Sykesville Town Council Proposes 2011 Budget, Moves Public Hearings

With a packed agenda Monday night, the Sykesville Town Council both proposed the 2011 amended budget and discussed the town master plan deciding ultimately on moving the public hearings for both items until the council’s next meeting on Jan. 24.  

Proposed fiscal year 2011 budget

The proposed 2011 budget for the town of Sykesville was introduced Tuesday with the biggest increase in revenue coming from the EmPOWER Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program.

The energy audit from the Maryland Energy Administration performed late last year included suggested ways to spend the grant money. The audit was approved by the Town Council at Monday’s meeting. The energy saving upgrades to be completed include insulated piping for the Town Hall and the Gate House Museum, lighting upgrades, infrared heaters and solar panels for Public Works, and insulated flooring for the Schoolhouse.

Other surprise areas with increased revenue include police department grants and state aid for police protection.

Expenditure changes include increases in premiums for employee health insurance renewal, costs connected to the master plan update and vehicle repairs.

The Town Council had scheduled a public hearing to take place on Monday but instead decided to allow the public to review the proposed changes, moving the public hearing date to Jan. 24. 

The 2011 proposed budget amendments can be viewed here.

Sykesville Master Plan

At the Town Council’s November meeting, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the Mayor and Town Council approve the proposed Sykesville Master Plan, which is only slightly different from the last master plan approved in 2002.

The final public hearing was scheduled for Monday’s meeting but will instead be held during the Town Council’s next meeting on Jan. 24 while a few typos are fixed.

The drafted master plan can be reviewed here.