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FROM THE MAYOR’S DESK
It is time once again to prepare the budget for another year. Compared to the State and Federal Governments, we are not in bad shape. There isn’t any extra money for projects and the streets will not get the attention they once did, but all in all we have weathered the recession better than most. That’s not to say we will continue on in this manner, because at some point taxes will have to be adjusted in order to further repair the streets and keep up with rising costs for everything from electricity to trash removal. We will continue to work to hold the line on taxes and fees, with the hope that the economy will improve and the state will return the Highway User Revenues that we so desperately need. I dislike using the word hope because it usually means you have no control over the situation and “to hope” is all that is left. A good plan is always better than hope. Unfortunately in this situation, a good plan will mean tax increases or additions to the fee structure. We may have to begin charging for trash pickup, raise taxes to cover the loss of the highway monies or do something equally creative in order to remain solvent. The town budget just doesn’t have the fat in it to trim like the State and Federal Governments do. They too are struggling to find ways to cut with minimal impact to all concerned. I do believe though that we will come out of these difficult times with a greater appreciation for what is important and a better plan for the future.
Don’t forget about the Town elections coming up. If you are interested in running for the office of Mayor or Council, please come to the Town Office or contact any of us for more information.
Bret D. Grossnickle, Mayor
GRANT PROJECTS UPDATE
CDBG Application & Training -
The Town of Union Bridge is planning to attend this year’s CDBG training seminar in April. Union Bridge is planning to apply for grant funding through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development for infrastructure related improvements.
SHA Wetlands Park Trail Extension -
The town was awarded a $30,000 grant from the State Highway Administration to extend the trail located at the Wetlands Park adjacent to Route 75. We are still awaiting permit approval from the United States Army Corp of Engineers. Construction is planned to start this summer. MDE Refinancing The town has sent an application to MDE to refinance our existing water quality loan to a lower interest rate.
Benedum Street Sidewalk Improvements - The Town of Union Bridge was awarded $242,000 from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Community Development Block Grant Program. This grant is being used to improve sidewalks and curbing along Benedum Street. This will be at no cost to the residents or property owners. Construction has been put on hold due to the cold weather. The town will complete the sidewalk construction as soon as the weather warms up. There is only one block left to complete. For questions on these or any other projects, please call the Town Office at 410-775-2711.
For questions on these or any other projects, please call the Town Office at 410-775-2711.
Jared Schumacher,
Town Consultant
WEST CARROLL REC
West Carroll serves Union Bridge, New Windsor, and surrounding areas. Anyone interested in Rec. Council programs or events is welcome to attend our meetings. Meetings will be held the 2nd Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Old New Windsor School/County Government Offices/Library Administration Offices in New Windsor. See our website: www.goWCRC.com.
For general information about West Carroll programs, contact Community Coordinator, Penny Rockwood at 410-775-1506. Another source to check for upcoming sports registrations is “RecZone”’ found in the back of the Sports section of the Carroll County Times on Sundays.
Penny Rockwood, Community Coordinator
UNION BRIDGE COMPUTER CENTER
Bridges sponsors the Computer Lab at the Union Bridge Community Center in conjunction with the Town of Union Bridge and the Carroll County Public Library. The Computer Lab is open Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 5:00 – 8:30 pm. The Bookmobile is scheduled to be at the Community Center every third Monday. We are looking for volunteers to help staff the center. No computer experience is necessary. Volunteers are official library volunteers.
Bridges schedules a monthly activity for youths and families. We will be having “The Great American Food Fight II” March 19, 2:00 pm, at the Trail Park (next to the car wash). We will be having a “Community Easter Egg Hunt” on April 23, 2:00pm, at the Community Center. Events are free of charge and all are welcome to attend. For more information contact Jacie at 410-876-5505.
Matt Gibbons,
Bridges Secretary
ST. PATRICK’S DAY DANCE
VFW Memorial Post 8806
Saturday, March 12, 2011
8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
$10 per person MUST BE 21 TO ATTEND
DJ: Night Moves
For more info. 410-775-2160
PET OWNERS
The town is getting calls about residents not picking up after their pets. Please consider those who come after you on your walk. Put yourself in their shoes – literally. Please be a good neighbor and pick up your animal droppings. Union Bridge Code, Chapter 10, The owner of every animal shall be responsible for the removal of any excreta deposited by his animal(s) on public property, including sidewalks, recreation areas or on private property.
SEWER LINE BLOCKAGES
RESIDENTS: If your sewer line becomes blocked please contact the Town
Hall at 410-775-2711 before calling a plumber.
Water & Sewer Emergencies
Please page Amy Kalin at 410-899-1200
PUBLIC NOTICE
TO THE CITIZENS OF UNION BRIDGE:
MAYOR AND TWO MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL WILL BE ELECTED
ELECTION DAY
IS TUESDAY,
MAY 10, 2011
7:00 A.M. TO 8:00 P.M.
LOCATION: TOWN HALL 104 WEST LOCUST STREET
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT TOWN ELECTIONS:
Voter Registration: It is necessary to be registered in order to vote in Town elections. If you are already registered with the County to vote in County, State, and Federal elections, you are automatically registered to vote in Town elections. If you wish to vote in only the Town election you may register at the Town Hall during regular hours, 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Registration will close on Sunday, April 10, 2011 at 4:00 p.m.
Qualification of voters:
You must be a citizen of the United States.
You must be at least eighteen (18) years of age on or before Election Day.
You must have resided within the corporate limits at least thirty (30) days prior to the election.
You must be registered to vote.
Qualification of Candidates for Mayor and Council:
You must have resided within the corporate limits for at least one (1) year.
You must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
You must be a qualified voter of the Town.
***Terms of office are for four (4) years***
A candidate for office must file a “Certificate of Nomination” with the Town Clerk, no later than 4:00 p.m. on Monday, April 11, 2011.
Should you have any questions concerning this notice please call the Town Hall, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., at 410-775-2711.
Resolution No. 01-11
Resolution 01-11 was approved for the upcoming budget. This resolution updates the CIP for FY 12/17. For FY12 $5,000 will be placed in the POS account to be used as matching funds for a potential grant: $10,000 will be placed in the budget for Capital Contingency.
MARYLAND TAX RETURN
Union Bridge residents please be aware of the box in the top section of your Maryland Income Tax Return, asking for the name of your municipality. Please be sure to fill this area in with Union Bridge. By filling that section out, the town will receive its proper local share of the taxes you pay to the State. YOU WILL NOT PAY ANY ADDITIONAL TAXES! Our portion of the State income tax is an important part of our annual income. Fill in this box and bring some of your taxes home to your community.
MD State Police Drug TIPS HOTLINE 410-875-0936
They CAN’T do it without your help!!!
Please help keep your neighborhood clean!
DON”T throw cigarette butts on the ground.
COMMUNITY CENTER AVAILBLE
FOR WEDDINGS, PARTIES, AND REUNIONS.
410-775-2711
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UNION BRIDGE NEWSLETTER