There is sure to be more Taneytown drama in 2024
Ah, the December Workshop of the Taneytown City Council — a riveting episode in the ongoing saga of municipal governance akin to a captivating daytime soap opera. In our last installment, Mayor Christopher Miller, the unsuspecting protagonist, took center stage, orchestrating a plot twist that left council members gasping for breath.
Unbeknownst to the City Council, Miller, in a move reminiscent of a cunning political tycoon, not only unilaterally hired a new police chief but also bestowed upon him a salary that could rival the GDP of a small nation.
But wait, there’s more! In a shocking turn, the mayor ousted the city attorney without so much as a casual tête-à-tête with the council. Subtlety is overrated when you’re the mayor of Taneytown.
Enter the scene-stealer, none other than the mayor’s mommy, the matriarch of the Miller clan, who graced the council with her presence, armed with a tongue sharper than the plot twists in her favorite daytime drama. Ava Miller, who resides with her son, the mayor, emerged from the shadows, vowing not to speak but succumbing to the allure of addressing the “total disgrace” that had befallen the town.
Ava Miller unleashed a scathing critique of the council as she took the stage, accusing it of turning Taneytown into a theatrical mockery. The council’s penchant for eye-rolling and Facebook drama had reached such heights that citizens now collected signatures in protest. Bravo, Taneytown, for becoming the epicenter of civic absurdity!
Ava Miller’s impassioned plea for the council to cease the eye-rolling antics and consider sensitivity training echoed through the hallowed chambers of town hall. The workplace dynamics of the Taneytown city council, she claimed, were nothing short of a “hostile workplace,” a claim that would make HR departments in any other jurisdiction burst into laughter.
But fear not, dear citizens of Taneytown, for the drama is far from over. The cliffhanger promises an unpredictable 2024 — will the council survive the mayor’s whimsical governance, or will the members succumb to the chaos that has befallen them? Tune in to the Taneytown YouTube channel monthly for the Mayor Miller Chronicles, where the absurdity of municipal politics unfolds like a poorly written soap opera script. Popcorn, anyone?
David Buie, Taneytown
Thankful to serve as District 3 county commissioner
As we approach the end of 2023, I wish each of you a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and safe holiday season. You know the saying “time flies when you’re having fun” … I have always believed time flies when you are making an impact.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as District 3’s county commissioner. I feel fortunate to have interacted with residents, community leaders, business owners and staff who work together for the betterment of our community.
As commissioner I have prioritized budget deliberations, public safety, property rights, ag preservation, community services, broadband expansion and economic development. I believe we have succeeded in many ways, here are a few:
Taxpayer Protection: Adopted Super Majority Resolution for strengthening taxpayer protection — in order to raise taxes, a supermajority of four commissioner votes is required; now, in addition, a supermajority of four votes is required to repeal the four-votes requirement.
Budget: Adopted FY24 budget; budget discussions are ongoing in preparation for FY25 process. Reaffirmed triple AAA credit rating resulting in lowest possible bond interest rate due to sound fiscal practices and responsibility. Approved FY24 bond authorization resolution for infrastructure and other capital investments
Public Safety: Many decisions to continue building the new county Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DFEMS); hiring more than 130 DFEMS staff in 2023; County Nuisance Business Ordinance — to hold responsible businesses that repeatedly misuse law enforcement response and resources; Maryland Criminal Intelligence Network (MCIN) Grant application; accepted award for the State’s Attorney’s Office to continue critical crime-fighting work and provide funding a Senior Assistant State’s Attorney and a Crime Analyst; increased funding for Sheriff’s Department, State’s Attorney’s Office, and the courts to improve rates of pay for those tasked with public safety.
Property Rights: Removed community solar from the Agricultural Zone; clarified the Definitions in the County Code, Chapter 158 Addressing Drug Treatment Facilities.
Agricultural Preservation: Increased the number of Ag Preservation acres by 1,772.95 acres in 2023; the total number of acres preserved in the county as of Dec. 22, 2023, is 79,599.66 toward the county’s 100,000-acre goal.
Community Services: Approved grant-based participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that addresses food insecurity 1,100 low-income children; accepted funding for Interagency Family Preservation Services to increase family stability and funding for Promoting Safe and Stable Families; accepted funds to provide a variety of emergency support services to homeless and at-risk Veterans.
Broadband Expansion: Continued work to expand broadband internet service in underserved or unserved areas; in 2023, expansion was completed to 88 homes with 208 more households near completion; expansion projects starting in early 2024 will include 3,000+ homes; new grant expected in early 2024 that could include up to 900 homes.
Economic Development: Worked with the Industrial Development Authority to complete construction at new North Carroll Business Park with 35 acres of light industrial zoned land in Hampstead with water, sewer, gas and fiber conduit stubbed into park; Ridge Engineering and Hexagon Purus expansion projects complete; discussed the recently completed Economic Development and Land Use study.
This year was not without challenges, and we will be faced with more in the future as we develop the FY2025 budget. I believe a continued fiscal conservative mindset is our most important responsibility as we navigate Blueprint for Education and other state initiatives.
Carroll Countians have always had the resolve to meet new challenges with optimism and realistic expectations. I know that we will remain steadfast now and in the years ahead.
Make it a good new year!
Tom Gordon III
Gordon, a Republican, is the District 3 representative on the Carroll Board of County Commissioners.