MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY

COMMISSIONERS MEETING

April 22, 2008

The Board of County Commissioners for Cecil County met for a special session at the County Administrative Building, 107 North Street, Elkton, MD on April 22, 2008. The following members of the Board were present:

• William C. Manlove, President
• Mark H. Guns, Vice President
• Rebecca J. Demmler, Commissioner
• Brian Lockhart, Commissioner
• Wayne L. Tome, Sr., Commissioner

Constituting a full Board.

The meeting was called to order by President Manlove at 7:00 p.m.

- PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING -

The purpose of this meeting is for the FY 2009 Constant Yield Informational Meeting and to give the public the opportunity to provide input and observations about the Constant Yield and the budget in advance of the Budget being formally announced.

Craig Whiteford, Budget Manager, Cecil County Government presented an overview of the Constant Yield, Constant Yield Tax Rates and the duties and responsibilities of the local taxing authority.

Mr. Whiteford provided the key dates concerning the Constant Yield and Budget Hearings as follows:

• May 1, 2008 - Proposed Budget Finalized
• May 5, 2008 - Advertisement of Constant Yield Notice & Budget
• May 13, 2008 - Constant Yield Hearing and Budget Hearings
• May 20, 2008 - Budget Adoption

Mr. Whiteford presented some of the requested budget items from various departments and the budget priorities set forth by the Board.

The following members of the public provided public comment:

W. Stephen Pannil, Cecil College - commented in support of keeping the current rate at .096.

Gaylord Moody, Chesapeake City - encouraged the Board to reduce taxes and spending.

Barbara Payne, Charlestown - spoke in favor of a lower tax rate.

Ernest Smith, Elkton - commented in favor of a lower tax rate.

Richard Boyle, Elkton - thanked the Board for conducting this public hearing and encouraged the Board to reduce property taxes.

Tom McWilliams, Elkton - commented in reference to rising tax rates and encouraged the Board to reduce the rate.

Diana Broomell, Colora - commented in support of impact fee's and the many burdens on the tax payers.

Lee Corbett, North East - commented about the increasing tax rates and encouraged the Board to reduce property tax rates.

Frank Chapman - commented to reduce spending with the exception of critical services and reduce the property tax rate.

Joseph Meschilie, Rising Sun - commented that retired people cannot afford to have their tax rates increased any further and encouraged the Board to reduce the rate.

Harold Smith, Elkton - spoke about his inability to make ends meet as a result of all of the increases facing the general public.

Will Minor, Elkton - encouraged the Board to consider the retired citizens in Cecil County when setting the tax rate.

Russell Melnor - commented about reduction in home values and asked for consideration and assistance with homes located within a flood plain.

With no further business the meeting adjourned.

___________________________________

Alfred C. Wein, Jr.

County Administrator

Approved:

____________________________

William C. Manlove, President