At the March 4th Town Meeting, new water and
sewer rates were approved. The new rates will
effect only large volume users. This is being
done to encourage more water conservation. There
will be no increase in the water and sewer rates
for average households (users consuming
1,000,000 gallons or less per quarter). For
consumers using over 1,000,000 gallons per
quarter the rate will increase by 20%. The rate
was $5.00 per 1000 gal. for each water and
sewer. The new rate will be $6.00 per 1000 gal.
for each water and sewer. When the consumption
exceeds 2,000,000 gallons per quarter that rate
increases another 20%. The old rate was $6.00
per 1000 gal. for each water and sewer. The new
rate will be $7.00 per 1000 gal. for each water
and sewer.
Also at the March 4th meeting, Pat Boyle,
President of the Council, informed the other
Commissioners that he had seen Rick Weldon,
Frederick County Commissioner, who had visited
Emmitsburg’s February meeting. Mr. Weldon, who
had attended in order to promote communication
between county and local governments, commented
on how well organized the meeting was as
compared to other town meetings.
The Streets Department has placed 15 mph
signs in Emmit Gardens and North Gate so that
all subdivisions have standardized speeds.
Mayor Carr gave the Wastewater and Water
Report. He commented that the town has received
only one bid so far on the reserve pump for the
sewage pump station. It was also reported that
warm water in the lagoon has presented algae
problem and different enzymes were being tried
to clear up the problem. Work has begun to
prepare the Town’s swimming pool for the
summer. Stating that he was "very
frustrated about the water plant," Mayor
Carr said that the water treatment plant is not
any closer to becoming operational. The current
contract will default in May if the treatment
plant is still not running.
The Parks Committee has stated that there is
a serious problem with residents using the
dumpsters behind the Community Center for
personal trash. These dumpsters are not to be
used in this capacity. A solution to this
problem is being addressed.
An ordinance 02-05 was approved 5-0 to amend
Title 17. This will allow new and used auto
sales and service in Highway Service Districts
only with the Board of Appeals approval. Highway
Service Districts include the East End of
Emmitsburg and both sides of U.S. 15.