The Local Source for News and Information Since 1980
At the regular meeting of the Town of Ridgely Commissioners, May 5, the Commissioners voted to provide for continued funding to the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office to provide law enforcement coverage to the town of Ridgely under the continuing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Sherriff Donnie Baker provided clarification regarding questions about funding and expenditure, noting that the MOU is among three parties, the town, the Caroline County Commissioners, and the Caroline County Office of Sheriff.
Baker explained that the town budgets the funds to pay expenses submitted by the Sheriff to the county, which acts as the fiduciary agent for the Sheriff’s office. There are checks and balances to ensure that expenses are for the correct budget item, including annual government audits. If expenses go under budget, the funds remain in the town’s general fund.
Commissioners Brad Sears and Chad Leister voted for funding in the FY2026 budget to pay for three dedicated deputies, vehicles, and administration from the Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement coverage in Ridgely. Commissioner John Hurley was not in attendance.
Commissioner John Hurley was not in attendance, leaving Commissioner Brad Sears, returning to the seat after the election, and new Commissioner Chad Leister to move through the agenda. John Buckle, who lost his seat in April ended her term with a heartfelt statement, highlighting accomplishments during his three terms. He advised the newly elected and returning Commissioners, “to always put the town first.”
Stephanie Burkey, Town Clerk, highlighted in her monthly report that the town will have a new website up and running shortly. She also brought before the Commissioners a question to subscribe to a new emergency alert system through vendor Everbridge; the Commissioners voted unanimously to purchase a subscription to the new system that will provide more reliable and detailed information.
Town Operations Manager, David Crist, requested that the Commissioners consider agreeing to a three-year contract with municipal waste hauler, Bigg Tyme Trash. The Commissioners entertained several questions and comments from residents about the cost differential between the current provider, Republic, and Bigg Tyme Trash.
One of the main questions was regarding commercial waste management. Bigg Tyme Trash does not offer commercial services, and the town desires to provide town businesses with the same level of service as residents. Sears and Leister voted to sign the Bigg Tyme Trash contract, and directed staff to research commercial vendors for town businesses report back to Commissioners at the June meeting.
Commissioners took up the question of whether to host Winterfest in December 2025. The public had questions about whether there is a budget and staff resources for the town sponsored festival. Gerry Sutton, financial advisor for the town, pointed out that Winterfest is funded solely by donations. Commissioners voted to continue Winterfest.
