Talbot County, Maryland

09/10/2026

Category: County Council

The Talbot County Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 5 p.m. All Council members were present.

Work Session with Talbot County Agricultural Community

Prior to the regular meeting, the Council held a work session with representatives of the Talbot County agricultural community including the Talbot County Farm Bureau, Soil Conservation District and Extension Office to discuss issues and priorities affecting local farmers and agricultural businesses.

Representatives shared the Talbot County Farm Bureau’s adopted local policy priorities, including agriculture’s role in economic development, farm preservation, planning and zoning, environmental regulations, education, wildlife management, and support for local agricultural programs. The discussion emphasized the importance of agriculture to Talbot County’s economy and continued participation by the agricultural community in County planning and land-use decisions.

Constitution Week Proclamation

The Council issued a proclamation recognizing September 17–23, 2026, as Constitution Week in Talbot County.

Richard Holman, Michelle Ewing and Paul Callahan accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Mid-Shore Constitution Alliance, which organizes Constitution Week events each year to promote greater understanding of the U.S. Constitution.

This year, the organization will host its second annual Constitution Bowl, bringing together students from eight local high schools to test their knowledge of the Constitution, with scholarships awarded to the top-performing teams. The Championship Round, which will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 1 PM at the Talbot County Free Library, will be open to the public.

Suicide Prevention Month Proclamation

The Council issued a proclamation recognizing September 2026 as Suicide Prevention Month in Talbot County, raising awareness of suicide prevention, mental health resources and the importance of supporting individuals and families affected by suicide.

Beth Anne Dorman, CEO of For All Seasons; Dr. Sharon Pepukayi, Board Member; and Craig Postlewait, Board Member, accepted the proclamation.

Staff Introductions and Updates

The Council welcomed Stephanie Mervine, the newly appointed Director of Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism. Mervine began her new role on August 31.

The Council also recognized Josh Elliott on his promotion to Talbot County Engineer. Elliott assumed the role this month following the retirement of longtime County Engineer Ray Clarke.

Introduction of Legislation

The Council introduced Resolution Nos. 396–398, proposing amendments to the Talbot County Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan:

• Resolution No. 396 proposes reclassifying property at 27414 Ferry Bridge Road, Easton, from “Unprogrammed” to “S-1” Immediate Priority Status.
• Resolution No. 397 proposes reclassifying property at 5586 Leeward Lane, Tilghman, from “Unprogrammed” to “S-1” Immediate Priority Status.
• Resolution No. 398 proposes reclassifying 21 properties along Goose Neck Road in Royal Oak from “Unprogrammed” to “S-1” Immediate Priority Status.

The Council also introduced Bill No. 1653, which proposes amendments to the County’s notification requirements for public hearings on new and renewal short-term rental licenses. The legislation would expand notification to nearby property owners based on distance and proximity to the short-term rental property.

During discussion, Council Vice President Pete Lesher requested that the County Attorney prepare amendments based on additional recommendations previously received from the Talbot County Planning Commission. The proposed amendments are expected to return to the Council for consideration at its next meeting.

Bill No. 1654 proposes amendments to the County’s Volunteer Emergency Services Longevity Award Program, including changes to the definition of an “active volunteer member,” qualifying benefits and the point system used to determine eligibility. The legislation would provide qualifying active volunteer members with monthly benefits of at least $100 for life, with opportunities to earn additional benefits subject to certain conditions.

Public hearings for Resolution Nos. 396–398 and Bill Nos. 1653 and 1654 are scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.

Public Hearing: Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund Distribution Plan

The Council held a public hearing on Talbot County’s proposed Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF) Initial Distribution Plan. The CRRF directs a portion of Maryland’s adult-use cannabis tax revenue toward community-based initiatives benefiting disproportionately impacted and qualifying low-income communities.

Talbot Family Network, the County’s Local Management Board, was previously designated by the Council to serve as the Talbot County Community Reinvestment and Repair Commission and guide the local use of CRRF funding.

The initial plan identifies three priority areas for investment: economic stability and mobility, housing stability, and child development and educational opportunity. The plan anticipates continued community engagement as specific funding criteria and investment approaches are developed.

The Council kept the public comment period open. Residents may submit comments to publiccomment@talbotcountymd.gov.

Public Hearing: Resolution No. 395 – Data Centers

The Council held a public hearing on Resolution No. 395, establishing a 12-month moratorium on the processing, review and approval of applications, site plans, permits and other authorizations for the location, construction or operation of data centers in Talbot County.

The temporary moratorium provides the County time to consider appropriate zoning and regulatory requirements addressing data centers and their potential impacts.

The Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 395.

County Manager’s Report

County Manager Clay Stamp presented several items for Council consideration.

• Board and Committee Appointments: The Council unanimously approved the following appointments:
  • Administrative Charging Committee – Unanimously approved the reappointment of William Belding.
  • Emergency Services Advisory Board – Unanimously approved the appointment of Debbie Timms to serve as the at-large member.
  • Talbot Family Network Board of Directors – Unanimously approved the reappointment of Victoria Billings, Jennifer Villacorta and Lauren Weber.
• Chesapeake College RISE Zone Designation: The Council unanimously approved a letter supporting Chesapeake College’s application for certification as an institution eligible to pursue a Regional Institution Strategic Enterprise (RISE) Zone designation. The State program connects higher education resources with local economic development efforts to attract investment, encourage business development and strengthen workforce opportunities.
• Knapps Narrows Dredging Grant: The Council unanimously approved a request from the Department of Public Works to apply for $100,000 in State Waterway Improvement Grant funding for mechanical spot dredging of Knapps Narrows in Tilghman. The proposed work would address shoaling and restore an eight-foot navigable depth in the targeted area.
• Bay Crossing Land Preservation Mitigation Fund: The Council unanimously approved joining a coalition letter requested by the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy supporting creation of a dedicated Bay Crossing Land Preservation Mitigation Fund. The proposed fund would help protect agricultural lands that could experience increased development pressure associated with a future Chesapeake Bay crossing.
• Town of Easton Safety Corridor Request: The Council considered a request from the Town of Easton for a letter supporting Safety Corridor speed monitoring systems along portions of U.S. Route 50 (Ocean Gateway). Following discussion, the Council chose to take no action on the request pending additional information regarding the area of concern and specifics requested by the Town.
• Purchase of 25826 Orchard Terrace: The Council unanimously approved the purchase of approximately 1.6 acres at 25826 Orchard Terrace, Bellevue, for $535,000. The property is located adjacent to the County-owned Bellevue Community Park. See press release: Talbot County Expands Bellevue Community Park with Acquisition of Adjacent Property - Talbot County, Maryland

Next Meeting

The Talbot County Council’s next legislative meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 5 p.m. in the Bradley Meeting Room, South Wing, Talbot County Courthouse, 11 North Washington Street, Easton.  The County Council will be meeting at 3:00 p.m. with the Executive Director of Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) as well as the President of the MACo Board of Directors to discuss the upcoming General Assembly session.  The meeting will be held in the Bradley Meeting Room and is open to the public.

council highlights meeting highlights