13:33,845 --> 00:13:36,385
and roof projects at both matte elementary

280
00:13:36,445 --> 00:13:38,265
and matte middle schools.

281
00:13:39,005 --> 00:13:41,545
Our intergovernmental expenses are increasing due

282
00:13:41,545 --> 00:13:43,785
to continued increases from for from the State

283
00:13:44,545 --> 00:13:45,705
S Stat Assessment Office,

284
00:13:45,705 --> 00:13:49,545
which is a state agency which we pay for now increases

285
00:13:49,545 --> 00:13:52,425
to town rebates via the tax offset program

286
00:13:53,165 --> 00:13:55,825
and an increase in the state pension administration fees

287
00:13:55,825 --> 00:13:56,825
that we must pay.

288
00:13:57,885 --> 00:14:01,185
Our general insurance is also increasing due to premiums

289
00:14:01,965 --> 00:14:04,305
and the addition of the public housing authority

290
00:14:04,825 --> 00:14:06,505
facilities under the county's umbrella.

291
00:14:07,805 --> 00:14:11,305
And under the transfer section, the capital fund is up due

292
00:14:11,305 --> 00:14:13,385
to an increase of PEGO funding support,

293
00:14:13,635 --> 00:14:14,785
which is transferred over

294
00:14:14,785 --> 00:14:18,025
to the FY 27 capital projects account for capital projects.

295
00:14:18,845 --> 00:14:22,225
And lastly on this, I'll say that the ag transfer

296
00:14:22,845 --> 00:14:25,145
is projected to decrease next year due

297
00:14:25,145 --> 00:14:28,105
to a reduction in the anticipated funding support needed

298
00:14:28,205 --> 00:14:29,225
for that program.

299
00:14:32,125 --> 00:14:34,585
So what's changed between this fiscal year

300
00:14:34,685 --> 00:14:37,465
and next fiscal year And this chart basically just shows the

301
00:14:37,465 --> 00:14:40,265
revenue increase of 21.5 million

302
00:14:40,925 --> 00:14:42,905
and the corresponding expenditure increase,

303
00:14:43,015 --> 00:14:44,705
also a 21.5 million.

304
00:14:45,395 --> 00:14:46,705
Again, the lion's share

305
00:14:47,445 --> 00:14:50,065
of the revenue increase is from property taxes

306
00:14:50,205 --> 00:14:54,445
and income taxes, 16000003.4 million respectively,

307
00:14:55,605 --> 00:14:58,805
followed by the intergovernmental transfers at 900,000.

308
00:14:59,585 --> 00:15:00,645
On the expense side,

309
00:15:01,175 --> 00:15:04,285
we're allocating an additional 8.9 million to the Board

310
00:15:04,285 --> 00:15:08,285
of Education and our public safety group gets $2.3 million

311
00:15:08,905 --> 00:15:10,085
in addition next year

312
00:15:10,545 --> 00:15:12,965
and then the transfer to capital at 3.8 million

313
00:15:12,985 --> 00:15:14,405
for our capital projects account.

314
00:15:19,115 --> 00:15:20,965
Okay, now we can move into the capital budget.

315
00:15:21,525 --> 00:15:24,165
Some highlights here, again, leading off with the Board

316
00:15:24,165 --> 00:15:27,405
of Education, we've included funding for design

317
00:15:27,665 --> 00:15:31,645
of the new Centerville Middle School, HVAC,

318
00:15:31,645 --> 00:15:33,085
replacements at Canard

319
00:15:33,345 --> 00:15:37,125
and Centerville Elementary, a roof replacement at canard,

320
00:15:37,845 --> 00:15:39,525
a repaving of all the parking

321
00:15:40,085 --> 00:15:41,845
surfaces at the Cant Island High School,

322
00:15:42,095 --> 00:15:45,245
additional bus replacements, furniture replacements,

323
00:15:45,265 --> 00:15:47,525
and some other small projects.

324
00:15:48,645 --> 00:15:50,205
Chesapeake College, we've included funding

325
00:15:50,225 --> 00:15:51,845
for the Queen Edge Technical Center.

326
00:15:52,155 --> 00:15:53,685
It's a multi-year project funded

327
00:15:53,785 --> 00:15:55,325
by the five Midshore counties.

328
00:15:55,915 --> 00:15:58,165
That project is just out now for design

329
00:15:58,385 --> 00:16:01,725
and we hope to have a groundbreaking ceremony maybe about

330
00:16:01,725 --> 00:16:03,325
this time next year for that project.

331
00:16:04,105 --> 00:16:07,965
For our CTE programs, for our emergency services,

332
00:16:08,455 --> 00:16:11,925
we've included funding for a Motorola console upgrade,

333
00:16:12,545 --> 00:16:15,365
new ambulances, radio subscriber replacements,

334
00:16:15,825 --> 00:16:17,005
our public safety network

335
00:16:17,665 --> 00:16:20,485
and replacement of personal protective gear

336
00:16:20,705 --> 00:16:25,165
and other projects for the regional hospital.

337
00:16:25,415 --> 00:16:29,285
We've allocated an overall $5 million note over four years,

338
00:16:29,525 --> 00:16:31,685
FY 25 through FY 28

339
00:16:32,225 --> 00:16:36,005
and this year's allocation is 1.25 million towards the new

340
00:16:36,455 --> 00:16:39,005
University of Maryland Medical Systems Regional Hospital.

341
00:16:43,095 --> 00:16:44,845
Continuing with capital we have

342
00:16:44,845 --> 00:16:47,605
for the housing authority major repairs of our units

343
00:16:48,145 --> 00:16:50,765
and maintenance for Fisher Manor, Riverside Estates,

344
00:16:51,125 --> 00:16:53,805
Grasonville Terrace, Terrapin Grove FoxTown,

345
00:16:53,825 --> 00:16:55,725
and our scattered site housing stock.

346
00:16:56,735 --> 00:17:00,245
We've included additional funding of 835,000

347
00:17:00,425 --> 00:17:04,765
for the volunteer fire companies for purchase of apparatus

348
00:17:04,765 --> 00:17:06,165
and facility construction.

349
00:17:06,945 --> 00:17:09,525
For animal services. We've got funding for design

350
00:17:09,865 --> 00:17:11,525
of a new animal services shelter

351
00:17:11,625 --> 00:17:13,365
and adoption center planning

352
00:17:13,365 --> 00:17:16,685
and design money at 300,000 for our Roads division.

353
00:17:16,745 --> 00:17:19,725
We have funding for a new pedestrian bridge over US

354
00:17:19,725 --> 00:17:21,445
53 0 1 on Kent Island.

355
00:17:21,955 --> 00:17:25,405
That is a large grant funded project, 85% grant

356
00:17:25,425 --> 00:17:28,925
and that's $3 million we anticipate hopefully receiving

357
00:17:28,925 --> 00:17:30,245
good award on that here.

358
00:17:30,245 --> 00:17:31,805
This in the next few months

359
00:17:34,895 --> 00:17:36,435
for our parks department, we have funding

360
00:17:36,455 --> 00:17:39,795
for the continuation of the South Island trail expansion,

361
00:17:40,945 --> 00:17:44,355
capital equipment, athletic field work, major maintenance,

362
00:17:44,735 --> 00:17:47,715
new field lighting for white marsh and bass neck parks.

363
00:17:48,535 --> 00:17:50,365
For our recreation group, we have funding

364
00:17:50,425 --> 00:17:52,805
for land acquisition and design

365
00:17:53,465 --> 00:17:56,085
and contract development for a new recreation center.

366
00:17:56,315 --> 00:17:58,485
Also on Kent Island at 10.5 million.

367
00:17:59,665 --> 00:18:02,085
For general services and engineering, we've included funding

368
00:18:02,145 --> 00:18:03,885
for renovations of the historic courthouse

369
00:18:03,905 --> 00:18:05,205
and other county facilities.

370
00:18:05,825 --> 00:18:09,525
And for our information technology team, we have funding

371
00:18:09,625 --> 00:18:11,165
for new IT infrastructure

372
00:18:11,265 --> 00:18:14,645
and other technology associated projects for cybersecurity.

373
00:18:17,455 --> 00:18:19,645
Again with roads we have 5 million allocated

374
00:18:19,745 --> 00:18:21,605
for systems preservations,

375
00:18:21,625 --> 00:18:23,645
for asphalt overlays and capital equipment.

376
00:18:24,585 --> 00:18:26,685
We have $5 million roughly

377
00:18:26,825 --> 00:18:29,685
for the Southern Kent Island sewer phases three and four.

378
00:18:29,745 --> 00:18:32,525
The final two phases for that Route eight sewer expansion

379
00:18:32,945 --> 00:18:35,805
to include Queen Anne Colony, Kent Moore, Chesapeake State,

380
00:18:35,905 --> 00:18:39,165
so all Kent Batson, neck Normans and Maneka State.

381
00:18:39,185 --> 00:18:40,885
And that'll wrap that project up.

382
00:18:42,055 --> 00:18:44,565
We've got a grant for $3 million to

383
00:18:45,195 --> 00:18:47,845
improve the Sellersville wastewater treatment plant

384
00:18:47,865 --> 00:18:49,525
to the new ENR technology.

385
00:18:51,145 --> 00:18:52,845
And we have $500,000

386
00:18:52,985 --> 00:18:55,325
for our next sewer extension project planned

387
00:18:55,825 --> 00:18:57,485
for Marlin Farms and Dominion.

388
00:18:57,505 --> 00:18:59,085
And that has another sewer extension project

389
00:18:59,225 --> 00:19:02,045
to existing communities that have public health concern,

390
00:19:03,285 --> 00:19:04,325
septic system failures.

391
00:19:07,675 --> 00:19:11,165
This last slide shows the capital budget by funding source.

392
00:19:11,865 --> 00:19:14,245
We do have a variety of different funds that we use

393
00:19:14,245 --> 00:19:15,245
for our capital plan

394
00:19:16,065 --> 00:19:17,685
and I'll run through those real quickly.

395
00:19:17,735 --> 00:19:20,965
We've got $4.4 million in pego funding,

396
00:19:22,065 --> 00:19:24,365
nearly $8 million in grant funding.

397
00:19:25,305 --> 00:19:29,125
30.1 million, 30.8 million, excuse me, in bonds.

398
00:19:30,685 --> 00:19:32,965
13.2 million capital fund balance.

399
00:19:33,305 --> 00:19:35,605
We have 5.2 million in loans

400
00:19:35,705 --> 00:19:37,805
and those are for the sewer projects that get paid back

401
00:19:37,805 --> 00:19:39,325
with special benefit assessments

402
00:19:40,025 --> 00:19:43,845
and other funding sources include developer actions

403
00:19:43,985 --> 00:19:46,085
and special benefit assessment collections

404
00:19:46,145 --> 00:19:47,605
for road projects.

405
00:19:48,005 --> 00:19:51,805
Rounding out our $63.5 million capital plan

406
00:19:51,945 --> 00:19:53,285
for FY 27.

407
00:19:56,865 --> 00:19:59,395
Okay, so if you want to dig deeper into our

408
00:20:00,475 --> 00:20:03,515
proposed FY 27 budget, everything's on our website.

409
00:20:04,115 --> 00:20:05,155
I encourage you to go there.

410
00:20:05,155 --> 00:20:07,275
Here's the link and you can go there

411
00:20:07,275 --> 00:20:11,355
and peruse every, every number, all the agencies,

412
00:20:11,375 --> 00:20:13,715
all the departments, all the detail you need

413
00:20:13,715 --> 00:20:16,235
and we'd be happy to answer any questions that your leisure.

414
00:20:16,295 --> 00:20:18,235
You can let us know if you have questions about anything you

415
00:20:18,235 --> 00:20:21,395
see or on the budget mailers that you've received.

416
00:20:21,925 --> 00:20:24,195
We've also have a handout here that has a lot

417
00:20:24,195 --> 00:20:26,235
of additional information, including

418
00:20:26,235 --> 00:20:27,475
what I've presented here tonight.

419
00:20:27,475 --> 00:20:30,435
Some additional pie charts and the five year capital plan.

420
00:20:30,495 --> 00:20:31,955
So that's available here this evening.

421
00:20:32,015 --> 00:20:33,235
So if you haven't picked one of those up,

422
00:20:33,375 --> 00:20:35,195
please get one on your on your way out

423
00:20:35,215 --> 00:20:37,955
and we'd be happy to answer questions on that as well.

424
00:20:40,455 --> 00:20:43,795
So that concludes the very brief high level presentation

425
00:20:43,795 --> 00:20:45,675
of the FY 27 proposed budget.

426
00:20:46,295 --> 00:20:48,365
We can now take any public comment.

427
00:20:48,505 --> 00:20:51,925
So commissioners, if you wanna come on back up to the podium

428
00:20:52,585 --> 00:20:54,085
or excuse me to the front desk

429
00:20:54,145 --> 00:20:55,765
and we will run through the comments.

430
00:20:56,185 --> 00:20:57,185
So

431
00:21:01,065 --> 00:21:01,685
You wanna read the

432
00:21:07,325 --> 00:21:09,165
I gave, I gave the title I saw so,

433
00:21:10,825 --> 00:21:12,725
So when I call your name, just come on up to the

434
00:21:13,325 --> 00:21:14,845
standing microphone and please

435
00:21:14,845 --> 00:21:16,045
state your name and where you live.

436
00:21:19,775 --> 00:21:23,885
First name here is, I got one. Do not cross art.

437
00:21:24,145 --> 00:21:25,405
The not cross art. Did I say

438
00:21:25,405 --> 00:21:27,885
that right? Alright, thank you sir.

439
00:21:27,945 --> 00:21:30,965
Yes, close. My name is Benoit Cosar

440
00:21:31,105 --> 00:21:32,405
and I'm on Kent Island.

441
00:21:34,025 --> 00:21:36,765
And I'd like to start this evening by looking at the

442
00:21:38,025 --> 00:21:39,885
the revenue side of your budget.

443
00:21:39,985 --> 00:21:43,605
So you presented to us, basically, I think you mentioned it,

444
00:21:43,605 --> 00:21:47,565
the lion's share comes from property tax and income tax.

445
00:21:47,705 --> 00:21:49,765
And when I look at 2026,

446
00:21:49,835 --> 00:21:52,525
it's about $90 million revenue stream for each.

447
00:21:52,545 --> 00:21:55,125
So indeed they are, you call 'em lion's share,

448
00:21:55,245 --> 00:21:56,445
I call 'em elephants.

449
00:21:57,255 --> 00:21:59,285
Those are the big revenue streams.

450
00:21:59,285 --> 00:22:01,045
So I'll start with property tax.

451
00:22:02,665 --> 00:22:06,165
In your cover letter you highlight, you underline

452
00:22:06,515 --> 00:22:10,845
that you're decreasing property tax rate for 2027

453
00:22:13,025 --> 00:22:16,565
and you have showed us this chart over here with the,

454
00:22:16,565 --> 00:22:18,765
the yellow bar right next

455
00:22:18,765 --> 00:22:21,405
to Talbot County is queen on county.

456
00:22:23,155 --> 00:22:24,885
What the chart doesn't show is

457
00:22:24,885 --> 00:22:29,645
that you're comparing your 2027 proposed rate 80 cents

458
00:22:30,605 --> 00:22:33,405
compared to the 2026 rates for the other counties.

459
00:22:34,265 --> 00:22:39,125
And you're saying that that this will

460
00:22:39,185 --> 00:22:41,565
put the county, our county,

461
00:22:41,705 --> 00:22:44,005
and the lower lowest tax rate

462
00:22:44,025 --> 00:22:46,445
of all 24 jurisdiction in Maryland.

463
00:22:47,305 --> 00:22:51,645
But actually Talbot County is reducing their tax rate

464
00:22:52,145 --> 00:22:56,925
and not from 83 to 80, which is what you're proposing,

465
00:22:56,925 --> 00:22:59,405
which is a like a three and a half percent reduction.

466
00:23:00,865 --> 00:23:02,325
So putting things in perspective,

467
00:23:02,675 --> 00:23:07,005
when the median household price in Kent Island, I'm sorry,

468
00:23:07,065 --> 00:23:10,085
in Queenan County, is about $500,000.

469
00:23:10,475 --> 00:23:14,245
That represents a reduction of about $190 per household

470
00:23:14,385 --> 00:23:17,885
for the median household, $190 per year.

471
00:23:18,915 --> 00:23:23,125
What Talbot County did is a reduction from 80 cents

472
00:23:23,225 --> 00:23:27,405
to 67 cents, which is a meaningful

473
00:23:28,085 --> 00:23:30,685
reduction in median household property tax.

474
00:23:30,745 --> 00:23:35,165
It calculates to about $700 a year, 700 versus the 190

475
00:23:35,435 --> 00:23:36,485
that you're proposing.

476
00:23:37,265 --> 00:23:39,565
So that's what I call one elephant in the room.

477
00:23:39,565 --> 00:23:42,645
And there's another one and it's on the income tax.

478
00:23:43,025 --> 00:23:45,045
So $90 million from property tax,

479
00:23:45,125 --> 00:23:46,285
that's what I just talked about.

480
00:23:46,785 --> 00:23:50,485
Now there's another $90 million from income tax.

481
00:23:51,155 --> 00:23:53,285
When I compare that to our Talbot County,

482
00:23:54,385 --> 00:23:55,645
you're saying in your letter

483
00:23:59,355 --> 00:24:00,805
That income tax rate

484
00:24:00,805 --> 00:24:04,925
of 3.2% will remain the same for next year?

485
00:24:05,715 --> 00:24:09,445
Well 3.2% versus Talbot County who's at

486
00:24:09,505 --> 00:24:10,805
2.4%.

487
00:24:12,565 --> 00:24:14,645
I think that is a meaningful difference.

488
00:24:16,385 --> 00:24:18,845
And our neighbors to the north in Cecil County,

489
00:24:19,085 --> 00:24:21,405
I checked also there are 2.7%.

490
00:24:22,345 --> 00:24:26,645
So at 3.2% we stand in Queenland County at the highest

491
00:24:27,785 --> 00:24:31,325
of all 23 jurisdiction.

492
00:24:31,385 --> 00:24:32,925
So it sounds like I have to finish.

493
00:24:33,105 --> 00:24:37,125
So when voting for commissioners going forward, I want

494
00:24:37,125 --> 00:24:39,805
to see a plan that reduces spending.

495
00:24:40,945 --> 00:24:44,525
So we in Quinlan County can get off this list

496
00:24:44,665 --> 00:24:48,645
of having the highest income tax rate of the 23 counties.

497
00:24:50,045 --> 00:24:52,485
I mean, our income tax rate is just as high

498
00:24:52,485 --> 00:24:54,685
as Baltimore City and I don't think

499
00:24:54,685 --> 00:24:55,885
that's anything to brag about.

500
00:24:56,565 --> 00:24:58,525
I don't like to give out a problem without

501
00:24:58,525 --> 00:24:59,565
giving a solution.

502
00:25:00,105 --> 00:25:03,405
So here's the solution I have for you commissioners,

503
00:25:03,585 --> 00:25:04,765
go back to Mr.

504
00:25:04,985 --> 00:25:07,405
Mon over here and tell him

505
00:25:07,625 --> 00:25:11,325
to take another crack at this budget and cut spending.

506
00:25:13,825 --> 00:25:18,485
So, and cut it to a point that a $700 a year savings

507
00:25:18,625 --> 00:25:21,685
to the median household family can be obtained.

508
00:25:22,565 --> 00:25:25,205
Talbot County is doing it. So can we.

509
00:25:25,715 --> 00:25:29,645
That is what will get you reelected. Thank you. Thank you.

510
00:25:29,975 --> 00:25:30,405
Thank you.

511
00:25:34,795 --> 00:25:37,605
Next we have Matt Kler, department or Public Works.

512
00:25:37,695 --> 00:25:38,695
Which one?

513
00:25:44,125 --> 00:25:45,135
Good evening. Dr.

514
00:25:45,135 --> 00:25:46,415
Matt Kler, superintendent at

515
00:25:46,415 --> 00:25:47,495
Queen Anne County Public Schools.

516
00:25:47,975 --> 00:25:49,855
I wanna start by just thanking the commissioners

517
00:25:49,855 --> 00:25:52,535
for their continued support of our public schools

518
00:25:53,235 --> 00:25:56,015
at a time when districts across Maryland are cutting

519
00:25:56,015 --> 00:25:57,815
programs and eliminating positions.

520
00:25:58,235 --> 00:26:00,855
We recognize just how fortunate we are in

521
00:26:01,235 --> 00:26:03,015
to have commissioners supporting our public

522
00:26:03,015 --> 00:26:04,255
schools in Queen Anne's County.

523
00:26:04,595 --> 00:26:07,175
The proposed budget increase for our schools will allow us

524
00:26:07,175 --> 00:26:09,415
to meet our contractual obligations to employees

525
00:26:09,795 --> 00:26:13,095
and maintain our current programs and staffing levels.

526
00:26:13,385 --> 00:26:15,775
After two very difficult years of cuts

527
00:26:15,795 --> 00:26:18,335
and furloughs, that is a significant step

528
00:26:18,335 --> 00:26:19,815
forward for our school system.

529
00:26:20,605 --> 00:26:22,655
This also means that we are continuing

530
00:26:22,655 --> 00:26:24,095
to meet our obligations under the

531
00:26:24,095 --> 00:26:25,295
blueprint for Maryland's future.

532
00:26:25,715 --> 00:26:27,935
For example, starting teacher salaries next year

533
00:26:27,935 --> 00:26:29,095
will be $60,000.

534
00:26:29,545 --> 00:26:30,695
We've increased the number

535
00:26:30,695 --> 00:26:32,375
of full day pre-kindergarten seats

536
00:26:32,495 --> 00:26:33,495
for our youngest learners.

537
00:26:34,755 --> 00:26:37,535
We will continue to send hundreds of our students per year

538
00:26:37,535 --> 00:26:39,655
to dual enrollment classes at Chesapeake College,

539
00:26:39,985 --> 00:26:44,045
while also offering high quality CTE programs like our new

540
00:26:44,365 --> 00:26:46,845
electrical program and our longstanding nursing program.

541
00:26:47,545 --> 00:26:50,125
All of this is possible because of your generous support

542
00:26:50,505 --> 00:26:52,445
and for that we are sincerely grateful.

543
00:26:53,465 --> 00:26:55,085
My job as superintendent though, is

544
00:26:55,085 --> 00:26:56,605
to also advocate for the school system.

545
00:26:57,085 --> 00:26:59,405
I want Queen Anne County Public Schools to be more,

546
00:26:59,885 --> 00:27:02,205
to be in a position to do more than just maintain.

547
00:27:02,905 --> 00:27:05,965
We are currently the second highest performing school system

548
00:27:05,965 --> 00:27:06,965
on the eastern shore,

549
00:27:07,145 --> 00:27:09,605
and our goal is to become the highest performing in the

550
00:27:09,605 --> 00:27:13,365
state with 24 7 access to technology

551
00:27:13,505 --> 00:27:15,125
and cell phones at our fingertips.

552
00:27:15,125 --> 00:27:17,165
We also recognize that students face challenges

553
00:27:17,165 --> 00:27:18,605
and stressors in today's world

554
00:27:18,835 --> 00:27:21,565
that haven't always been present, even when compared

555
00:27:21,565 --> 00:27:22,645
to just a few years ago.

556
00:27:23,385 --> 00:27:26,165
Our county is home to outstanding educators,

557
00:27:26,225 --> 00:27:28,565
but supporting students requires more than

558
00:27:28,565 --> 00:27:29,725
just classroom teachers.

559
00:27:29,725 --> 00:27:33,165
In today's environment, people make the greatest impact

560
00:27:33,165 --> 00:27:34,205
in the lives of our students.

561
00:27:34,785 --> 00:27:36,325
Any additional funding provided

562
00:27:36,585 --> 00:27:39,285
by the commissioners would go directly towards supporting

563
00:27:39,445 --> 00:27:42,285
children in our schools by restoring some of the support

564
00:27:42,315 --> 00:27:44,525
that were in place in previous school years.

565
00:27:44,915 --> 00:27:46,885
This would include math and reading specialists

566
00:27:46,985 --> 00:27:48,965
and staff trained to support the behavioral

567
00:27:49,265 --> 00:27:50,845
and mental health needs of our students.

568
00:27:51,425 --> 00:27:54,365
Please know this, we are grateful for where we are.

569
00:27:54,625 --> 00:27:57,365
We will not make excuses, we won't stand still.

570
00:27:57,705 --> 00:27:59,165
We will continue pressing forward

571
00:27:59,345 --> 00:28:01,765
and giving the students of Queen Annes County the very best

572
00:28:01,795 --> 00:28:02,925
education possible.

573
00:28:03,535 --> 00:28:05,285
Again, I wanna thank you for your partnership

574
00:28:05,305 --> 00:28:06,525
and your support of the children

575
00:28:06,585 --> 00:28:07,965
and families of Queen Annes County.

576
00:28:08,925 --> 00:28:11,525
I also wanna say I plan to be able to be at all of these,

577
00:28:11,545 --> 00:28:12,685
but I can't tomorrow night.

578
00:28:12,965 --> 00:28:16,605
I, I'm gonna be cheering on the Ken Island High School boys

579
00:28:16,845 --> 00:28:19,565
lacrosse team at Stevenson University as they try

580
00:28:19,565 --> 00:28:22,645
to win back Toback State Championships for the third time

581
00:28:22,985 --> 00:28:23,965
and their fourth state

582
00:28:23,965 --> 00:28:25,605
championship outta the past five years.

583
00:28:25,875 --> 00:28:28,325
Nice go box and thank you for all your support. Thank you.

584
00:28:28,415 --> 00:28:29,415
Thank you.

585
00:28:32,675 --> 00:28:34,445
Okay, next we have Janet Salazar.

586
00:28:41,195 --> 00:28:42,325
Good evening commissioners.

587
00:28:42,385 --> 00:28:44,805
I'm Janet Salazar, the Director for the Public Libraries.

588
00:28:45,265 --> 00:28:47,845
And I am also here to thank you for our funding this year.

589
00:28:48,175 --> 00:28:50,325
Thank you for the continued support of the library

590
00:28:50,745 --> 00:28:52,965
for the investment that you make in our staff

591
00:28:52,965 --> 00:28:54,325
and our services every year.

592
00:28:54,905 --> 00:28:57,365
We truly appreciate the funding included in this year's

593
00:28:57,365 --> 00:29:00,685
budget, especially the additional outreach position

594
00:29:00,755 --> 00:29:01,845
that is much needed.

595
00:29:02,475 --> 00:29:03,805
That position will allow us

596
00:29:03,805 --> 00:29:05,885
to strengthen our connections throughout the county

597
00:29:05,985 --> 00:29:08,805
and expand access to library services for residents

598
00:29:08,805 --> 00:29:11,365
who may not otherwise be able to get to our branches.

599
00:29:11,905 --> 00:29:13,645
We are grateful that you are build

600
00:29:13,715 --> 00:29:15,845
that when you are building the county budget.

601
00:29:15,985 --> 00:29:17,725
You always remember our staff

602
00:29:18,425 --> 00:29:21,005
and the value that they bring to the library.

603
00:29:21,265 --> 00:29:23,005
So thank you very much for that.

604
00:29:24,125 --> 00:29:25,885
I also wanna thank you for including the North

605
00:29:25,885 --> 00:29:27,325
County branch funding.

606
00:29:29,195 --> 00:29:32,005
This project represents a really important step forward

607
00:29:32,105 --> 00:29:34,085
for the expanding of library access

608
00:29:34,145 --> 00:29:35,605
and services to residents in

609
00:29:35,605 --> 00:29:36,725
the northern part of our county.

610
00:29:37,495 --> 00:29:39,765
We're currently developing a community survey

611
00:29:39,905 --> 00:29:42,325
to better understand what services and resources

612
00:29:42,345 --> 00:29:44,205
and programs the residents would most

613
00:29:44,215 --> 00:29:45,445
value in their new space.

614
00:29:45,985 --> 00:29:48,525
And we want to ensure that this branch reflects the unique

615
00:29:48,535 --> 00:29:50,005
needs of that community

616
00:29:50,305 --> 00:29:53,525
and becomes a welcoming, flexible resource for all ages.

617
00:29:54,625 --> 00:29:57,365
And finally, if additional funding should come available,

618
00:29:58,465 --> 00:30:00,445
we would ask you to consider the support

619
00:30:00,445 --> 00:30:02,285
of an additional full-time makerspace

620
00:30:02,565 --> 00:30:03,605
position at this branch.

621
00:30:04,385 --> 00:30:06,445
As you saw in a recent library update,

622
00:30:07,065 --> 00:30:09,525
our makerspace usage has grown tremendously

623
00:30:09,525 --> 00:30:12,205
with unique users and unique sessions increasing

624
00:30:12,345 --> 00:30:14,245
by 90% and less than one year.

625
00:30:14,915 --> 00:30:17,325
This growth demonstrates both the demand

626
00:30:17,345 --> 00:30:19,485
for in the impact of these services.

627
00:30:20,065 --> 00:30:22,885
The Makerspace provides opportunities for creativity,

628
00:30:23,155 --> 00:30:26,125
workforce development, technology, education,

629
00:30:26,225 --> 00:30:28,765
and hands-on learning for residents of all ages.

630
00:30:29,545 --> 00:30:31,405
An additional staff member would allow us

631
00:30:31,405 --> 00:30:34,445
to better support patrons, expand programming opportunities,

632
00:30:34,585 --> 00:30:36,045
and maintain equipment

633
00:30:36,665 --> 00:30:39,285
and continue growing this valuable community resource

634
00:30:40,265 --> 00:30:41,365
in a sustainable way.

635
00:30:41,865 --> 00:30:44,685
So I thank you for our budget and thank you for listening.

636
00:30:47,915 --> 00:30:49,085
Rebecca Donovan.

637
00:30:53,755 --> 00:30:55,725
Good Evening. Rebecca Donovan from Chester.

638
00:30:56,085 --> 00:30:57,805
I may look a little familiar to most of you.

639
00:30:57,885 --> 00:30:59,605
I know we just came from the ribbon cutting

640
00:31:00,245 --> 00:31:02,285
earlier this evening and I do wanna take a moment

641
00:31:02,305 --> 00:31:04,605
to thank you guys for including that budget so

642
00:31:04,605 --> 00:31:06,445
that we could get that renovation of Millbury Park

643
00:31:06,545 --> 00:31:08,005
and allowing us to be a part of it.

644
00:31:08,605 --> 00:31:10,045
That is not why I am here tonight.

645
00:31:10,045 --> 00:31:12,885
However, tonight I am here to ask you all

646
00:31:12,885 --> 00:31:14,205
to prioritize funding

647
00:31:14,305 --> 00:31:16,525
for mental health support within our board of education.

648
00:31:17,445 --> 00:31:19,725
Specifically programs focused on mental health awareness,

649
00:31:20,315 --> 00:31:23,725
suicide prevention, peer support, crisis identification,

650
00:31:23,945 --> 00:31:25,725
and accessible counseling resources

651
00:31:25,725 --> 00:31:26,845
for students in our county.

652
00:31:28,475 --> 00:31:30,685
Tonight, I'm speaking not just as a fellow grieving parent,

653
00:31:30,685 --> 00:31:31,805
but also as a co-leader

654
00:31:31,925 --> 00:31:35,085
of a bereaving bereaved parent support group here on the

655
00:31:35,085 --> 00:31:37,085
island through grief share ministry at the Ken Island

656
00:31:37,355 --> 00:31:40,085
Methodist Church is through that group that I've come

657
00:31:40,085 --> 00:31:42,205
to understand how serious the youth mental health

658
00:31:42,205 --> 00:31:43,485
crisis is in our county.

659
00:31:44,325 --> 00:31:45,405
Recently, parents joined our group

660
00:31:45,405 --> 00:31:47,005
after losing their son to suicide.

661
00:31:47,035 --> 00:31:50,005
Through conversations in our share group, I learned

662
00:31:50,005 --> 00:31:51,965
that four children in our county have died

663
00:31:51,965 --> 00:31:56,805
by suicide this year, this school year four.

664
00:31:57,035 --> 00:32:00,485
They are not statistics, they're children, classmates,

665
00:32:00,795 --> 00:32:04,445
friends, sons, daughters futures.

666
00:32:05,185 --> 00:32:06,485
And for every child that we do lose,

667
00:32:06,485 --> 00:32:08,725
there are countless more who are silently struggling.

668
00:32:09,465 --> 00:32:11,885
We cannot wait until more families are sitting in our grief

669
00:32:11,885 --> 00:32:14,725
support group to recognize that intervention is needed.

670
00:32:14,825 --> 00:32:17,965
Now, our schools that are in are in a unique position

671
00:32:18,225 --> 00:32:19,845
to help identify warning signs

672
00:32:20,145 --> 00:32:21,245
and create environments

673
00:32:21,245 --> 00:32:22,885
where students feel safe asking for help.

674
00:32:23,185 --> 00:32:25,925
But educators cannot do it alone without proper funding,

675
00:32:26,605 --> 00:32:28,285
staffing and resources.

676
00:32:29,305 --> 00:32:31,285
We need increased investment in school counselors,

677
00:32:31,705 --> 00:32:34,165
mental health professionals, peer mentoring,

678
00:32:34,195 --> 00:32:36,765
peer support groups, suicide awareness training

679
00:32:37,265 --> 00:32:38,765
and programs that teach students how

680
00:32:38,765 --> 00:32:40,645
to recognize when a friend might be struggling.

681
00:32:41,505 --> 00:32:44,725
Mental health support is not an extra, it is not optional.

682
00:32:45,035 --> 00:32:48,205
It's prevention, intervention and lifesaving.

683
00:32:49,485 --> 00:32:50,885
I understand that budgets are difficult

684
00:32:51,345 --> 00:32:52,885
and that there are a lot of things competing

685
00:32:53,145 --> 00:32:54,165
for that, for that funding.

686
00:32:54,265 --> 00:32:56,045
But I'm asking you tonight to view this

687
00:32:56,045 --> 00:32:58,045
as an urgent investment and the lives

688
00:32:58,045 --> 00:32:59,445
of the children in our county

689
00:33:00,075 --> 00:33:01,565
because no parent should ever have

690
00:33:01,565 --> 00:33:02,765
to plan a funeral for their child.

691
00:33:03,985 --> 00:33:05,085
And no family should have

692
00:33:05,085 --> 00:33:07,005
to find their way into a bereaved parent support group

693
00:33:07,035 --> 00:33:08,885
because help did not come soon enough.

694
00:33:09,625 --> 00:33:10,925
If there's anything we can do together

695
00:33:10,925 --> 00:33:13,365
to prevent even one more family from experiencing this kind

696
00:33:13,365 --> 00:33:15,645
of loss, then it's worth the investment.

697
00:33:15,945 --> 00:33:17,405
And I hope that you believe that as well.

698
00:33:18,095 --> 00:33:19,605
Thank you for your time, for your

699
00:33:19,605 --> 00:33:21,165
leadership and your consideration.

700
00:33:21,655 --> 00:33:22,965
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

701
00:33:26,995 --> 00:33:30,125
Bridget Heen. Say that right, Bridget? Yes.

702
00:33:35,895 --> 00:33:38,885
Hello, I'm Bridget. I'm from Stevensville.

703
00:33:39,595 --> 00:33:41,205
When I got the budget, the first thing

704
00:33:41,205 --> 00:33:44,125
that jumped off the page to me was the very first item

705
00:33:45,055 --> 00:33:48,365
under county commissioners, 870,000.

706
00:33:48,955 --> 00:33:50,565
I've been communicating with Phil.

707
00:33:51,445 --> 00:33:53,485
I think you've also

708
00:33:53,765 --> 00:33:56,165
provided some of the budget information to drill down

709
00:33:56,265 --> 00:33:59,445
to understand what that number meant.

710
00:34:00,385 --> 00:34:03,845
And what I learned was a little more distressing than the

711
00:34:03,845 --> 00:34:05,365
$870,000.

712
00:34:06,505 --> 00:34:07,645
We have five commissioners,

713
00:34:09,175 --> 00:34:12,925
their salaries mandated at $25,000 a year.

714
00:34:14,635 --> 00:34:19,045
There's $125,000 based on a

715
00:34:19,045 --> 00:34:21,045
$250,000.

716
00:34:21,145 --> 00:34:22,485
So the other's expenses.

717
00:34:23,625 --> 00:34:25,365
My question is, what are those expenses?

718
00:34:25,395 --> 00:34:27,765
Because as this gentleman had said, we have

719
00:34:27,765 --> 00:34:32,085
to look at expenses for those who want additional funding

720
00:34:32,265 --> 00:34:36,285
for very important programs, the only way we can do it is

721
00:34:36,285 --> 00:34:37,365
to reduce our expenses.

722
00:34:38,265 --> 00:34:41,685
The second item was for the support staff.

723
00:34:42,185 --> 00:34:44,605
And it came to me saying that Stephanie, Sherry,

724
00:34:44,625 --> 00:34:47,365
and Brie make a total

725
00:34:47,425 --> 00:34:51,725
of $415,000 a year.

726
00:34:53,555 --> 00:34:55,165
They are the executive assistant,

727
00:34:55,225 --> 00:34:56,685
the administrative assistant,

728
00:34:57,665 --> 00:34:58,805
and the office manager

729
00:34:59,715 --> 00:35:02,685
that averages $138,000 a year.

730
00:35:02,825 --> 00:35:07,045
I'd like that job if they were to get the same

731
00:35:07,725 --> 00:35:10,925
benefits, which again, I don't understand what they are

732
00:35:10,925 --> 00:35:15,645
because, and forgive me if I offend anyone, I assume all

733
00:35:15,645 --> 00:35:16,725
of you are on Medicare.

734
00:35:17,505 --> 00:35:19,685
So it's not medical benefits, is it?

735
00:35:21,185 --> 00:35:24,205
So it's $26,000 in benefits

736
00:35:25,625 --> 00:35:26,885
for our commissioners.

737
00:35:28,505 --> 00:35:31,005
I'm looking to try

738
00:35:31,025 --> 00:35:34,365
and find a way to reduce our expenses so

739
00:35:34,365 --> 00:35:38,045
that we can direct the money that we do collect

740
00:35:38,545 --> 00:35:39,885
to the important things.

741
00:35:40,585 --> 00:35:44,365
And that's going to take some cutting of budgets,

742
00:35:45,745 --> 00:35:49,325
not increasing of budgets, like the 3%

743
00:35:49,965 --> 00:35:51,365
increase on that first line item.

744
00:35:58,595 --> 00:36:01,805
Next we have Carl, you Savage.

745
00:36:02,555 --> 00:36:04,045
Sitz. Sitz. Thank you. Yeah.

746
00:36:05,425 --> 00:36:08,445
My name's Carl Sitz. I live in Grayville, Maryland.

747
00:36:09,305 --> 00:36:13,565
And I want to take this opportunity to thank you the board

748
00:36:13,585 --> 00:36:17,765
for allowing me to address some social issues that are

749
00:36:18,635 --> 00:36:20,645
ever so present in Queen Anne County.

750
00:36:22,265 --> 00:36:26,805
And I'm here to advocate for more funds for the school board

751
00:36:27,145 --> 00:36:30,445
to try and get in front of these social issues.

752
00:36:32,465 --> 00:36:36,405
I'm s my son was Kevin

753
00:36:37,185 --> 00:36:38,965
who died on the 22nd of December.

754
00:36:41,905 --> 00:36:44,045
My wife and I will never be the same from this.

755
00:36:45,425 --> 00:36:48,445
And since in that in the last five months there's been,

756
00:36:48,515 --> 00:36:51,445
there's been three other children that are gone.

757
00:36:51,665 --> 00:36:52,725
And I'd venture to say

758
00:36:52,725 --> 00:36:54,845
that those parents are never gonna be the same either.

759
00:36:56,245 --> 00:36:58,005
I don't, I don't wanna make this about my family,

760
00:36:58,145 --> 00:37:00,045
but I wanna make this about this community.

761
00:37:01,145 --> 00:37:04,155
There's a problem here. And it's not gonna go away.

762
00:37:06,335 --> 00:37:09,475
You know, you know, we may be close in age and,

763
00:37:09,575 --> 00:37:11,235
and we know how we were raised

764
00:37:12,375 --> 00:37:15,475
and these issues weren't, weren't as as

765
00:37:16,035 --> 00:37:17,275
prevalent as they are now.

766
00:37:18,415 --> 00:37:20,515
And, and we need to do something about this.

767
00:37:21,705 --> 00:37:22,955
This is serious business.

768
00:37:25,395 --> 00:37:28,795
I, I can't, there, there's, I I can't even describe to you

769
00:37:29,665 --> 00:37:34,435
what it's like to be a dad one day

770
00:37:34,435 --> 00:37:35,755
and then the next day you're not.

771
00:37:38,695 --> 00:37:39,825
It's indescribable.

772
00:37:41,885 --> 00:37:45,945
So I, I feel the need to be proactive.

773
00:37:46,485 --> 00:37:51,105
So I sat in on a few school board meetings. I was welcomed.

774
00:37:52,145 --> 00:37:52,705
I was heard

775
00:37:57,355 --> 00:37:59,255
the school doesn't have what they need.

776
00:38:05,745 --> 00:38:06,915
They don't have what they need

777
00:38:06,915 --> 00:38:08,195
to get in front of this problem.

778
00:38:09,505 --> 00:38:13,475
This, this is a social crisis amongst

779
00:38:14,055 --> 00:38:17,635
the future of this, of, of our county,

780
00:38:18,415 --> 00:38:19,955
our state, our country.

781
00:38:24,455 --> 00:38:26,075
You know, I asked the school board

782
00:38:26,075 --> 00:38:28,675
what programs are are being implemented

783
00:38:28,735 --> 00:38:29,915
to get in front of this problem.

784
00:38:30,785 --> 00:38:32,915
When the grief counselors show up, you're,

785
00:38:32,925 --> 00:38:33,995
we're still behind the problem.

786
00:38:35,455 --> 00:38:36,885
We're we're not in front of it.

787
00:38:38,185 --> 00:38:40,685
And it's gonna take a lot of work and a lot of effort.

788
00:38:40,745 --> 00:38:41,685
And that takes money.

789
00:38:46,675 --> 00:38:48,495
You know, are the students being addressed?

790
00:38:48,855 --> 00:38:51,015
I asked are are they talking about this

791
00:38:51,435 --> 00:38:55,165
or is it just being, you know,

792
00:38:55,185 --> 00:38:57,365
that's a shame we miss them.

793
00:38:58,745 --> 00:39:00,085
That's not gonna help this.

794
00:39:01,195 --> 00:39:03,165
They need to understand what mental health,

795
00:39:05,965 --> 00:39:07,845
positive mental health is all about

796
00:39:10,225 --> 00:39:12,205
and how to identify it with their friends.

797
00:39:15,665 --> 00:39:17,565
I'm sorry, I'm gonna run over, but this, this, keep going,

798
00:39:17,755 --> 00:39:18,755
Keep going.

799
00:39:19,225 --> 00:39:21,925
You know, so, you know,

800
00:39:21,925 --> 00:39:24,005
the other big issue is this bullying issue.

801
00:39:25,065 --> 00:39:26,885
You know, are, are we, are we monitoring

802
00:39:27,065 --> 00:39:28,645
how kids are treating kids?

803
00:39:31,225 --> 00:39:32,245
You know, I'm not, I'm not gonna,

804
00:39:32,345 --> 00:39:34,845
I'm not gonna blame this whole thing on, you know,

805
00:39:34,865 --> 00:39:36,925
my son's death over that.

806
00:39:36,945 --> 00:39:40,415
But that was part of it. He just didn't feel

807
00:39:40,765 --> 00:39:42,015
like he could fit in.

808
00:39:44,955 --> 00:39:48,855
And, and that's gotta stop. You know?

809
00:39:48,855 --> 00:39:50,735
And other kids wanna speak up.

810
00:39:51,885 --> 00:39:53,495
They, they do, they wanna speak up,

811
00:39:55,875 --> 00:39:57,415
but they're afraid of the judgment

812
00:39:57,515 --> 00:40:01,605
and the alienation if they do and where that puts them.

813
00:40:02,345 --> 00:40:05,805
And so everybody turns and walks. Not everybody.

814
00:40:11,725 --> 00:40:13,845
I don't know. I, I mean I wrote all this down and,

815
00:40:14,065 --> 00:40:16,205
and I, I'm not gonna read this to you.

816
00:40:17,265 --> 00:40:19,165
I'm gonna speak from the heart as I've been doing.

817
00:40:19,265 --> 00:40:24,045
But you know, the kids need to have some tools.

818
00:40:24,045 --> 00:40:25,765
They need to have some education, they need

819
00:40:25,765 --> 00:40:27,085
to have some understanding.

820
00:40:29,665 --> 00:40:31,045
And the parents need it too.

821
00:40:32,945 --> 00:40:35,925
You know, how can, how can the kids come home

822
00:40:35,925 --> 00:40:36,925
and talk to their parents?

823
00:40:37,945 --> 00:40:39,525
My son didn't talk to us about this.

824
00:40:39,725 --> 00:40:42,565
I, I, I asked him every how everything okay?

825
00:40:42,745 --> 00:40:45,565
And everything's fine, dad, everything's fine.

826
00:40:54,545 --> 00:40:56,845
All these were all these suggestions that I'm making.

827
00:40:58,365 --> 00:41:00,485
I mean, I don't have any skin in the game anymore, okay?

828
00:41:00,555 --> 00:41:05,445
It's about our only child, but I care about my friends

829
00:41:05,825 --> 00:41:07,125
and I care about my neighbors

830
00:41:07,665 --> 00:41:10,805
and I care about their children and I care about the future.

831
00:41:15,325 --> 00:41:17,175
It's gonna require trained professionals.

832
00:41:17,935 --> 00:41:19,335
Teachers can't do this. It's not their job.

833
00:41:20,305 --> 00:41:22,615
Their job is to stick to the curriculum

834
00:41:23,555 --> 00:41:28,135
and prepare the students for challenges in the workplace.

835
00:41:30,675 --> 00:41:34,205
Social issues, social settings.

836
00:41:34,825 --> 00:41:35,845
That's what it's all about.

837
00:41:37,895 --> 00:41:39,675
You know, guidance counselors need to do this

838
00:41:39,675 --> 00:41:40,915
and train professionals.

839
00:41:44,815 --> 00:41:46,275
You know, it's my understanding

840
00:41:46,305 --> 00:41:48,715
that average class is like 25 plus students.

841
00:41:49,375 --> 00:41:53,035
How does a teacher deal with 25 15 year olds?

842
00:41:55,225 --> 00:41:58,755
They don't. The ones that wanna learn are the ones

843
00:41:59,865 --> 00:42:03,805
and the ones that don't, they play a part,

844
00:42:05,025 --> 00:42:06,365
but you have to engage 'em.

845
00:42:09,165 --> 00:42:09,385
So

846
00:42:11,505 --> 00:42:14,665
I, I, I don't know.

847
00:42:14,665 --> 00:42:17,065
The general consensus is not enough guidance counselors

848
00:42:19,405 --> 00:42:23,465
to deal with these social issues and,

849
00:42:23,465 --> 00:42:25,945
and their job is to direct children in for their future.

850
00:42:27,365 --> 00:42:28,785
But now they have a new job

851
00:42:28,785 --> 00:42:33,305
because there's these new issues that they're dealing with

852
00:42:33,325 --> 00:42:34,545
and they really don't know how.

853
00:42:34,685 --> 00:42:35,785
So what are we gonna do?

854
00:42:37,525 --> 00:42:40,825
We need to bring outside help in to train this,

855
00:42:41,035 --> 00:42:42,305
these guidance counselors,

856
00:42:42,655 --> 00:42:45,385
specialties, whatever you want to call it.

857
00:42:54,025 --> 00:42:55,865
I don't know. I'm, I'm here to, I'm here

858
00:42:55,865 --> 00:42:56,905
to support my school board.

859
00:42:58,475 --> 00:43:02,225
They need a little bit more money to deal with this.

860
00:43:02,225 --> 00:43:04,385
This is, this is, this isn't been going on

861
00:43:05,225 --> 00:43:06,545
consistently for years.

862
00:43:06,655 --> 00:43:09,625
This is like you, you can't tell me that.

863
00:43:10,615 --> 00:43:11,935
I mean, name another place that

864
00:43:12,765 --> 00:43:14,495
four children are gone in five months.

865
00:43:18,145 --> 00:43:21,195
This isn't normal. They need more help.

866
00:43:22,835 --> 00:43:26,035
I give up an over class for more guidance counselors.

867
00:43:26,855 --> 00:43:28,875
So that's all I have.

868
00:43:28,875 --> 00:43:31,315
And I appreciate you letting me speak and going over

869
00:43:32,815 --> 00:43:34,395
and I love this county.

870
00:43:36,375 --> 00:43:37,695
I love my community. I love my

871
00:43:37,935 --> 00:43:39,655
neighbors and my neighbor's children.

872
00:43:40,265 --> 00:43:42,255
These kids are the commodity of the future.

873
00:43:44,395 --> 00:43:45,615
That's what this is about.

874
00:43:45,875 --> 00:43:48,015
So, you know, and,

875
00:43:48,075 --> 00:43:49,815
and they, if we can start this,

876
00:43:49,925 --> 00:43:53,015
they can carry it into the future and,

877
00:43:53,115 --> 00:43:56,735
and just maybe there'll be a little bit more understanding.

878
00:43:58,225 --> 00:43:59,415
Thank you. Thank

879
00:43:59,415 --> 00:44:00,415
You.

880
00:44:05,845 --> 00:44:07,575
Next we have Jesse Knight.

881
00:44:16,055 --> 00:44:18,395
My name's Jesse. I'm from Ken Island Little League.

882
00:44:19,635 --> 00:44:22,715
I just came here today to say thank you guys so much

883
00:44:23,295 --> 00:44:25,035
for the Bats Neck project.

884
00:44:25,955 --> 00:44:27,475
I brought a couple gentlemen with me.

885
00:44:28,075 --> 00:44:31,285
I know the baseball and softball community has been waiting

886
00:44:31,385 --> 00:44:34,085
for a long time for lights down in this area.

887
00:44:34,945 --> 00:44:38,165
We need it. Some real life issues we have is,

888
00:44:38,245 --> 00:44:41,165
I know your chart showed that, you know, the,

889
00:44:41,305 --> 00:44:43,085
the enrollments for you know,

890
00:44:43,085 --> 00:44:44,805
Kibbler school district is going down.

891
00:44:44,805 --> 00:44:46,725
But I get all of them. I get the homeschool kids,

892
00:44:46,965 --> 00:44:49,925
I get the private school kids and I am at the max.

893
00:44:50,345 --> 00:44:52,205
So this year I had no open fields.

894
00:44:52,905 --> 00:44:55,805
So those full fields were full all the time.

895
00:44:55,985 --> 00:44:57,445
So I kind of wanna plant the seed.

896
00:44:57,865 --> 00:44:59,325
You guys are gonna get to know me more.

897
00:44:59,705 --> 00:45:00,765
I'm gonna get on your nerves.

898
00:45:00,765 --> 00:45:02,805
Like I've been getting on Phil's nerves quite a bit.

899
00:45:04,195 --> 00:45:05,885
Commute five hours a day.

900
00:45:06,025 --> 00:45:08,805
So I watch a lot of post meetings, new meetings.

901
00:45:10,435 --> 00:45:13,285
Just to comment on one of your comments a while back,

902
00:45:13,285 --> 00:45:15,525
Patrick, when you made the extension cord

903
00:45:15,985 --> 00:45:19,725
and light comment about the lights, some of us did do that.

904
00:45:20,605 --> 00:45:22,005
I coached football in Grasonville

905
00:45:22,105 --> 00:45:24,045
and some of those kids couldn't get to

906
00:45:24,585 --> 00:45:25,965
the piranhas organization.

907
00:45:26,025 --> 00:45:29,285
So another gentleman made Grayville community

908
00:45:29,285 --> 00:45:31,245
and I used to go pick quite a few kids up

909
00:45:31,245 --> 00:45:32,285
and bring them to practice.

910
00:45:32,385 --> 00:45:33,885
And I had to bring Milwaukee lights

911
00:45:34,245 --> 00:45:36,125
'cause we didn't have lights for those kids

912
00:45:36,185 --> 00:45:37,885
to participate in a youth sport.

913
00:45:39,625 --> 00:45:41,885
So like to see the property

914
00:45:41,885 --> 00:45:44,685
by Mallard run get developed some more baseball fields down

915
00:45:44,685 --> 00:45:46,285
in this area, we need 'em.

916
00:45:46,965 --> 00:45:50,285
I know budgets are tough, you know, nobody wants

917
00:45:50,285 --> 00:45:54,285
to spend money, but you know, as many data centers

918
00:45:54,385 --> 00:45:56,005
and big tech and everything else going,

919
00:45:56,025 --> 00:45:58,885
the more kids we can keep active at parks and

920
00:45:58,985 --> 00:46:01,205
and playing sports and is a good thing.

921
00:46:01,265 --> 00:46:05,405
And attending some meetings with Parks and Rec.

922
00:46:05,735 --> 00:46:07,485
There were quite a few kids coming down

923
00:46:07,485 --> 00:46:09,645
to our county from New York, Pennsylvania

924
00:46:10,225 --> 00:46:12,045
and surrounding areas to come enjoy,

925
00:46:12,385 --> 00:46:13,565
you know, where we live.

926
00:46:13,585 --> 00:46:14,725
And I wanna keep it that way.

927
00:46:14,945 --> 00:46:17,325
So gentlemen, again, thank you very much. Thank you.

928
00:46:17,325 --> 00:46:17,685
Thank you.

929
00:46:22,585 --> 00:46:23,965
So Barbara Dawson.

930
00:46:28,865 --> 00:46:30,285
Hi, I'm Barb Dawson.

931
00:46:30,505 --> 00:46:32,485
I'm on the Parks and Rec advisory board.

932
00:46:33,645 --> 00:46:36,365
I just wanted to speak on, I guess behalf of the board

933
00:46:36,905 --> 00:46:40,045
or of our committee that thank you so much for support Parks

934
00:46:40,045 --> 00:46:43,405
and rec and everything that they do today at Berry Park,

935
00:46:43,425 --> 00:46:44,885
at the dedication ceremony.

936
00:46:46,325 --> 00:46:49,765
I know it was amazing to see what parks

937
00:46:49,765 --> 00:46:51,085
and Rec here can accomplish

938
00:46:51,705 --> 00:46:53,885
and I just wanted to thank you for supporting them

939
00:46:53,885 --> 00:46:57,045
and their budget and their needs and help them carry on.

940
00:46:58,135 --> 00:46:58,965
Thank you, thank you, thank you.

941
00:47:03,945 --> 00:47:05,125
And Mary Sloan.

942
00:47:10,145 --> 00:47:13,525
My name's Mary Sloan in Stevensville, Maryland.

943
00:47:14,945 --> 00:47:18,165
I'm also the co-founder of the Jacob Sloan Foundation.

944
00:47:19,465 --> 00:47:21,925
But tonight I'm here speaking as the facilitator,

945
00:47:22,385 --> 00:47:23,485
the lead facilitator

946
00:47:23,505 --> 00:47:25,965
of the Parents Bereaved group here on Ken Island.

947
00:47:27,275 --> 00:47:28,845
It's a group that nobody, no parents

948
00:47:28,925 --> 00:47:30,085
should ever have to join.

949
00:47:31,585 --> 00:47:35,925
And I'm very proud of you two for speaking.

950
00:47:38,465 --> 00:47:41,645
And I'm asking that the board of Education,

951
00:47:42,235 --> 00:47:44,285
that there be made more funding

952
00:47:44,285 --> 00:47:48,085
for the mental health programs in services in Queen S County

953
00:47:48,515 --> 00:47:50,645
schools as an urgent priority.

954
00:47:52,595 --> 00:47:54,605
This year alone, the community's experienced the

955
00:47:54,715 --> 00:47:57,845
heartbreaking loss of fourteens to suicide.

956
00:47:58,585 --> 00:48:01,205
But behind every loss is a family forever change.

957
00:48:01,295 --> 00:48:03,005
Classmates struggling to understand

958
00:48:03,785 --> 00:48:07,005
and a community asking if something

959
00:48:07,035 --> 00:48:08,085
more could have been done.

960
00:48:09,075 --> 00:48:11,165
Through our bereaved parents group,

961
00:48:11,845 --> 00:48:13,925
I have seen firsthand the growing number

962
00:48:13,945 --> 00:48:15,165
of families affected

963
00:48:15,185 --> 00:48:17,285
by mental health struggles among our youth.

964
00:48:18,545 --> 00:48:21,565
Far too many parents have needed our support

965
00:48:21,575 --> 00:48:23,085
after unimaginable loss.

966
00:48:24,105 --> 00:48:26,765
The need for stronger mental health resources in

967
00:48:26,765 --> 00:48:27,845
our schools is critical.

968
00:48:28,825 --> 00:48:32,565
Our students need greater access to counselors,

969
00:48:32,695 --> 00:48:35,645
prevention programs, peer support, crisis intervention

970
00:48:35,705 --> 00:48:38,525
and education that addresses the depression, anxiety,

971
00:48:39,005 --> 00:48:41,965
bullying, trauma and suicide prevention.

972
00:48:44,175 --> 00:48:45,965
Often schools can be the first place

973
00:48:45,965 --> 00:48:47,805
where warning signs are seen.

974
00:48:48,425 --> 00:48:51,765
We must ensure that they have all the tools necessary

975
00:48:52,425 --> 00:48:55,925
and all the resources necessary to respond to a crisis

976
00:48:56,505 --> 00:48:58,365
before it becomes another tragedy.

977
00:48:59,395 --> 00:49:02,525
Investing in mental health support is not optional.

978
00:49:03,275 --> 00:49:07,725
It's an es. It's is essential to protecting the wellbeing

979
00:49:08,145 --> 00:49:09,525
and lives of our childrens

980
00:49:09,525 --> 00:49:14,325
and families in our county alone.

981
00:49:15,865 --> 00:49:20,405
Not only is it, see now I'm going off script, but that's

982
00:49:20,525 --> 00:49:22,285
because this is such a heartfelt journey.

983
00:49:22,715 --> 00:49:25,645
Even though my story with the loss of our son is different,

984
00:49:25,875 --> 00:49:27,085
it's not from suicide.

985
00:49:27,285 --> 00:49:30,805
I remember parents calling me saying,

986
00:49:30,945 --> 00:49:32,605
my child's struggling in school.

987
00:49:33,305 --> 00:49:34,565
Who can I get to help them?

988
00:49:35,605 --> 00:49:37,565
I was in the depths of my darkest days,

989
00:49:38,665 --> 00:49:41,485
yet I felt an obligation to try to find those parents

990
00:49:41,625 --> 00:49:42,885
or those students' help.

991
00:49:44,105 --> 00:49:48,045
We need more resources in this county to address

992
00:49:48,625 --> 00:49:50,965
mental health issues for families,

993
00:49:50,985 --> 00:49:53,125
for children, and for the schools.

994
00:49:53,505 --> 00:49:55,285
It has to be a priority.

995
00:49:56,785 --> 00:50:00,245
And our foundation, you know, we have helped

996
00:50:00,635 --> 00:50:03,005
with other mental health initiatives in the county

997
00:50:03,585 --> 00:50:06,525
and we continue to stand by to help where we can help too.

998
00:50:07,945 --> 00:50:10,885
But I felt as a grief support counselor in our

999
00:50:10,885 --> 00:50:12,005
county that it was crucial.

1000
00:50:12,635 --> 00:50:17,365
Keep going. That I was able to come up here not only as

1001
00:50:18,765 --> 00:50:22,845
a parent, I mean not only as a, you know,

1002
00:50:22,845 --> 00:50:25,885
running our foundation, but as a parent of child loss.

1003
00:50:27,105 --> 00:50:30,085
And it's something that we want no other

1004
00:50:30,085 --> 00:50:31,165
parents to go through.

1005
00:50:31,395 --> 00:50:33,885
It's something that unless you've walked that walk,

1006
00:50:34,865 --> 00:50:37,605
you don't understand the need that we have,

1007
00:50:38,095 --> 00:50:40,405
especially in this county, for more support

1008
00:50:40,545 --> 00:50:43,085
for these families, these children, these communities.

1009
00:50:45,255 --> 00:50:47,245
Thank you for your time and I appreciate all

1010
00:50:47,245 --> 00:50:49,045
that you all do currently.

1011
00:50:49,215 --> 00:50:50,325
Thank you. Thank you. Thank

1012
00:50:50,325 --> 00:50:51,325
You.

1013
00:50:55,835 --> 00:50:57,685
Okay folks, that's all we had signed up.

1014
00:50:57,865 --> 00:50:59,325
Is there anybody else that would like to

1015
00:51:00,515 --> 00:51:02,125
make any public comments this evening?

1016
00:51:03,305 --> 00:51:04,305
Yes ma'am.

1017
00:51:07,745 --> 00:51:11,565
Hi, My name is re I'm a resident of Queen and County.

1018
00:51:11,685 --> 00:51:14,645
I live in Grayville. I work in Annapolis. I'm a doctor.

1019
00:51:16,085 --> 00:51:17,085
I heard the parents

1020
00:51:18,625 --> 00:51:19,845
and I think, yes, we need

1021
00:51:19,845 --> 00:51:22,485
to support our mental health services in the school.

1022
00:51:23,225 --> 00:51:26,245
I'm just gonna make a small short story.

1023
00:51:26,675 --> 00:51:29,245
When I first initially bought my house in the Queen

1024
00:51:29,245 --> 00:51:32,085
and county, I looked at our Grayville Elementary school,

1025
00:51:32,845 --> 00:51:34,845
compared it with other counties, elementary school,

1026
00:51:34,905 --> 00:51:35,925
how they're performing.

1027
00:51:36,305 --> 00:51:37,805
Coming from the Indian background,

1028
00:51:38,405 --> 00:51:40,165
I wanted the best school for my kid.

1029
00:51:41,305 --> 00:51:43,365
And I know our schools are doing very good,

1030
00:51:43,425 --> 00:51:45,125
but we are still, we need a lot

1031
00:51:45,125 --> 00:51:46,485
of support from the school system.

1032
00:51:47,005 --> 00:51:51,365
I want our board to be supported for education programs so

1033
00:51:51,365 --> 00:51:53,845
that look at Harvard County, why they are doing best,

1034
00:51:54,265 --> 00:51:56,005
why other counties are doing much more better.

1035
00:51:56,425 --> 00:51:58,805
Of course mental health also plays a role into this.

1036
00:51:59,625 --> 00:52:03,245
So definitely lot of support into the public school system.

1037
00:52:03,245 --> 00:52:05,205
That's what I would request from all of you.

1038
00:52:06,725 --> 00:52:08,925
I didn't want it to put my kid into the private school.

1039
00:52:09,085 --> 00:52:12,325
I have two kids, although I, yes, I can afford

1040
00:52:12,325 --> 00:52:15,925
with my husband, but I think public schools should be given

1041
00:52:16,085 --> 00:52:18,605
a fair chance to accelerate in the education.

1042
00:52:19,065 --> 00:52:20,365
And if parents like me

1043
00:52:20,745 --> 00:52:23,325
and other educated parents would not put our kids into

1044
00:52:23,325 --> 00:52:25,645
public school, will not give them fair chance.

1045
00:52:26,345 --> 00:52:28,525
And kids need to learn from the system.

1046
00:52:28,945 --> 00:52:30,165
And another thing is the bullying.

1047
00:52:30,365 --> 00:52:32,525
I have been hearing a lot of bullying going

1048
00:52:32,525 --> 00:52:34,885
around the school, so I would appreciate if you guys can

1049
00:52:34,885 --> 00:52:38,325
come up with some kind of program and prevention for that.

1050
00:52:38,745 --> 00:52:43,445
And lastly, is there any chance we can get a playground at

1051
00:52:43,445 --> 00:52:44,685
Long Point Park, please?

1052
00:52:45,785 --> 00:52:47,125
I'm a mother. I drive my kids

1053
00:52:47,125 --> 00:52:48,405
around looking for playgrounds.

1054
00:52:48,415 --> 00:52:49,645
Thank you for Berry Park.

1055
00:52:50,145 --> 00:52:52,085
But I don't wanna add to the island traffic

1056
00:52:52,145 --> 00:52:53,845
or congestion in the summer months.

1057
00:52:54,305 --> 00:52:57,125
If you can give us our playground back at the Long Point

1058
00:52:57,155 --> 00:52:59,565
Park, that'll be great.

1059
00:53:00,215 --> 00:53:01,965
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

1060
00:53:07,115 --> 00:53:08,645
Okay. Anybody else wish to

1061
00:53:09,315 --> 00:53:10,765
make some public comments this evening?

1062
00:53:13,545 --> 00:53:14,805
No, go on once, twice.

1063
00:53:14,875 --> 00:53:18,005
Alright, I'll turn it back over to the commissioners

1064
00:53:18,005 --> 00:53:19,765
for any closing remarks. Commissioners.

1065
00:53:20,535 --> 00:53:23,805
Chris, you want to? Let's,

1066
00:53:23,805 --> 00:53:24,925
Patrick, do you wanna go first?

1067
00:53:24,940 --> 00:53:26,645
First because I think there's a hot topic

1068
00:53:26,645 --> 00:53:27,845
that you should be, you've been

1069
00:53:27,845 --> 00:53:29,045
working really hard on as well.

1070
00:53:29,145 --> 00:53:30,445
So let's talk about it.

1071
00:53:31,225 --> 00:53:35,085
No, because I, I think I, sir, thank you

1072
00:53:35,085 --> 00:53:36,325
For sharing your, Your story.

1073
00:53:36,425 --> 00:53:39,765
And I just, commissioner McLaughlin has been working on

1074
00:53:39,985 --> 00:53:43,405
trying to get more funding for youth crisis,

1075
00:53:43,685 --> 00:53:47,685
a youth crisis center since before your son took his life.

1076
00:53:48,885 --> 00:53:51,085
I remember we were at the Maryland Association

1077
00:53:51,085 --> 00:53:53,365
of Counties just a few weeks

1078
00:53:53,705 --> 00:53:55,365
Before your father, I mean, sorry,

1079
00:53:56,305 --> 00:53:57,485
before your son took his life.

1080
00:53:58,985 --> 00:54:01,205
And Commissioner McLaughlin going up to Governor Moore

1081
00:54:01,205 --> 00:54:03,085
and explaining the money that we needed from the state

1082
00:54:03,085 --> 00:54:05,445
because he secured a $5 million

1083
00:54:05,445 --> 00:54:06,885
grant from the fellow government.

1084
00:54:06,885 --> 00:54:09,285
But we need the matching money from the state.

1085
00:54:09,905 --> 00:54:13,525
And he has been relentless in pursuing the state.

1086
00:54:14,065 --> 00:54:15,925
And they're not doing it right.

1087
00:54:15,925 --> 00:54:17,085
They're not giving us our funding.

1088
00:54:18,045 --> 00:54:20,325
And if you remember the chart up here that you saw

1089
00:54:20,705 --> 00:54:24,085
for school funding, Queens County is way above

1090
00:54:24,085 --> 00:54:25,205
where we're supposed to be.

1091
00:54:25,265 --> 00:54:26,725
And the state is way below.

1092
00:54:27,105 --> 00:54:29,405
And that's not an excuse that Queens County can't do more.

1093
00:54:29,685 --> 00:54:32,005
'cause we will always do more. And if you ask Dr.

1094
00:54:32,005 --> 00:54:34,245
Kibbler, he'll tell you, we, we've called him directly

1095
00:54:34,245 --> 00:54:37,885
and said whatever you need for, for mental health, we're,

1096
00:54:37,885 --> 00:54:39,325
we are your partner in this

1097
00:54:40,305 --> 00:54:43,285
and working with our Department of Health for that.

1098
00:54:44,675 --> 00:54:47,165
It's not fast enough. It's not enough. And I get that.

1099
00:54:47,165 --> 00:54:48,965
So I'm not making excuses for anything.

1100
00:54:49,225 --> 00:54:50,605
You're a hundred percent correct.

1101
00:54:51,945 --> 00:54:54,205
But I do want Patrick to share what he's been working on

1102
00:54:54,205 --> 00:54:55,725
because this is something

1103
00:54:55,725 --> 00:54:57,605
that has been at the forefront for him.

1104
00:54:58,345 --> 00:55:01,645
And we need help from the citizens to get the state,

1105
00:55:01,645 --> 00:55:03,405
because we are of rural county.

1106
00:55:03,565 --> 00:55:06,605
I mean, the budget might look like a lot, you know,

1107
00:55:06,945 --> 00:55:08,685
it does not go that far as you've seen

1108
00:55:08,685 --> 00:55:09,285
where everything goes,

1109
00:55:09,485 --> 00:55:11,485
particularly when it comes to those things. So Patrick,

1110
00:55:11,785 --> 00:55:13,125
Why don't you talk a little about what you,

1111
00:55:16,165 --> 00:55:17,605
I didn't really know Christopher.

1112
00:55:17,865 --> 00:55:21,845
And we were sitting at Mako and it was my first Mako

1113
00:55:22,545 --> 00:55:25,045
and long story short, we were just lollygagging

1114
00:55:25,225 --> 00:55:28,045
and his daughter

1115
00:55:30,285 --> 00:55:34,085
and my daughter, Bethany knew a

1116
00:55:34,085 --> 00:55:36,245
girl who took her life.

1117
00:55:37,585 --> 00:55:42,285
And that kind of cemented our friendship and our bond.

1118
00:55:42,665 --> 00:55:45,165
And we've been working, he's very nice to say it,

1119
00:55:45,165 --> 00:55:46,365
but it's been a team effort.

1120
00:55:47,105 --> 00:55:51,365
Jim, Jack, Phil, and Christopher and myself.

1121
00:55:52,285 --> 00:55:54,805
I, I could talk for two hours about this.

1122
00:55:56,885 --> 00:56:00,245
I was just on a zoom

1123
00:56:00,245 --> 00:56:02,765
with M-D-H-N-B-H-A

1124
00:56:03,585 --> 00:56:06,885
and it's the same crap every time.

1125
00:56:07,785 --> 00:56:10,285
We don't have the money. So

1126
00:56:12,225 --> 00:56:13,605
as he was saying,

1127
00:56:13,905 --> 00:56:16,685
we got a $5 million grant from Congressman Harris.

1128
00:56:17,305 --> 00:56:20,885
All we need, all we need is a 25% matching

1129
00:56:20,885 --> 00:56:22,965
grant from the state.

1130
00:56:23,905 --> 00:56:26,685
It doesn't have to be from BHA or, or MDH.

1131
00:56:26,705 --> 00:56:29,445
We tried to, I talked to the Speaker of the House,

1132
00:56:30,835 --> 00:56:32,925
Pena Melnick before she was a speaker.

1133
00:56:34,025 --> 00:56:36,965
And they just don't commit. They don't commit.

1134
00:56:36,965 --> 00:56:38,325
They wouldn't let us submit a

1135
00:56:38,325 --> 00:56:40,765
but they wouldn't let us submit it as a line item.

1136
00:56:41,075 --> 00:56:43,325
They wouldn't let, I'm talking about the legislature.

1137
00:56:43,475 --> 00:56:44,845
They wouldn't let us submit it

1138
00:56:44,865 --> 00:56:47,805
as a miscellaneous to the budget.

1139
00:56:48,705 --> 00:56:53,445
So here we are and this $5 million grant expires in

1140
00:56:53,495 --> 00:56:55,165
about October or November.

1141
00:56:55,425 --> 00:56:57,885
If we can't get the, the matching fund now

1142
00:56:57,885 --> 00:56:59,125
what, what is it for?

1143
00:56:59,125 --> 00:57:02,325
It's a, it's for capital improvements. We got a four.

1144
00:57:02,465 --> 00:57:06,045
The, the guys in front of you got a $4 million grant.

1145
00:57:06,665 --> 00:57:08,445
You, you know, we don't talk about this stuff

1146
00:57:08,445 --> 00:57:11,325
because we want it to get to the point where it,

1147
00:57:11,345 --> 00:57:14,125
the doors are gonna open so we don't talk about it.

1148
00:57:14,725 --> 00:57:18,965
'cause you know, we're, we're not politicians.

1149
00:57:19,135 --> 00:57:22,205
We're, we're, we're servant leaders for you.

1150
00:57:22,905 --> 00:57:26,005
So we got this $4 million grant for the Witt Center,

1151
00:57:26,135 --> 00:57:29,525
which is a, a, a really great program in Kent County.

1152
00:57:29,625 --> 00:57:31,885
We convinced the Kent County commissioners to go along

1153
00:57:31,885 --> 00:57:33,365
with us and three other counties.

1154
00:57:33,465 --> 00:57:37,725
We were gonna turn this vacant building into a PHP

1155
00:57:37,725 --> 00:57:39,165
partial hospitalization program.

1156
00:57:41,545 --> 00:57:44,965
And we get this $5 million from the congressmen

1157
00:57:44,965 --> 00:57:46,565
and we can't get the state to help us.

1158
00:57:47,745 --> 00:57:51,725
And that's where we are. Then even if they did,

1159
00:57:51,745 --> 00:57:55,085
we still have to ask for 1.5 million for staffing per year.

1160
00:57:55,665 --> 00:57:57,285
So what this would do, what would this do?

1161
00:57:58,105 --> 00:58:00,845
So when the, the sheriff shows up and the,

1162
00:58:00,905 --> 00:58:04,805
and our great EMS show up at a place, someone's house

1163
00:58:04,805 --> 00:58:06,925
that's having a a, a mental health issue.

1164
00:58:07,475 --> 00:58:11,285
They do an evaluation and then they call the emergency room.

1165
00:58:11,865 --> 00:58:14,085
And the emergency room doctor says bring

1166
00:58:14,085 --> 00:58:15,245
them in for an evaluation.

1167
00:58:15,985 --> 00:58:19,365
Our goal is to take them directly to the,

1168
00:58:19,765 --> 00:58:20,885
either the Witt Center

1169
00:58:20,905 --> 00:58:24,325
or the PHP where they can get evaluated immediately

1170
00:58:24,425 --> 00:58:28,405
and get mental health care expeditiously.

1171
00:58:28,985 --> 00:58:33,125
Not sitting in an emergency room for days and days

1172
00:58:33,345 --> 00:58:37,525
and days waiting for a bed to open up in Western Maryland so

1173
00:58:37,525 --> 00:58:39,685
that their child can get inpatient care.

1174
00:58:40,585 --> 00:58:44,365
So that is what these guys and we're fighting for and, and,

1175
00:58:44,505 --> 00:58:48,245
and Todd Mon and, and our EMS people.

1176
00:58:48,745 --> 00:58:51,285
So I know it doesn't seem like we're doing a lot

1177
00:58:54,075 --> 00:58:55,805
Carl and, and and Rebecca,

1178
00:58:56,505 --> 00:59:00,645
but we are getting back to the, the call with MDH

1179
00:59:01,385 --> 00:59:03,925
We, it was about the 9, 8, 8 issues we're having.

1180
00:59:04,065 --> 00:59:06,405
And I'm not gonna say anything 'cause we're on television,

1181
00:59:06,825 --> 00:59:09,045
but I'll certainly talk to you afterwards if you'd

1182
00:59:09,045 --> 00:59:10,085
like to talk about it.

1183
00:59:11,025 --> 00:59:14,045
So I will also say

1184
00:59:15,035 --> 00:59:17,965
that we need a plan.

1185
00:59:19,305 --> 00:59:23,645
So I I we need a plan from the Board of Education

1186
00:59:24,505 --> 00:59:29,205
and, and the edu the Department of Education come

1187
00:59:29,205 --> 00:59:30,565
to us if,

1188
00:59:31,185 --> 00:59:33,085
and say, here, this is what we think

1189
00:59:33,665 --> 00:59:35,605
we can do to help our kids.

1190
00:59:36,365 --> 00:59:39,885
I know that Talbot County has a really exceptional program

1191
00:59:40,465 --> 00:59:43,125
called the yellow ribbon or Yellow slip.

1192
00:59:43,705 --> 00:59:44,725
And here's how it works.

1193
00:59:45,425 --> 00:59:48,605
It starts in third grade and it goes all the way through.

1194
00:59:50,065 --> 00:59:53,405
So each child gets a, a yellow card

1195
00:59:53,905 --> 00:59:55,885
and if they're struggling with anything

1196
00:59:56,545 --> 00:59:58,605
or they know somebody who's struggling

1197
00:59:59,065 --> 01:00:02,005
and they don't have the words, they literally walk up

1198
01:00:02,005 --> 01:00:04,085
to an adult in the school.

1199
01:00:04,265 --> 01:00:08,325
And all the schools are, to your point, are trained on

1200
01:00:08,345 --> 01:00:09,525
how to help this child.

1201
01:00:09,865 --> 01:00:11,605
So the child doesn't feel bullied,

1202
01:00:11,985 --> 01:00:14,765
the child doesn't feel like they're gonna get in trouble,

1203
01:00:15,145 --> 01:00:17,405
the child, et cetera, et cetera.

1204
01:00:17,555 --> 01:00:19,005
They give the card to the teacher.

1205
01:00:19,425 --> 01:00:22,685
The teacher immediately takes the child to

1206
01:00:23,225 --> 01:00:26,525
the principal's office in a, in a safe space,

1207
01:00:26,685 --> 01:00:30,005
I guess you could call it where they call the parents in.

1208
01:00:32,215 --> 01:00:33,715
That's a really good program.

1209
01:00:34,575 --> 01:00:38,075
We do this in, I believe I could be mistaken,

1210
01:00:38,255 --> 01:00:41,635
we do this in sixth and eighth grade in Queen Annes County.

1211
01:00:42,285 --> 01:00:45,395
We're here. These five guys are sitting in front of you

1212
01:00:46,215 --> 01:00:50,795
asking to tell us what we need to do.

1213
01:00:52,035 --> 01:00:54,475
I don't have the answers. I've been working on this

1214
01:00:54,905 --> 01:00:57,155
with these guys for three, four years.

1215
01:00:57,715 --> 01:00:59,435
I started working on this before I got elected.

1216
01:01:00,715 --> 01:01:01,755
I, I don't have the answers.

1217
01:01:02,315 --> 01:01:05,915
I, I don't know, you know, one of the gentlemen

1218
01:01:06,055 --> 01:01:07,715
or that, Liam,

1219
01:01:08,375 --> 01:01:10,555
it happened at one o'clock in the morning on his phone.

1220
01:01:12,055 --> 01:01:16,515
So it, it, it, it happened. It's not the school's fault.

1221
01:01:17,455 --> 01:01:20,235
It is not the school's fault,

1222
01:01:20,895 --> 01:01:24,315
but it is our responsibility, the schools, the board of ed,

1223
01:01:24,695 --> 01:01:27,755
and the commissioners to get proper training.

1224
01:01:28,495 --> 01:01:31,835
We need a plan. And I don't know what that plan is,

1225
01:01:32,295 --> 01:01:35,035
but our doors are open and we'll listen

1226
01:01:35,815 --> 01:01:37,075
and you tell us what you need.

1227
01:01:39,835 --> 01:01:41,435
I have two questions to what you said.

1228
01:01:42,375 --> 01:01:44,795
One is how we can help you in,

1229
01:01:45,255 --> 01:01:48,475
can you step up to the microphone? So

1230
01:01:49,055 --> 01:01:51,115
You said you are having difficulty getting the

1231
01:01:51,115 --> 01:01:52,515
funding Right.

1232
01:01:52,895 --> 01:01:54,435
How we can help as parents

1233
01:01:55,365 --> 01:01:56,365
Right.

1234
01:01:56,365 --> 01:01:57,315
To the governor. Okay.

1235
01:01:57,495 --> 01:02:01,035
To to Christopher's point, we're, we're in the,

1236
01:02:01,035 --> 01:02:02,995
we're in a thousand people in a banquet.

1237
01:02:03,545 --> 01:02:04,875
He's up on the plateau.

1238
01:02:04,995 --> 01:02:07,995
I literally walked up onto the plateau in front of him

1239
01:02:08,735 --> 01:02:12,515
to talk to him to say, I got a $5 million grant

1240
01:02:12,775 --> 01:02:17,475
and from Congressman Harrison and can you help me?

1241
01:02:17,535 --> 01:02:19,845
Oh yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Four times I've talked

1242
01:02:19,845 --> 01:02:21,005
to him face to face.

1243
01:02:21,505 --> 01:02:23,725
He puts me in touch with his, you know,

1244
01:02:25,185 --> 01:02:26,185
His Aide.

1245
01:02:26,185 --> 01:02:28,205
His aide, and it just falls by the wayside.

1246
01:02:29,365 --> 01:02:32,605
I, I don't see Todd, but Todd emailed this guy.

1247
01:02:33,195 --> 01:02:36,805
Todd emailed the governor's office multiple times,

1248
01:02:37,515 --> 01:02:40,485
following up for McLaughlin talking to, and nothing.

1249
01:02:41,115 --> 01:02:42,925
It's just really bizarre. They need

1250
01:02:42,925 --> 01:02:43,925
To hear From the people.

1251
01:02:43,925 --> 01:02:46,045
They, yeah. So, so thank you Chris. And

1252
01:02:46,045 --> 01:02:47,085
No matter what level of life

1253
01:02:47,085 --> 01:02:48,645
Officer you are, I mean, for us too, right?

1254
01:02:48,645 --> 01:02:50,725
Hearing from people matters a lot

1255
01:02:50,725 --> 01:02:51,765
more than hearing from each other.

1256
01:02:52,625 --> 01:02:54,965
But it does take the people reaching out.

1257
01:02:55,105 --> 01:02:57,405
And I will vouch Patrick's story

1258
01:02:57,405 --> 01:02:59,725
because I think he made the state police uncomfortable when

1259
01:02:59,725 --> 01:03:02,445
he got so close to the governor about that.

1260
01:03:03,025 --> 01:03:06,365
The, but it is reaching out and it's all the people and,

1261
01:03:06,365 --> 01:03:07,925
and we're happy to meet with you after and,

1262
01:03:07,925 --> 01:03:11,005
and coordinate with that because that makes a difference.

1263
01:03:11,005 --> 01:03:12,565
You know, when the governor's office is hearing from

1264
01:03:12,565 --> 01:03:15,165
parents, particularly parents who have lost a child,

1265
01:03:16,275 --> 01:03:17,605
it's harder for them to ignore

1266
01:03:17,605 --> 01:03:19,205
that correspondence they hear from us.

1267
01:03:19,385 --> 01:03:20,845
And unfortunately, you know,

1268
01:03:21,015 --> 01:03:22,245
we're just a small rural county.

1269
01:03:22,275 --> 01:03:24,725
It's easy not to pay attention to us if you're in Annapolis.

1270
01:03:25,185 --> 01:03:26,845
But it's much harder for them to ignore the parents.

1271
01:03:26,985 --> 01:03:28,125
And that's the voices that matter.

1272
01:03:28,875 --> 01:03:30,485
Yeah. We can definitely reach out.

1273
01:03:30,545 --> 01:03:33,045
And the second question is, you set an example

1274
01:03:33,185 --> 01:03:35,365
for Talbot County where they have this yellow

1275
01:03:35,365 --> 01:03:36,805
ribbon kind of system.

1276
01:03:37,465 --> 01:03:39,165
In that example, you said kids are taken

1277
01:03:39,185 --> 01:03:40,525
to the principal office or

1278
01:03:40,525 --> 01:03:42,045
certainly their parents are called in.

1279
01:03:42,045 --> 01:03:43,325
Where is the mental health specialist?

1280
01:03:43,385 --> 01:03:45,365
Do they have the mental health specialist there? Yes. And,

1281
01:03:45,425 --> 01:03:47,565
And, and so do we And and we have and

1282
01:03:47,565 --> 01:03:51,005
and Megan Pinder is one of our mental health specialists.

1283
01:03:53,345 --> 01:03:56,405
And Ms. Hurlock, these are wonderful people.

1284
01:03:57,825 --> 01:03:59,885
We have only two in whole county. Well,

1285
01:03:59,965 --> 01:04:01,365
I, I can't speak to that.

1286
01:04:02,305 --> 01:04:03,525
No, I was just gonna say that.

1287
01:04:03,645 --> 01:04:06,405
I appreciate your points, but we have resources

1288
01:04:06,405 --> 01:04:07,445
in, in all of their schools.

1289
01:04:07,545 --> 01:04:10,605
But this specific program you're talking about is not

1290
01:04:10,995 --> 01:04:13,845
currently going on from third grade to 12th grade.

1291
01:04:13,905 --> 01:04:16,965
We are learning that. Best practice is saying maybe we bring

1292
01:04:16,965 --> 01:04:20,525
that next year, but we have similar ways when a student's in

1293
01:04:20,545 --> 01:04:24,885
mental health crisis in our schools that we bring resources

1294
01:04:24,885 --> 01:04:26,805
around around the child, whether

1295
01:04:27,395 --> 01:04:29,685
just the general education classroom teacher,

1296
01:04:29,925 --> 01:04:33,125
a guidance counselor, a social worker, assistant principal,

1297
01:04:33,275 --> 01:04:36,845
principal, sending resources from the central office down

1298
01:04:37,065 --> 01:04:41,005
mobile crisis that is in our community, a collection

1299
01:04:41,005 --> 01:04:42,325
of our mental health providers.

1300
01:04:42,625 --> 01:04:45,045
We have a lot of resources in this county to help.

1301
01:04:46,505 --> 01:04:48,965
And we're just gonna keep refining with the,

1302
01:04:48,965 --> 01:04:51,725
the health department, those mental health professionals,

1303
01:04:51,865 --> 01:04:54,765
our school system staff, our commission staff, to

1304
01:04:54,765 --> 01:04:57,725
what we can do even more moving forward.

1305
01:04:57,825 --> 01:04:59,805
And one of those suggestions is like,

1306
01:04:59,805 --> 01:05:01,525
we've been focusing middle school and,

1307
01:05:01,705 --> 01:05:03,045
and the health class of high school.

1308
01:05:03,175 --> 01:05:07,925
Maybe we do need to do better at like third grade on having

1309
01:05:08,725 --> 01:05:11,405
a specific program around this starting next year.

1310
01:05:11,545 --> 01:05:14,045
And we're gonna do that. I mean, we were able to stand up a,

1311
01:05:14,165 --> 01:05:17,565
a program just at, in the last, last three months

1312
01:05:17,565 --> 01:05:19,805
of the year for sixth grade through 12th grade.

1313
01:05:20,265 --> 01:05:21,765
We, we stopped everything to make sure

1314
01:05:21,765 --> 01:05:24,445
that we could get in front of every child like that.

1315
01:05:25,515 --> 01:05:27,285
Yeah. In response to what's going on?

1316
01:05:27,345 --> 01:05:29,525
And then we're gonna continue that moving forward,

1317
01:05:29,765 --> 01:05:31,205
bringing it to the elementary level and,

1318
01:05:31,205 --> 01:05:32,925
and all grades moving out.

1319
01:05:33,465 --> 01:05:35,205
And we, as parents, we,

1320
01:05:35,265 --> 01:05:37,005
the most important thing is we make sure

1321
01:05:37,005 --> 01:05:38,165
that our voices are heard.

1322
01:05:38,625 --> 01:05:40,205
We can definitely support you guys

1323
01:05:40,865 --> 01:05:42,405
and write the emails. Yeah,

1324
01:05:42,695 --> 01:05:43,695
Thank you.

1325
01:05:43,695 --> 01:05:44,965
That would, that would be, thank you.

1326
01:05:45,275 --> 01:05:49,925
Vitally important if everybody here could write, not just

1327
01:05:49,945 --> 01:05:53,765
as an individual, but as an organization, you know,

1328
01:05:53,985 --> 01:05:57,125
Noah's organization or whatever the organization

1329
01:05:57,125 --> 01:05:58,285
you're affiliated with.

1330
01:05:58,985 --> 01:06:03,405
And I don't know how we can get you these email

1331
01:06:03,725 --> 01:06:06,285
'cause it would be the governor, the director of MDH,

1332
01:06:07,285 --> 01:06:10,485
director of BHA, et cetera, et cetera. I, I can

1333
01:06:10,485 --> 01:06:11,485
Tell I'll reach out to Mary.

1334
01:06:11,635 --> 01:06:13,405
Well, but I mean for everybody.

1335
01:06:13,785 --> 01:06:15,285
Do did, when you signed in,

1336
01:06:15,285 --> 01:06:18,365
did everybody give their email? Yeah. No,

1337
01:06:18,365 --> 01:06:20,285
But I'll be happy to, to add mine.

1338
01:06:20,635 --> 01:06:25,555
Yeah. I mean, does it, I mean, does it, is it as simple

1339
01:06:25,855 --> 01:06:28,475
and, and I'm not trying to, to make this, simplify this,

1340
01:06:28,475 --> 01:06:31,955
that it's that easy 'cause I have no idea what you guys do.

1341
01:06:32,055 --> 01:06:33,995
I'm learning what you're doing, what you do.

1342
01:06:34,895 --> 01:06:37,115
And, and I've come to have a new appreciation

1343
01:06:37,255 --> 01:06:41,675
for the school board and, and now my county commissioners.

1344
01:06:42,455 --> 01:06:45,275
But is, is it as simple as signatures?

1345
01:06:45,695 --> 01:06:49,515
Hey, we're trying, our, our commissioner has this grant

1346
01:06:50,655 --> 01:06:51,875
and we're gonna lose it

1347
01:06:52,055 --> 01:06:54,075
and we have a problem here in our county

1348
01:06:56,375 --> 01:06:59,515
and we just need you to pay attention to this and,

1349
01:06:59,695 --> 01:07:02,355
and get us over the finish line with it. Is it that simple?

1350
01:07:02,705 --> 01:07:05,315
It's more than just, it's not for you in particular.

1351
01:07:05,715 --> 01:07:07,275
I mean, signatures. That's, that's what I mean.

1352
01:07:07,425 --> 01:07:09,075
It's your story, right.

1353
01:07:10,465 --> 01:07:11,595
They need to hear the story

1354
01:07:12,065 --> 01:07:14,715
because that's what's compelling for them.

1355
01:07:14,975 --> 01:07:16,155
That's what's harder for them.

1356
01:07:16,895 --> 01:07:18,755
If you get just a petition that has a whole bunch

1357
01:07:18,755 --> 01:07:21,675
of signatures and we get all the times, you know,

1358
01:07:21,715 --> 01:07:23,595
a form letter and you know, people sign it

1359
01:07:23,595 --> 01:07:26,035
or it says it's some sort of form email

1360
01:07:26,095 --> 01:07:28,515
and send it right from name it still says insert name here

1361
01:07:28,575 --> 01:07:31,995
and email it to us and like that sure about very persuasive,

1362
01:07:31,995 --> 01:07:32,515
Right? Right.

1363
01:07:33,335 --> 01:07:35,355
But when you hear the actual stories of

1364
01:07:35,785 --> 01:07:36,875
what somebody's been through

1365
01:07:36,935 --> 01:07:39,515
and how it's affected them, it's really hard to be a human.

1366
01:07:39,535 --> 01:07:40,715
Ignore that. Right.

1367
01:07:40,815 --> 01:07:42,235
That's why I came to, So we are

1368
01:07:42,235 --> 01:07:43,515
still somewhat human up here.

1369
01:07:43,735 --> 01:07:46,195
So, and, and the same I think in Annapolis.

1370
01:07:46,775 --> 01:07:49,155
So those stories are, are what matters.

1371
01:07:49,215 --> 01:07:50,315
So we can coordinate with you.

1372
01:07:50,315 --> 01:07:51,715
So I think you could be a,

1373
01:07:51,795 --> 01:07:53,875
a very important voice for what we're trying to

1374
01:07:53,875 --> 01:07:54,875
Do.

1375
01:07:54,875 --> 01:07:55,835
Whatever I can't guarantee is

1376
01:07:56,175 --> 01:07:58,155
that's gonna push up the edge, but it's gonna help.

1377
01:07:58,935 --> 01:08:00,475
So if, so, if I could make a suggestion,

1378
01:08:00,595 --> 01:08:02,275
'cause I spend a lot of time in Annapolis.

1379
01:08:03,375 --> 01:08:05,075
The governor's not where you want to go.

1380
01:08:05,375 --> 01:08:07,915
The, the people that hold the purse strings in Annapolis is

1381
01:08:07,915 --> 01:08:10,315
the legislature and it's not gonna do any good.

1382
01:08:10,435 --> 01:08:12,795
I I would, we have three delegates and a senator here.

1383
01:08:13,315 --> 01:08:15,115
They're in the minority party in Annapolis.

1384
01:08:16,055 --> 01:08:19,565
Where those the, for we

1385
01:08:20,885 --> 01:08:21,965
delegate errands, delegate gr

1386
01:08:21,965 --> 01:08:23,805
and Delegate Jacobs and Senator Hershey.

1387
01:08:24,945 --> 01:08:28,605
But I want, my point is you need to get it to the people

1388
01:08:28,605 --> 01:08:30,725
who do hold the purse strings, which is the majority party.

1389
01:08:30,785 --> 01:08:31,965
And I tell people this all the time.

1390
01:08:31,965 --> 01:08:35,165
If you want something done in Annapolis, it's great to talk

1391
01:08:35,165 --> 01:08:37,325
to your local delegates and senators, but you gotta go

1392
01:08:37,325 --> 01:08:39,085
after the people who actually have the

1393
01:08:39,115 --> 01:08:40,685
vote to make a difference.

1394
01:08:40,985 --> 01:08:43,485
So I recommend you send it to all of the

1395
01:08:44,475 --> 01:08:45,925
committee member leaders,

1396
01:08:45,925 --> 01:08:47,485
which we, I can get you all of those.

1397
01:08:47,625 --> 01:08:50,605
And I will have Beth, who is our public information,

1398
01:08:50,845 --> 01:08:52,725
I will have it share out to a group

1399
01:08:52,745 --> 01:08:54,525
and then we share it, whether it's through Facebook,

1400
01:08:54,525 --> 01:08:56,845
however you wanna do it, and share the story

1401
01:08:57,335 --> 01:08:58,845
right to all those people.

1402
01:08:59,195 --> 01:09:01,845
Because to Chris's point, they've got hearts.

1403
01:09:02,425 --> 01:09:04,645
And that's what they've gotta hear is, you know,

1404
01:09:04,645 --> 01:09:05,965
we've done what we can do.

1405
01:09:05,965 --> 01:09:08,085
We've, we've got almost to the finish line,

1406
01:09:08,085 --> 01:09:09,405
but we gotta get across the finish line.

1407
01:09:09,405 --> 01:09:12,645
And that's gonna take help from there in terms of funding.

1408
01:09:12,905 --> 01:09:15,925
And like I said, you know, our, our, our delegates here

1409
01:09:15,925 --> 01:09:17,005
and our senators, they're,

1410
01:09:17,005 --> 01:09:19,125
they're the greatest group in in the world in Annapolis.

1411
01:09:19,125 --> 01:09:21,005
They, they stop a lot of bad things from happening down

1412
01:09:21,005 --> 01:09:22,725
there, quite frankly for the rural counties.

1413
01:09:23,785 --> 01:09:25,885
But again, you've gotta make your point to the people

1414
01:09:25,885 --> 01:09:29,845
who can make those deci make those decisions

1415
01:09:30,105 --> 01:09:31,605
and get us across that finish line.

1416
01:09:31,825 --> 01:09:34,885
And, and I I, I'm kinda like Patrick, I hear about this,

1417
01:09:34,995 --> 01:09:37,005
it's the most disheartening thing in the world when you got

1418
01:09:37,005 --> 01:09:39,165
three, you know, two kids and three young grandkids

1419
01:09:39,165 --> 01:09:40,925
and you look around at what the world's becoming.

1420
01:09:41,355 --> 01:09:44,005
It's very sad. And, and to see the heartbreak

1421
01:09:44,005 --> 01:09:45,125
and everything that goes into it.

1422
01:09:45,625 --> 01:09:48,645
And you know, we, we want to do something.

1423
01:09:49,305 --> 01:09:51,165
And I'm gonna say it right now.

1424
01:09:51,305 --> 01:09:53,245
I'm, I'm asking everybody in this room, everybody

1425
01:09:53,245 --> 01:09:56,165
that's watching at home, get a group together.

1426
01:09:56,255 --> 01:09:57,525
Let's all talk about it.

1427
01:09:57,655 --> 01:09:59,205
Let's make a plan together

1428
01:09:59,715 --> 01:10:01,245
because we're gonna be much stronger.

1429
01:10:01,245 --> 01:10:02,565
I've learned this about being a rural county.

1430
01:10:02,865 --> 01:10:05,445
You are much stronger with numbers than you are by yourself.

1431
01:10:05,555 --> 01:10:09,045
When we go to Annapolis, we go with Kent, Talbot, Caroline,

1432
01:10:09,225 --> 01:10:11,245
as many as we can get on the shore to go to Annapolis.

1433
01:10:11,265 --> 01:10:13,325
And typically we sometimes we have success.

1434
01:10:14,065 --> 01:10:15,165
So there's strength in numbers,

1435
01:10:15,165 --> 01:10:16,325
there's strength in the stories.

1436
01:10:16,825 --> 01:10:18,845
And, and that would be my suggestion to get

1437
01:10:18,845 --> 01:10:20,045
to Annapolis and get that home.

1438
01:10:20,995 --> 01:10:22,405
Carl, I would just, and Rebecca,

1439
01:10:22,485 --> 01:10:24,205
I would just say thank you.

1440
01:10:25,915 --> 01:10:28,565
When you do get to the, when all of you get to the point

1441
01:10:28,565 --> 01:10:31,885
where you're, we'll send an email to all of the folks

1442
01:10:31,885 --> 01:10:33,125
that we'll supply you with.

1443
01:10:33,815 --> 01:10:35,805
Don't focus just on Queen Annes county.

1444
01:10:37,525 --> 01:10:40,525
'cause they, you know, it, it's, it's the state.

1445
01:10:40,835 --> 01:10:44,405
This is a, this is a state issue, it's a country,

1446
01:10:44,615 --> 01:10:46,485
which is why we're going to MDH, right?

1447
01:10:46,765 --> 01:10:47,885
'cause that's their job.

1448
01:10:48,825 --> 01:10:51,005
So make it as a, as a

1449
01:10:51,465 --> 01:10:54,005
and virtually, here's the strange thing.

1450
01:10:54,005 --> 01:10:55,325
Virtually every delegate

1451
01:10:55,325 --> 01:10:58,925
and senator agree with you, especially on the Eastern shore.

1452
01:10:58,925 --> 01:11:01,365
They've been helping us. We've been working with

1453
01:11:02,265 --> 01:11:06,765
Tom Hutchinson and, and I forget the other guy there.

1454
01:11:07,225 --> 01:11:09,805
Johnny Mo, Johnny Mtz, et cetera, et cetera.

1455
01:11:10,065 --> 01:11:14,445
So it's not just our county, it's really the state.

1456
01:11:15,065 --> 01:11:17,705
So thank you

1457
01:11:19,895 --> 01:11:20,895
Phil, you have anything?

1458
01:11:25,335 --> 01:11:29,265
Yeah, I, I, I, first of all, I want to thank our staff.

1459
01:11:29,585 --> 01:11:31,025
I want to thank our finance department.

1460
01:11:31,385 --> 01:11:32,785
I want to thank our department heads.

1461
01:11:32,905 --> 01:11:34,105
I want to thank our directors

1462
01:11:34,405 --> 01:11:37,225
and the various departments that put together these budgets

1463
01:11:37,225 --> 01:11:38,825
that they submit to our county administrator

1464
01:11:38,845 --> 01:11:41,105
for his approval and then onto the commissioners.

1465
01:11:41,525 --> 01:11:44,625
And a lot of times they ask that they get or told no,

1466
01:11:44,925 --> 01:11:47,025
but they work hard and they work diligently to try to do

1467
01:11:47,725 --> 01:11:49,825
the best they can for the dollars that we are,

1468
01:11:50,245 --> 01:11:52,665
we collect in taxes and, and other storms of revenue.

1469
01:11:52,965 --> 01:11:55,225
So to our, to again to our staff.

1470
01:11:55,225 --> 01:11:57,585
Thank you very much for everything that you guys do

1471
01:11:57,585 --> 01:11:58,665
and you are appreciated.

1472
01:12:03,215 --> 01:12:07,025
Jack, you good? No, I'm gonna, yeah. Okay.

1473
01:12:07,325 --> 01:12:11,425
So I'm gonna shift to like some

1474
01:12:11,425 --> 01:12:12,945
of the financial stuff that we've talked

1475
01:12:12,945 --> 01:12:13,985
about and heard about tonight.

1476
01:12:14,605 --> 01:12:17,785
I'm not gonna speak to anybody else in the state's budget

1477
01:12:17,785 --> 01:12:19,905
right now because just like us, they're going

1478
01:12:19,905 --> 01:12:22,505
through the same process of hearings, finding out what's

1479
01:12:22,505 --> 01:12:25,065
what No budget is finalized in the state of Maryland.

1480
01:12:25,925 --> 01:12:28,705
But I specifically real quickly just wanna speak

1481
01:12:28,705 --> 01:12:30,145
to the Talbot County comparison.

1482
01:12:30,725 --> 01:12:33,025
One thing Talbot County and Anne Arundel County across the

1483
01:12:33,025 --> 01:12:34,665
bridge have that we don't have the luxury

1484
01:12:34,725 --> 01:12:38,145
of is they have a tax cap that is set by the citizens.

1485
01:12:38,645 --> 01:12:41,505
The only thing that they can increase it for is education.

1486
01:12:41,525 --> 01:12:42,905
And they basically, that's

1487
01:12:43,015 --> 01:12:46,065
what they do is they will make sure they have all their

1488
01:12:46,265 --> 01:12:47,265
services paid for.

1489
01:12:48,115 --> 01:12:51,105
Everything is, that was budgeted that they, that they wanted

1490
01:12:51,105 --> 01:12:52,505
to get into budget is budgeted.

1491
01:12:52,645 --> 01:12:55,185
And then they all have a supplemental property tax

1492
01:12:55,185 --> 01:12:57,825
that goes against education.

1493
01:12:58,085 --> 01:12:59,585
So if they're 67 cents

1494
01:12:59,585 --> 01:13:00,825
right now, that's probably where they're at.

1495
01:13:00,825 --> 01:13:02,385
But I doubt 'cause they have a big

1496
01:13:02,975 --> 01:13:04,865
huge Kerwin hit this year.

1497
01:13:05,105 --> 01:13:07,545
I doubt they're gonna wind up at 67 at the end of the day.

1498
01:13:07,555 --> 01:13:09,745
It'll probably be over 80 cents

1499
01:13:09,745 --> 01:13:10,785
before it's all said and done.

1500
01:13:10,885 --> 01:13:12,225
And I'm not gonna speculate on the numbers

1501
01:13:12,385 --> 01:13:13,825
'cause I don't know what they are right now, quite frankly.

1502
01:13:14,105 --> 01:13:16,105
I know as of right now we are the lowest at

1503
01:13:16,105 --> 01:13:17,745
80 cents. I just looked it

1504
01:13:17,745 --> 01:13:18,745
Up.

1505
01:13:18,745 --> 01:13:19,345
Jackets 81.30 cents.

1506
01:13:19,575 --> 01:13:21,585
Okay. So, and then Cecil County,

1507
01:13:21,655 --> 01:13:22,905
they, they're, they're struggling.

1508
01:13:23,025 --> 01:13:26,225
And I, I really wanted to talk about education funding

1509
01:13:26,225 --> 01:13:27,705
because that is, and Dr.

1510
01:13:27,895 --> 01:13:29,265
Kler knows that's one of my passions.

1511
01:13:29,425 --> 01:13:30,905
'cause I actually sat on the keland commission

1512
01:13:31,725 --> 01:13:34,305
on the budgeting and finance side of the Kwin Commission

1513
01:13:34,725 --> 01:13:35,905
and I voted against it.

1514
01:13:35,945 --> 01:13:37,625
I was one of three dissenting votes for one reason.

1515
01:13:37,785 --> 01:13:40,745
'cause I knew we'd be sitting here today going through

1516
01:13:40,745 --> 01:13:44,145
what we're going through because they weren't leaving

1517
01:13:44,195 --> 01:13:45,585
local education local.

1518
01:13:46,375 --> 01:13:48,105
They were going to do one size fits

1519
01:13:48,125 --> 01:13:49,225
all for the entire state.

1520
01:13:49,245 --> 01:13:52,185
And they were gonna create a budget that focused on that.

1521
01:13:52,515 --> 01:13:55,425
Which leaves counties like us and and Somerset County

1522
01:13:55,425 --> 01:13:56,785
and a lot of our shore counties in our,

1523
01:13:56,805 --> 01:14:00,265
our western Maryland, our southern Maryland counties, trying

1524
01:14:00,265 --> 01:14:02,785
to figure out how you close that gap on the money

1525
01:14:02,895 --> 01:14:04,345
that they're telling you you need.

1526
01:14:05,495 --> 01:14:08,225
Meanwhile, we have things slipping through the cracks.

1527
01:14:08,365 --> 01:14:10,025
And I talked to Dr. Kler before tonight

1528
01:14:10,105 --> 01:14:12,565
'cause I wanted to ask, there's six categories that have

1529
01:14:12,565 --> 01:14:13,765
what they call restricted funds

1530
01:14:13,765 --> 01:14:14,845
under the current commission.

1531
01:14:15,135 --> 01:14:19,005
Those restricted funds can be spent on those six items only.

1532
01:14:19,225 --> 01:14:22,045
Now they may have a surplus of half a million dollars,

1533
01:14:22,545 --> 01:14:23,765
you know, whatever, a million dollars.

1534
01:14:24,265 --> 01:14:26,365
He doesn't have the ability to move that where it's needed,

1535
01:14:26,365 --> 01:14:27,405
whether it's mental health

1536
01:14:27,665 --> 01:14:30,005
or any other part of the school system

1537
01:14:30,235 --> 01:14:31,405
that needs extra money.

1538
01:14:31,935 --> 01:14:34,085
Their only recourse is to come back to us.

1539
01:14:34,825 --> 01:14:37,445
And you heard the number that the state shorted Queen Annes

1540
01:14:37,445 --> 01:14:38,605
County over the last four years

1541
01:14:38,945 --> 01:14:41,365
and that is from 2018, that number.

1542
01:14:41,465 --> 01:14:42,645
So just add inflation to

1543
01:14:42,645 --> 01:14:44,325
that $12 million that we've been shorted.

1544
01:14:44,555 --> 01:14:46,005
We'd have all those mental health service,

1545
01:14:46,075 --> 01:14:47,365
we'd have a lot more here.

1546
01:14:48,145 --> 01:14:49,405
And we're trying to make it up.

1547
01:14:49,585 --> 01:14:52,645
We do every year for the last four years with seven,

1548
01:14:52,655 --> 01:14:53,965
$8 million a year.

1549
01:14:54,225 --> 01:14:55,605
But then you get to a point where

1550
01:14:56,265 --> 01:14:58,125
you gotta still look at the rest of the county

1551
01:14:58,145 --> 01:15:00,045
and the other tax paying people in the county and you,

1552
01:15:00,045 --> 01:15:01,885
and you gotta try to draw a balance where you can.

1553
01:15:02,785 --> 01:15:04,765
And, and I'm a firm believer in spending cuts.

1554
01:15:05,485 --> 01:15:08,165
I, I get that. But there's also a lot of necessity.

1555
01:15:08,165 --> 01:15:09,965
We're an aging community here in Queen Anne County.

1556
01:15:10,465 --> 01:15:13,005
That's why we had an ad, a seventh EMS unit.

1557
01:15:13,305 --> 01:15:14,965
And that's not a cheap proposition.

1558
01:15:14,965 --> 01:15:17,285
When I first became commissioner an ambulance costs

1559
01:15:18,255 --> 01:15:20,085
$325,000

1560
01:15:20,145 --> 01:15:23,485
and it costs roughly 600,000 to put a crew on the road.

1561
01:15:23,945 --> 01:15:27,485
Now an ambulance is well over seven to $800,000

1562
01:15:27,625 --> 01:15:30,605
and a crew was $1.2 million to put on the road.

1563
01:15:30,935 --> 01:15:32,965
Right? So again, and,

1564
01:15:33,025 --> 01:15:34,845
and I'm telling you, we're gonna need another

1565
01:15:34,845 --> 01:15:36,205
ambulance within the next five years.

1566
01:15:37,065 --> 01:15:38,685
So all that's facing us.

1567
01:15:39,065 --> 01:15:41,965
Not to mention the fact that we have capital projects.

1568
01:15:41,965 --> 01:15:43,565
We've been very diligent about trying

1569
01:15:43,565 --> 01:15:44,965
to pay it forward in terms

1570
01:15:44,965 --> 01:15:46,805
of capital projects so we're not hitting the bond.

1571
01:15:46,805 --> 01:15:48,245
That's how we have AAA bond rating

1572
01:15:48,315 --> 01:15:50,565
because they look at our fiscal responsibility

1573
01:15:50,565 --> 01:15:53,325
and how we spend money and how we pay our bills

1574
01:15:53,585 --> 01:15:54,685
and how we look to the future.

1575
01:15:55,225 --> 01:15:59,085
So Kerwin is the biggest thing out there in the state.

1576
01:15:59,315 --> 01:16:02,605
Statewide. Every county in this state is struggling making

1577
01:16:02,635 --> 01:16:04,445
that mandate.

1578
01:16:04,505 --> 01:16:06,605
That's, that's coming down each year, next year.

1579
01:16:06,785 --> 01:16:08,125
And I'm telling you all right now,

1580
01:16:08,405 --> 01:16:09,925
'cause be sitting back here next year

1581
01:16:09,945 --> 01:16:11,565
and this conversation's gonna be a lot worse.

1582
01:16:11,805 --> 01:16:13,965
'cause next year the state is supposed to almost triple

1583
01:16:13,965 --> 01:16:16,285
what we're supposed to get because they call it the

1584
01:16:16,285 --> 01:16:17,445
fiscal cliff of education.

1585
01:16:17,445 --> 01:16:19,565
Next year, that's when all the teachers are supposed

1586
01:16:19,565 --> 01:16:21,165
to make their minimum salaries.

1587
01:16:21,345 --> 01:16:24,005
That's when a lot of teachers are going to make more.

1588
01:16:24,005 --> 01:16:26,645
Because how many in here started out at the same salary

1589
01:16:26,745 --> 01:16:29,085
and worked for it for 10, 15 years at the same salary?

1590
01:16:29,155 --> 01:16:30,645
Anybody? I don't think so.

1591
01:16:31,305 --> 01:16:34,845
But that's what teachers are gonna be doing based on if I'm

1592
01:16:34,845 --> 01:16:36,565
a first year teacher and I make 60,000,

1593
01:16:36,565 --> 01:16:38,285
but there's a teacher in there that's been under the

1594
01:16:38,805 --> 01:16:40,645
previous systems only making 65.

1595
01:16:40,865 --> 01:16:43,605
Do you think that teacher making 65 that's been there six,

1596
01:16:43,605 --> 01:16:45,405
eight years is gonna be okay

1597
01:16:45,405 --> 01:16:47,485
with a first year teacher coming in at 60?

1598
01:16:47,745 --> 01:16:48,885
No, they're gonna want more money.

1599
01:16:49,065 --> 01:16:50,765
And that's understandable. We all would.

1600
01:16:50,765 --> 01:16:52,645
That's human nature. And that's,

1601
01:16:52,645 --> 01:16:54,205
that's what's gonna come due next year.

1602
01:16:54,225 --> 01:16:56,445
And that's when we're gonna see the biggest hit of Kerwin.

1603
01:16:56,625 --> 01:16:58,245
And it's convenient. It's

1604
01:16:58,245 --> 01:17:00,165
after an election year, so nobody has

1605
01:17:00,165 --> 01:17:01,445
to talk about it right now.

1606
01:17:02,425 --> 01:17:03,805
All you have to do is read the papers.

1607
01:17:04,235 --> 01:17:05,885
Look at the day after signing died.

1608
01:17:05,945 --> 01:17:07,165
You had the Senate president

1609
01:17:07,165 --> 01:17:08,805
and you had the speaker of the house come out

1610
01:17:08,805 --> 01:17:10,605
and say, we've got three things we've gotta address

1611
01:17:10,605 --> 01:17:11,805
between now and next session.

1612
01:17:12,685 --> 01:17:16,685
Kerwin the highway user revenues, which is how we take care

1613
01:17:16,685 --> 01:17:19,925
of all our roads in the state and the Medicare expansion

1614
01:17:19,985 --> 01:17:22,365
or Medicaid expansion and total.

1615
01:17:22,365 --> 01:17:25,685
Right now they're projected to be a $2.2 billion deficit

1616
01:17:25,705 --> 01:17:27,565
before they drop the gravel next year.

1617
01:17:28,505 --> 01:17:30,205
So there's a lot to process.

1618
01:17:30,475 --> 01:17:32,165
This next year's gonna be a lot harder than

1619
01:17:32,165 --> 01:17:33,325
what we faced before.

1620
01:17:33,485 --> 01:17:35,045
I just just, we were just at a forum

1621
01:17:35,045 --> 01:17:37,525
where everybody was talking about Queen Annes County

1622
01:17:37,525 --> 01:17:39,685
and I told everybody there, the problem isn't

1623
01:17:39,685 --> 01:17:40,805
in Queen Annes County right now.

1624
01:17:40,875 --> 01:17:41,725
It's whatever's gonna happen

1625
01:17:41,725 --> 01:17:42,965
across that bridge in Annapolis.

1626
01:17:43,105 --> 01:17:44,105
So thank you.

1627
01:17:47,175 --> 01:17:49,805
These guys make my job easy. They know everything.

1628
01:17:51,285 --> 01:17:54,845
I make a motion. Can I mention one more? Oh sure, sure.

1629
01:17:56,265 --> 01:18:00,645
Is Jess here? Is Jess still here? Jesse? Jesse, yes.

1630
01:18:01,715 --> 01:18:02,965
I'll talk to you afterwards. We're,

1631
01:18:05,335 --> 01:18:07,205
we're gonna look at a feasibility study

1632
01:18:07,225 --> 01:18:10,645
for sports Fields up county, like up by Kent County.

1633
01:18:10,835 --> 01:18:14,245
There's, there's no red lights on Route 3 0 1.

1634
01:18:15,105 --> 01:18:16,805
So I'll talk to you after this. Thank you

1635
01:18:16,805 --> 01:18:17,805
Sir.

1636
01:18:18,465 --> 01:18:19,765
Now you want a motion? Absolutely. Motion

1637
01:18:19,765 --> 01:18:20,805
To adjourn. Second.

1638
01:18:21,145 --> 01:18:22,765
All those in favor? Aye.

1639
01:18:22,765 --> 01:18:24,605
Thank you all for coming out tonight. Yep.