Town of Smithsburg Holds First Meeting of 2026, Honors Former Mayor

Smithsburg, MD – The Town of Smithsburg convened its first meeting of the new year on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, with council members gathering to address town business, honor a former mayor, and receive updates from various departments. The meeting began with a moment of silence for former Mayor Mickey Myers, who served the town for two decades and passed away on December 10th.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the review of the current financial status of the town. Concerns were raised by council members regarding the clarity and comprehensiveness of the financial reporting, making it difficult to ascertain the town’s exact financial standing. Issues were highlighted concerning the reporting of expenses, particularly in the sewer fund, and the classification of engineering services. The council discussed the need for a more transparent reporting system that clearly distinguishes between budget expenses and those that should be accounted for elsewhere, such as capital accounts or grants. To address these concerns, the council agreed to have the town’s accountant present at the next meeting to clarify reporting procedures and address specific questions.

Community organization reports were presented, including an update from the volunteer fire company detailing their activity in December and year-end statistics. The fire company responded to 146 calls in December, with the top call volumes being medical emergencies, fall injuries, and breathing problems. The report also provided year-end statistics, indicating that their call volume for 2025 was within the average range. The council also received a report from the community volunteer fire companies, noting members who had over 100 responses for the year.

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The Mayor’s report touched upon participation in community events such as the annual tree lighting and the “Shop with a Cop” event, organized by Chief Marker. These events highlighted the collaborative efforts between town officials, departments, and community organizations. The Mayor also announced that the town would receive an additional $200,000 for the Water Street Project, a grant that came as a welcome surprise.

Town Manager Brian Brandt provided an overview of his activities, including meetings related to sewer pump stations, the town Christmas tree lighting, and discussions regarding the AMI system. He also detailed efforts in finalizing grant requests for a restoration project and noted the surprise allocation of $200,000 for water street improvements, as well as a monthly earmark for paving and drainage issues. Brandt also updated the council on the progress of town hall upgrades, including HVAC and soundproofing work, which is expected to be completed soon.

The Police Department reported on their December activities, including calls for service, arrests, and citations. Chief Marker provided details on the “Shop with a Cop” event and thanked community volunteers and sponsors. He also addressed concerns regarding speed camera tickets, explaining the issuance parameters and the monetary tiers of the fines. The Public Works Department highlighted their work in the fourth quarter, including meter readings, sewer line inspections, and repairs to water leaks. A significant reduction in water loss was reported, with further improvements anticipated.

The council moved to approve the departmental and commission reports. The Economic Development Commission’s report noted that membership remains a priority, and they are seeking assistance in recruiting new members. Discussions within the commission also involve assessing the town’s identity and potentially contracting for door-to-door surveys to gather community input. The Planning Commission also submitted a report, with a clarification made regarding the entity responsible for determining development requirements, emphasizing it is the Planning Commission, not the Town Council.

Under old business, the council considered and approved Ordinance 2025-08, an amendment to the town code of ethics, which aligns with a model ordinance provided by the state. This updated ordinance will become effective on January 26, 2026. The council also discussed the Request for Proposals (RFP) for a registered municipal advisor for town general obligation debt. Following a recommendation from bond counsel, the council voted to postpone further discussion until their bond counsel has had an opportunity to review the submitted proposals.

In new business, the council discussed and considered upgrades to the town hall audio system, with ongoing work to find alternative microphone solutions.

Council members offered remarks, thanking Chief Marker for the “Shop with a Cop” event and wishing everyone a happy and safe new year. They also expressed condolences to the family of former Mayor Mickey Myers.

Looking ahead, the town has several upcoming meetings, including special sessions and regular commission meetings for Planning, Parks, and SEAC. The council also noted that 2026 is an election year for the mayor and two council positions, and they are seeking a chairperson for the election board. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

Article by Ken Buckler, based upon information from the Town of Smithsburg meeting audio

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