Last week, the Garrett County Commissioners presented their annual State of the County address at the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce Business Before Hours. Commissioners Jim Hinebaugh, Larry Tichnell, and Paul Edwards each spoke about areas of concern and focus from last year and moving forward, and addressed questions from the audience.
The four major concerns for the upcoming year were Schools, Budget, Broadband, and Economic Development. Commissioner Edwards said this was one of the most difficult budgets they’ve put together since their time in office. Several state-wide issues and mandates are coming into play which require the county to supply funds to remain compliant. One of those issues is the impending minimum wage increase, which begins its first of many gradual increases January 2020, rising from $10.50 to $11.50. By 2025, the minimum wage across Maryland will be $15/hour. Another budgetary issue that arose from the state-level was a requirement for increased school security following the tragedy in St. Mary’s County, Maryland. The county must also upgrade their 911 system to match a state-wide conversion – an upgrade that will cost around $1M for Garrett County, and cost Allegany County $5M. In the last year, more than half of all Maryland counties increased taxes or added fees in lieu of taxes. For example, in Montgomery County, Maryland, there is now a cell-phone fee. Taxes that were increased in Garrett County include the accommodations tax rising from 6 to 8% on Januaury 1, and the real property tax rate rising from 98.99 cents to 1.056 cents per $100 of assessed value.
While the school system was by far the top response from the public during the public input period earlier this year, Commissioner Edwards stressed that the county has little to no power over the school system. COMAR - Code of Maryland Regulations - gives most of that power to the state and local Board of Education. More than one-third of the $83.2M budget adopted for Garrett County is going to the local school systems. Any questions and concerns with the school system should instead be directed toward the Garrett County Board of Education.
Broadband internet has been a large concern for Garrett County the last several years, and Commissioner Tichnell was happy to report that 75-80% of the county now has access to broadband internet. All municipal buildings and business parks are set up and supplied, too. All areas that are currently not being serviced are most likely located in low-populated or hard-to-reach locations - but the county will continue to work towards providing those customers with broadband. The county is installing the fiber throughout the county that allows for easy hook up when businesses or residents wish to add broadband service. By providing this type of infrastructure, the Commissioners are hopeful that business growth will follow. The Garrett County Broadband Initiative received national recognition for its innovation and implementation!
Economic Development was certainly one of the larger topics covered during this presentation. Commissioner Hinebaugh reported that the central and northern business parks are full, and the southern business park only has one small lot open. The county received a grant from the Maryland Department of Commerce for $2M to help build a structure that will allow businesses to come in and immediately begin production. The lease money earned from this building will help recover any costs the county must front. The Commissioners are now looking for an ideal location in Southern Garrett County for a new business park.
The Commissioners did comment on the closure of the VERSO paper mill in Luke, MD, that has affected so many Garrett County residents and businesses. While there aren’t any firm leads, the plant has had several companies tour the facility. Governor Hogan and the Maryland Secretary of Commerce both recently commented that finding a company to operate this plant was a top priority.
The Commissioners plan to hold an Economic Development Summit in the near future to discuss growth in Garrett County. They would like to invite Deep Creek Lake property owners who do not live in Garrett County full-time to attend to help brainstorm ways to boost growth and economic development that may have worked in other communities. The summit will also provide valuable information for any business owners who are looking to expand by adding a new facility or relocate to a larger facility.
In more exciting news, Garrett County has been selected as one of three locations to be visited by the National Association of Counties during their annual fall tour! This is an incredible honor for our small community to receive. Other locations on the tour include Minneapolis and Portland. The tour will stop in Garrett County in October – perfect chance to showcase our incredible fall colors for those visiting!
The Glendale Road realignment was not directly mentioned, but Commissioner Edwards commented that the road realignment is still moving forward, most likely in Spring 2020. This will re-establish the entrance to Glendale Road from Rt. 219, removing the S curve and forming a more straightforward roadway from Rt. 219 to the Silver Ridge Community. They will also add in a bike lane!
All in all, there was a very positive outlook for F20 and plenty of growth and development from the previous year and years prior.
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