O'Malley bill to limit septic systems clears Senate
By Annie Linskey and Michael Dresser, The Baltimore Sun
9:09 p.m. EDT, March 27, 2012
Gov. Martin O’Malley’s bill to curb sprawl by limiting septic systems — a key piece of his legislative agenda — cleared the Maryland Senate Monday, albeit in a weakened form.
The measure aims to slow the pace of development of the state’s farmlands, forests and other rural areas. It also would reduce pollution from septic systems into the Chesapeake Bay. Getting Senate approval for the legislation is a significant step for the governor, who wasn’t able to get a similar bill out of committee last year. The measure goes now to the House of Delegates, where supporters are optimistic.
O’Malley initially sought a stronger bill that would let the state determine whether new developments could be built in rural areas. Last week he accepted a compromise supported by conservative Democrats and Republicans that keeps the final say on development in local hands.
“We are still achieving the public policy objectives,” said Maryland Planning Secretary Richard E. Hall. “I still think the bill does what it sets out to do. … It is very much intact.”
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Garrett sells building to GCC Technologies
Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News
2012 — OAKLAND — Garrett County has sold its Maryland Economic Development Corp. building, located at the Southern Garrett Business and Technology Park, to GCC Technologies LLC for $1.15 million, the county commissioners announced Tuesday.
“This is a big deal,” said Jim Hinebaugh, director of economic development, who thanked Jim Bailey, managing member and president of GCC, and Shirley Bailey, chief operating officer of GCC, for their investment. “GCC is a great model for economic development in a rural area.”
The 30,000-square foot building was sold for the same price paid by the county when it purchased the building from MEDCo in December, according to Monty Pagenhardt, county administrator.
“The proceeds from the sale to GCC Tech will be returned to the unassigned fund balance,” said Pagenhardt in an email to the Times-News. “We actually borrowed the funds to purchase the building from the unassigned fund balance (our reserves).”
GCC purchased the building with funding provided by the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, according to a press release.
“The purchase of this building fits well within our business plan and it’s certainly going to help us continue the growth pattern which I think we have had over the last few years,” said Jim Bailey.
GCC Tech started in 2007 on the Garrett College campus with 17 employees and has since grown to more than 200 employees, with 100 from the county, according to Hinebaugh.
Jobs with GCC range from senior business analyst to information technology specialist, according to Jim Bailey.
“We are offering, I believe, one of the most competitive salaries that you can find in Garrett County as well as a very good benefits program,” said Jim Bailey. “This wouldn’t have been possible had it not been for the support we have received from the local government, the economic development department that Jim has headed up.”
Over the next few weeks, GCC Tech will be awarding a contract for a build-out of the MEDCo building so GCC can consolidate and move in there, said Jim Bailey.
“We anticipate that build-out will take six months and that build-out will include employment of Garrett County employees,” said Jim Bailey. “We are excited about the growth opportunity here in the county and we make a commitment that we are going to continue that growth.”
GCC provides a wide range of technical and support services, including information technology, acquisition management, contract management, program management, training, studies and analysis and administrative support, according to Hinebaugh.
The GCC building located within the county mainly serves the Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Small Business Administration, according to Bailey.
Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com.
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Garrett County commission agrees to take ownership of ASCI
Will pay $600,000 to secure debt
Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News
2012 — OAKLAND — On Tuesday, Garrett County commissioners voted unanimously to take ownership of Adventure Sports Center International and authorized the expenditure of $600,000 to secure the assignment of ASCI debts from Susquehanna Bank.
“We have basically changed the assignment of debt as of today. So the debt is really a repayment to the county,” said Chairman James Raley.
Susquehanna Bank will split the debt and distribute half to First United Bank & Trust, according to Commissioner Gregan Crawford.
“As part of that process, ASCI’s principal financial partners, First United Bank & Trust and Susquehanna Bank, proposed and offered a significant debt re-duction opportunity to the county in the event that the county accepted ASCI’s offer,” said Crawford. “The financial partners, who have contributed significantly to the process and the county’s consideration of this matter, have agreed to accept the assignment of debt in the sum of $600,000 in full satisfaction of ASCI’s debt obligations to those financial institutions.”
The $600,000 debt from ASCI will be paid with hotel/ motel accommodations tax revenue, according to Crawford.
The money for the debt came out of the general account to pay the banks, with the amortization coming out of the accommodations tax, according to Raley.
The accommodations tax is used to fund the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development, according to Crawford.
“Accommodations tax can not be used to fund the school system,” said Crawford. “Once this debt is resolved, ASCI can concentrate more of its resources on fulfilling its corps functions. As public funds were used, we have a responsibility to succeed. The easy way out would to turn our backs, walk away and watch $24 million in capital costs go away. Whose interest will that serve then.”
A bill that is currently in consideration in Annapolis would raise the accommodations tax from 5 percent to 6 percent, according to Raley.
“That bill has progressed and gotten favorable readings from Senate side and the House side,” said Crawford.
ASCI is a nonprofit and is home to a manmade whitewater course and Forks Run, a 550-acre recreation area. The original debt accrued by ASCI was $3 million.
“We can not allow ourselves to give up this project,” said Raley. “I think this project is still in its infancy. I think we can grow this project and I think if you work with us we can make that happen.”
On Jan. 5, the board of directors of ASCI offered the full title to the facilities to the commissioners. The commission has been deliberating this matter since then, according to Crawford.
“The county has reviewed all information concerning the ASCI’s facilities, including its assets, liabilities, long-term value to county and community and has consulted with ASCI’s financial partners,” said Crawford. “The taxpayers of this county, the state, the federal government have made significant investments in this property.”
The $17.7 million project was built with $6.1 million from the county, $5.8 million from the state and $2.6 million in federal funds, according to The Associated Press.
Before the public had a chance to ask the commissioners questions, Raley noted that he understood their concern over the county’s decision to assume ownership of ASCI.
“I do believe it has its best chance of success under the current setup,” said Raley. “It’s not done. We still have some work to do after today. But I want you to note they have been open discussions to the extent that they can be. I have read your emails. I have read your social media posts and I do understand what you are saying.”
Negotiations would have to be handled in executive session, according to Raley.
The majority of the business owners and residents that spoke at the press conference had a variety of questions and some made it clear they were not happy with the decision.
“I just think this is a bad decision. It’s going to put us in a mess for years,” said Mountain Lake Park Mayor Leo Martin.
Martin noted that he didn’t fully understand where the $600,000 was coming from.
“That $600,000 is going to push something out of the budget sometime,” said Martin. “It has to, unless you are going to raise taxes. It’s the tax payers financing all of this. I think you guys need to speak in clear language about that.”
Raley reiterated that it was coming from the accommodations tax.
“The accommodations tax is up this year compared to other years. It has been another record year,” said Raley.
One resident questioned whether the general funds that are being used to pay the debt are taken from taxpayer money. Raley agreed that the general fund contained taxpayer money.
“We are using our funds (out of the general fund) to fund the payoff from the bank,” said Raley in response. “We are not borrowing money from the bank or paying the bank’s interest. We are using our own funds and they will be repaid,” said Raley, noting that it was a one time expenditure.
Raley encouraged residents to keep faith.
“I encourage you don’t give up. Think positive,” said Raley. “Roll up your sleeves like you do here in Garrett County. Let’s make it happen because we own it. It’s part of the Garrett County economic picture and the project is somewhat of the envy of many other places.”
Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com
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'Conquer the Dam' to help raise funds for Meals on Wheels
News-Tribune
Posted Mar 28, 2012 @ 11:52 AM
KEYSER – Aging & Family Services of Mineral County is proud to announce “Conquer the Dam,” the first 5K fundraising run/walk at Jennings Randolph Lake.
Proceeds from this event, scheduled for Saturday, May 19, will support the Meals on Wheels program of Mineral County. Jennings Randolph Lake is a reservoir of 952 acres located on the North Branch Potomac River in Garrett County, Md., and Mineral County, W.Va. The lake was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and construction was completed in 1981.
Originally named Bloomington Lake, it was later renamed for West Virginia Senator Jennings Randolph.
The highlight of the 5K run/walk will be that runners and walkers will travel over the dam and spillway, normally closed to public travel.
The event begins and ends at the top of the Howell Run Picnic area. There will be a downhill start and then cross the dam and then reverse direction with a slight uphill climb to the finish.
Cost is $20 early registration; $10 for those 14 years old and younger.
For more information, call 304-788-5467 or email lkitzmiller@wvaging.com.
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Home prices unchanged in January: S&P
NEW YORK | Tue Mar 27, 2012 9:41am EDT
(Reuters) – Single-family home prices were unchanged in January, a closely watched survey said on Tuesday, suggesting the battered housing market continues to crawl along the bottom.
The S&P/Case-Shiller composite index of 20 metropolitan areas was flat in January on a seasonally adjusted basis. A Reuters poll of economists forecast a decline of 0.2 percent after December’s 0.5 percent drop.
The flat reading broke a five-month string of declines as the market has been pressured by a low demand, distressed sales and an overhang of pending foreclosures.
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College Officials Stress Importance Of Garrett Co., Foundation Scholarships
Mar. 22, 2012
The Garrett County commissioners received an update report on the county scholarship program from Garrett College officials on Monday afternoon. They noted its benefits and stressed the importance of maintaining both the county and privately funded Garrett College Foundation scholarship programs.
“Garrett County Scholarship recipients perform better academically than the college’s overall student population,” GC president Dr. Richard MacLennan reported. “For the fall 2011 semester, the mean grade point average for scholarship recipients was 2.86, while the mean GPA for the college’s overall student population was 2.19.”
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The Garrett County Scholarship program was initiated and approved by a previous board of county commissioners in fall 2006. Under the county-funded program, all current local high school graduates may apply for academic or occupational scholarships to attend Garrett College for two years. Eligibility requirements include being enrolled full time in a degree or trades program and maintaining at least a 2.0 grade point average.
“We hold our county scholarship recipient students to a higher standard of performance than we do our general student population or the students who receive Title IV financial aid,” MacLennan said.
Interim dean of instruction Jim Allen noted that federal financial aid students are required to maintain at least a 1.75 GPA.
“So [our] standard is higher,” Allen said.
MacLennan reported there are 169 county scholarship students enrolled this semester. Last fall there were 189 students, but 20 did not meet the GPA requirement going into the spring semester.
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Art Is Elementary!
Mar. 22, 2012
That is the title of an art exhibit made up of works created by the county’s elementary school students now on display at the Gallery Shop of the Garrett County Arts Council in downtown Oakland. The exhibit features the work of 90 different area students from pre-kindergarten through 5th grade.
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“This exhibit is a celebration of color and imagination,” said Karen Reckner, executive director of the arts council. “The children have expressed themselves in their own fun and unique ways.” Pictured above left is a painting by Lori Lytle, a second grader at Friendsville Elementary School, and at right is a collage work by Alexia Wolf, a first grader of Kitzmiller Elementary. In addition to paintings and collages, the exhibit includes yarn art and re-purposed items such as sea shells and buttons. Some students created self-portraits, and others worked to recreate the style of master artists. The exhibit will be on display through March 30. The public is encouraged to visit. The gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For more information, persons may call 301-334-6580.
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Garrett County officials detailing takeover of flailing whitewater course in western Md.
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
First Posted: March 27, 2012 – 3:16 am
Last Updated: March 27, 2012 – 3:16 am
HAGERSTOWN, Md. — Garrett County officials are publicly revealing details of their planned takeover of a manmade whitewater course in western Maryland near McHenry.
The county commissioners have scheduled a news conference Tuesday morning in Oakland.
The county said last week it will take over the recreational and training site from Adventure Sports Center International.
The nonprofit group opened the publicly funded course in 2007. It has defaulted on more than $3 million in bank loans to cover construction cost overruns.
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House approves 7.5% natural gas tax, highest in the Marcellus Shale states
March 26, 2012
By Daniel Menefee
Dan@MarylandReporter.com
House lawmakers Monday night passed a 7.5% state severance tax on natural gas in a 82-51 vote, after the delegates on Saturday fended off an amendment from Del. Wendell Beitzel, R-Garrett, that would cap state and local taxes on natural gas extraction at 7.5% combined.
“The amendment would incorporate all severance taxes,” Beitzel said. “Local, county and state taxes together could not exceed 7.5%.”
Garrett County currently has a severance tax of 5.5%, which means the state could assess a severance tax of only 2% under Beitzel’s amendment. Allegany County’s severance tax of 7% would limit the state’s share to just 0.5%.
Read more: http://marylandreporter.com/2012/03/26/house-approves-7-5-natural-gas-tax-highest-in-the-marcellus-shale-states/#ixzz1qKPvRldz
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House approves $35.8 billion budget and pension shift
March 23, 2012
By Justin Snow
Justin@MarylandReporter.com
The House of Delegates approved their version of the state’s $35.8 billion budget Friday, moving the process into its final stage to resolve differences with the Senate.
The budget bill was approved 95-43, but not before Republican lawmakers attempted one last time to derail its passage. They described the budget, which would increase state spending by $1 billion for the 5th year in a row, as fiscally irresponsible and destructive. The Democratic chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, Norman Conway, had repeatedly called it “fiscally prudent and socially responsible.”
Republicans argued that casting a red vote would be an opportunity to send the budget bill back to committee in order to address their concerns. During the previous day’s 11-hour session, every Republican amendment had been rejected.
Read more: http://marylandreporter.com/2012/03/23/house-approves-35-8-billion-budget-and-pension-shift/#ixzz1qKNiYrUR
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