Federalsburg to hold water and sewer rate public hearing on Dec. 15

FEDERALSBURG - Mayor and council will hold a public hearing on the budget and a proposed increase of water and sewer rates on Wed., Dec. 15, at a location and time to be announced. Mayor Kim Abner stated that “we have been digging into some (budget) numbers… and we have been trying to get some better numbers.” Staff found some discrepancies in a report on meters that they are working to understand. The Mayor and Council will hold a workshop on Dec. 10 in preparation for presentation during the public hearing on Dec. 15.

Leslie Fraley was put forth as an appointee for Clerk-Treasurer. Councilperson Brandy James asked if an updated, formal job description has been presented to Fraley because in the past, there were questions about what the work specifically entails. The Town Charter outlines specifically the clerk/treasurer duties. However, a previous town manager changed the job description in such a way that it does not match the Charter, including responsibilities for human resources management. James pressed whether the appointee was given a job description that specifies the expectations of the role. Without the question being settled, the Mayor and Council voted to appoint Fraley.

During her action item report, Councilperson Debi Sewell noted that the Federalsburg Christmas Parade is scheduled for Mon., Dec. 8, and stated that, “I think it is the largest evening parade on the Shore.” She commented that the Federalsburg Lions Club, along with support from the Town Public Works staff, have installed lights and inflatables around the town to help celebrate the holiday.