[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6234122,"mediaKeyId","3412042-d9816bbe58d01bc726d4c243d286441f","parentId",3412042,"title","Lobbyist reports budget wins and new taxes after Annapolis session; county wins middle‑school funding","audioSeconds",598,"startMs",1960000,"endMs",2558000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3412042-d9816bbe58d01bc726d4c243d286441f&start=1960&end=2558","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3412042-d9816bbe58d01bc726d4c243d286441f/thumbnail_1960000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6234122/Kent-County/Maryland/Lobbyist-reports-budget-wins-and-new-taxes-after-Annapolis-session-county-wins-middleschool-funding","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6234122-953fe2c563800a94ef99b53d2c2f36a2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770429527&Signature=fXoedCWnjkfaB0oo1-H0i94N7grgt8J9fBWWy-66vQNAWSyUKgneCicGK9JJ3Q0d08TR0a~s8SuPGXMJKPj6GtjpUxP8BFOIK8dcKSdOjr9kTDulzIj1D6L0WJ0Y35PprsEwzh-yssYuJ~VR5lhduaHusNLOGHMepI-6DmjjWkAxLQSv1Q0YwvO3-6uPuU3Awmi1q4Cnf4WtJzBodxAfGtxgwNAUMb67pVlz~2sPBW9pApKMwnnl5N7f4QO7zkpdpm1j-Z61NEhJ-50hpl4qR8gc8CexVyFfcHL2Jv~CZeQH-L4DFKtS7EOt1OPY-Yc3koitACPwXGFWHRafSj72ww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Kent County, MD","date","2025-05-21T01:07:04.723Z","article","Greenwill Consulting updated Kent County commissioners on the Maryland General Assembly’s recent session and the notable budget and policy outcomes that could affect local government.

Jonathan Cartman of Greenwill said the legislature closed a $67 billion, balanced budget after starting the session facing a roughly $3 billion structural shortfall. Cartman highlighted several revenue actions in the final package: a new 3% tax on certain digital/IT services, a $5 tire fee, and adjustments to income‑tax brackets for higher earners. Implementation details for the 3% IT tax remained unclear at the time of the briefing; Cartman said the firm has requested guidance from the Comptroller’s office.

Cartman noted that lawmakers restored funding to the K‑12 Blueprint that the governor initially cut and that counties consider the program an unfunded mandate. He also reported a specific appropriation the county sought for its middle‑school project: $4 million allocated in FY26 and another $4 million in FY27 for a $8 million total commitment contained in the enacted budget language. Greenwill said the language is in the budget and that staff will follow up to confirm how reimbursement or allocation will be administered.

Commissioners asked whether the $4 million maintenance and subsequent $4 million commitment will be direct allocations or reimbursements and whether there are use‑it‑or‑lose‑it deadlines; Greenwill said they would get details, including whether the funds will be reimbursed and how long the county has to obligate them. Commissioners also discussed the possibility that the legislature could return in a special session if federal actions affect Maryland’s budget and that state budget cuts remain a continuing concern.

Greenwill identified several bills the firm opposed that did not pass and praised wins such as blocking proposed credential mandates for finance officers and defeating an annexation restriction. The consultants emphasized continued tracking of implementation rules and guidance on new taxes for municipalities and counties.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","05.20.25 Commissioners Meeting 1","oneSentenceSummary","Greenwill Consulting briefed Kent County commissioners on the Maryland legislative session, reporting a balanced $67 billion budget and new revenue measures including a 3% IT services tax, while confirming a targeted $4 million‑per‑year allocation for the county’s middle‑school project in FY26 and FY27.","taxTitle","Kent County, Maryland","taxId",69327,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6234126,"Kent County adopts fox‑hunting club dog‑kennel licensing process, sets $100 applicant fee",739,3064000,3803000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3412042-d9816bbe58d01bc726d4c243d286441f&start=3064&end=3803","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3412042-d9816bbe58d01bc726d4c243d286441f/thumbnail_3064000.jpg","/articles/6234126/Kent-County/Maryland/Kent-County-adopts-foxhunting-club-dogkennel-licensing-process-sets-100-applicant-fee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6234126-b27f1d6d311cd6e5eb2e03d64777b6bf/orig.mp4?Expires=1770429527&Signature=BRg2gmH~ZIkdnpNs4AMrszcJi7N8e2qxoa5RisR3XDapd8aNEcUHG4pHXr5zlbYt-WKdb4UDgOMVfsX4hmrIDIArRAKbWw423AZIbL3DtgcRR49sow16yZNpAmzew9ZzEvNNaPqxAnPphJ871Ryb2wLxQncsCETKuaSDePf0m5Nnc-75TM8vBTggAGt5eFYRKd-b3AdlD4aq-hygprwVfmmNJFN5owORMXvqzxIy2Ie5tseQ6b1KSeUQp6ntXlpNGs5gfBRBarmuFou4f6tEeO9etyJq2WGhT4N4BXESszIu-kGL~W0UmCnXxjxYMTWExkkyO4WrcSXir0H~P6RE5A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kent County Board of County Commissioners voted to adopt a licensing process for fox‑hunting club dog kennels and set a $100 application fee after hearing public comment and approving two written amendments.

The adopted changes strike two words—\"and nutrients\"—from a provision that had required a waste management plan, and remove a five‑year limit on licensing review so county officials can require license applicants to return for review or revocation at any time if conditions are not met. County legal staff explained the second amendment would leave the 12‑month probationary period in place while removing the automatic five‑year expiration of review authority.

Genevieve McFarland, representing the Wicomico Hunt Club, told the commissioners the club supported the amendments. County commissioners discussed neighborhood complaints about relocated hounds and emphasized that the ordinance includes a process for neighbors to raise verified nuisance concerns and for the county to require follow‑up if standards are not met.

The board voted to pass Code Home Rule Bill 3‑2025 as amended by voice vote. After returning to open session, the board also adopted Resolution 2025‑04 to set a $100 fee for applicants appearing before the Fox Hunting Club dog‑kennel licensing board. County planning staff said the fee is intended to cover newspaper advertisement and other hard costs for the new licensing process; staff estimated a basic advertisement runs about $70 but recommended $100 to provide fuller public notice.

The ordinance establishes procedures for licensing, a 12‑month probationary period for new licensees, and a county process to investigate and address verified nuisance complaints. Commissioners who spoke urged neighbors and the licensee to work cooperatively during the probationary period; they also noted the county can revoke licenses if conditions or standards are violated.","The county commissioners approved Code Home Rule Bill 3‑2025, adopting a licensing process for fox‑hunting club dog kennels with two amendments: removal of a reference to “nutrients” and elimination of a five‑year limit on license reviews. The commissioners also set an initial application fee of $100 by resolution.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6234131,"Kent County commissioners approve FY26 agreement with Midshore Behavioral Health after annual update",1297,416000,1713000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3412042-d9816bbe58d01bc726d4c243d286441f&start=416&end=1713","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3412042-d9816bbe58d01bc726d4c243d286441f/thumbnail_416000.jpg","/articles/6234131/Kent-County/Maryland/Kent-County-commissioners-approve-FY26-agreement-with-Midshore-Behavioral-Health-after-annual-update","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6234131-c00d5715fdfc566c83b62b7a9cc79032/orig.mp4?Expires=1770429527&Signature=Gb-1W363wMmcvpow7oWPFJPEbVe60Y8kjaIftv-pDonr8QnHXOWTbbmCO82kIL08nhGaDsU8LZQzsd~2mKNtnbfpKViQq4Vnqj9k-Q9ellDnC1UkCohkIB3D5qC4aB90Wn4KBUmc7X34mDmcbSbVt-IETl8kDM3yJa7NKISzsaGI6g~8-CL8eOlaQnsiGL9CdygG~MEcTd8wzCHj3w~VrlIvyo73FxFpyl1zYsZrAJ4XMU7mcDfePLG-pp9XHprpyo4XbF6ctqNhTEugHTugX-xIDVmsC4byUIpUXYA7YHH9WYrr-8HDTbUQhDuDZgez3A~0EJFrHieA7Rb~sZVFXw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mitchell Behavioral Health gave the Kent County Board of County Commissioners an annual update Tuesday and the board approved and signed a fiscal year 2026 letter of agreement to continue Midshore’s role as the county’s core service agency and local behavioral health authority.

Katie Dilley, chief executive officer of Mitchell Behavioral Health, told commissioners the agency serves as the county’s local behavioral health authority \"in partnership with the Kent County Health Department.\" She summarized regional planning work, homelessness coordination and the agency’s trauma-informed care initiative.

The presentation highlighted several programs and figures specific to Kent County and the Midshore region. Lisa Short, adult population supervisor and SOAR lead, said Midshore funds 12 crisis beds at the A.F. Whitsett Center and supports an adolescent clubhouse and school-based coordinated supports. Dilley said the agency has placed 36 people out of state hospitals into assisted-living settings funded entirely by state grants and that about 50% of Midshore’s programming funding is federal.

Dilley described a summer \"Defeat the Heat\" initiative to provide hydration stations and cooling centers across the five-county region and listed partnerships including the Eastern Shore Behavioral Health Coalition and a regional peer support recruitment effort in partnership with the Kent County Health Department.

On local data, Short said Kent County’s public behavioral health system served 1,140 people for mental health services in fiscal 2024 (about 6% of the county population) and 544 people for substance-use services (about 3%). Short also summarized service-area utilization: outpatient services represented the largest share of mental-health service use, and laboratory and outpatient services were highest on the substance-use side.

After questions from commissioners about homelessness counts and school‑aged children who are unhoused, Dilley said Midshore conducts the federally required point‑in‑time count and offered to supply county‑level data in a follow-up. Commissioners then voted to accept and sign the FY26 letter of agreement with Midshore Behavioral Health.

The board’s action was procedural: the motion to accept and sign the FY26 letter of agreement passed by voice vote. Commissioners did not change the agreement during the meeting and asked for follow-up data on homelessness metrics and school‑based numbers.","The Kent County Board of County Commissioners voted to accept and sign a FY2026 letter of agreement with Midshore (Mitchell) Behavioral Health following an annual presentation on regional programs, homelessness initiatives, crisis beds and state-supported discharges from psychiatric hospitals.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6234114,"Commissioners raise legal concerns after county health department cannot locate historic perk‑test record",506,5213000,5719000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3412042-d9816bbe58d01bc726d4c243d286441f&start=5213&end=5719","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3412042-d9816bbe58d01bc726d4c243d286441f/thumbnail_5213000.jpg","/articles/6234114/Kent-County/Maryland/Commissioners-raise-legal-concerns-after-county-health-department-cannot-locate-historic-perktest-record","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6234114-ef7d24ed454e80a336b786f9855b47de/orig.mp4?Expires=1770429527&Signature=PsOK2MBRncsODuv0JCcVbwTeLF9Dc-0dhZghnE4h7cUwKA54IojYQXUCMLo5pJy1jw62J7KVNCzWvhSkAy7goDon-DotiqFJThxa3c-onro3TNa7w84VnE01WRtiqg8zhVdncqDjMSUZibJRQ1ZsYCLeVgQcvyCe-VD~xAl5CRS0Q~vA-neCsshCmbTCPfYBfEqzFWUZGU2K9g2saZhoGdElSz0UIzUxTsReDYIreQE6J~-Ep94echf1dTRffdvXJSs7hQSsYAg09asYXgF1GKqAqI9RMLrdX-B7pXq9iuafO3kJOJu5NeoyoqjNNUL22fwUUKL95Z~2f6I4feEQ0A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A discussion among Kent County commissioners flagged a dispute in which a landowner purchased a lot with an apparent county‑signed perk test and plat but the Kent County Health Department reportedly will not honor the approval because it cannot locate its copy.

Commissioners described a plat signed during the tenure of then‑planning director Gail Owens and by a health officer (identified in the transcript as Ed Burkemire). The purchaser, identified in discussion as Tommy Tucker, told commissioners he relied on the signed plat when he bought the land and expected to build a second residence on the parcel. Commissioners said the plat bore official seals and signatures.

The county attorney advised that, in his view, a signed approval or plat remains valid even if an agency later cannot locate its copy, and that the landowner’s recourse if the health department refuses to honor the approval would be a court action seeking a declaratory judgment. Commissioners discussed asking the Maryland Attorney General for an opinion and requested staff search county plat records to confirm whether an original or county‑filed copy exists.

Commissioners expressed frustration because they are preparing to disburse funds to the health department and noted that the department has not had a sanitarian since 2023. One commissioner cited a recent, critical Maryland Department of the Environment audit of local health‑department permitting work and said the county must seek accountability.

No formal action was taken at the meeting beyond the request that staff locate county records and consider whether to request an Attorney General opinion; the county attorney reiterated that court action (a declaratory judgment) would be the legal path if the department declines to honor a valid, signed approval.","A commissioner said a buyer produced a signed perk‑test/plat from the county that the health department could not locate; the county attorney advised the board that a signed plat or approval should remain valid even if the department’s copy is missing, and commissioners discussed seeking an Attorney General opinion and potential court remedies.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6234118,"Parks and Recreation details summer programs, Wharton Park improvements and new dog‑park funding",215,4144000,4359000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3412042-d9816bbe58d01bc726d4c243d286441f&start=4144&end=4359","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3412042-d9816bbe58d01bc726d4c243d286441f/thumbnail_4144000.jpg","/articles/6234118/Kent-County/Maryland/Parks-and-Recreation-details-summer-programs-Wharton-Park-improvements-and-new-dogpark-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6234118-c2e1d161b4daef64ae5808dd64685527/orig.mp4?Expires=1770429527&Signature=dwKyLtwN2MCEIrBViuDcb0hi~Wz0on-Esi6HK-NJLneWv0OWOuqTCWS9oDZSOPYXqU7ttnBIIq6dFzUW2gLdiz0fwPbSe47h4XVN0X7lwojQuZ6nWesY7vQV19m5lo7HzBzt7w7FWmlxpGQXYiNHOHaNelqkwahI4N91EdkJVA35MpbFJ~HO2jaS5N1X2sszwkPZ6NgT-RTVKqAuKkilwnerp0W55NGXeptXDtYc-go8aJIcwkSlaKCN~DFWBWKl59k~G8NBDyT1c-OD2rKPXfHGNQc62WJb5azdYGOyGu2hoxu0g1Mt1sRrPo0LEmM5f5NctqHRTcgiyIWxXObnHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jill Coleman, director of Kent County Parks and Recreation, presented departmental highlights for February through April and outlined summer programming and facilities work.

Coleman said the department will install a communication board at Eadsville Park to assist playground users with nonverbal cues and will install a new playground starting July 1. The department also installed a Wall of Fame at the community center and placed a memorial bench in honor of Vanessa Maddox.

Coleman listed summer programs: swim lessons (including adult lessons), family night swim, movie night, youth camps, Brazilian soccer camp, sand volleyball, pickleball and platform tennis, and a youth fish derby. She reported recent activity figures: 45 new facility access members, 55 renewals, 288 attendees at Springfest and more than 100 youth participating in combined clinics with Washington College.

On facilities, Coleman said public‑works crews replaced backstops and fencing at Wharton Park and work on a new basketball court is near completion. At a Parks, Recreation and Parks (PRAP) meeting the prior evening, the PRAP board voted to allocate part of roughly $87,000 in POS funds to build a dog park at Wharton Park; PRAP also approved funds for an additional dugout at Commissioners Field if budget permits.

Coleman said staffing for lifeguards is close to last year’s levels: 21 lifeguards this year compared with 22 in 2024. Pools will operate cashless this year; opening day for pools and the beach was announced for the coming Saturday with hours 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Coleman said the department will attempt to keep pools open as staffing allows and will prioritize pool coverage over beach lifeguarding if guards are limited.

Commissioners thanked the department for field maintenance and noted increased facility use for tournaments, including a multi‑field baseball event that drew many visitors. Coleman said staff will publish details about the dog park project, dugout replacements and pool operations.","Parks and Recreation Director Jill Coleman updated commissioners on spring projects and summer programming, announced a new communication board and playground at Eadsville Park, Wharton Park field improvements, a proposed dog park funded by POS money, and staffing plans for lifeguards and pools.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Lobbyist reports budget wins and new taxes after Annapolis session; county wins middle‑school funding

Kent County adopts fox‑hunting club dog‑kennel licensing process, sets $100 applicant fee

Kent County commissioners approve FY26 agreement with Midshore Behavioral Health after annual update

Commissioners raise legal concerns after county health department cannot locate historic perk‑test record

Parks and Recreation details summer programs, Wharton Park improvements and new dog‑park funding