(2/24) Emmitsburg’s Board of Commissioners discussed the allocation of overflow revenue from the FY18 budget to capital projects in the FY19 budget during the February 4 town meeting. The town had additional revenue funds in the amount of $152,758 in the FY18 general funds that needed to be moved to capital projects funds for FY19. Town staff recommended a potential break down of fund transfers to ongoing and new projects in 2019.

Town Manager Cathy Willets recommended a total of $56,462 to be allocated toward storm water management projects in 2019. Of this total, $27,000 would go toward 2019 required storm water projects mandated by the state, including a baseline impervious assessment, standard operating procedures development, and yearly storm water inspections. $6,035 would be spent to excavate a storm drain that was filled in behind a residence on Provincial Parkway. The drain, which was heavily clogged with sediment, needs to be dug back up and re-piped. Finally, $23,427 would be set aside for large storm water restoration projects that need to be completed by 2020 per the state of Maryland.

Two suggested budget transfers by town staff would balance out already existing line items. A $1,467 budget transfer to the Building line item, specifically 300A S. Seton and a transfer of $2,634 within the Signs line item were both recommended. With these transfers in place, the mentioned line items would stand at zero.

Other projects include the purchase and installation of ShoreScan at a cost of $8,300. This program will allow the town to scan documents into a cloud-based system that can then be easily searchable by staff. The town’s out-dated way of filing documents can be updated through this program, to allow everything to be computerized, freeing up both space and time for staff. $18,000 was recommended for the engineering study for Rainbow Lake, and $7,200 would help cover the 25% grant match for the renovation of the community pool bathhouse. Within public works, $11,000 would be allocated towards two salt dogs and salt spreaders for snow removal and $12,500 would purchase a new utility vehicle to help salt the roads, street sweeping and help with park maintenance during the summer months. Community park upgrades, specifically for the all-inclusive park, were budgeted at $28,845. This budget transfer will help cover the cost of the 25% grant match for this park.

One project that caused debate among Commissioners was a $5,000 budget transfer that would be allocated for the 25% grant match to install a disc golf course in Community Park. The town has already secured a grant for this project that would include the installation of eighteen holes, and town staff hopes to begin construction this spring. Commissioners Tim O-Donnell and Elizabeth Buckman both mentioned their hesitancy to use grant monies for a recreational sport that seems to be out-dated. Neither seemed certain that the course would be used. However, as discussed by Willets, building the course would be a good way to utilize empty space in Community Park, and through research she and town staff found that disc golf is still a popular sport. Many who play form leagues and travel between courses. This could be another way to help create economic development in the town.

The budget transfers were accepted by a vote of 4-1, with Commissioner O’Donnell against.