(12/1) Possible Water Rate Increase on horizon

The Town Council also discussed at the November 7th meeting, that the possible water rate increase would take effect over a staggered three years instead of one lump sum increase. The board is also considering a 3% increase to the sewer rates.

Residents of Emmitsburg will have an opportunity to speak to the Council on the proposed increase at the December 6th meeting. The last increase in water and sewer rates was in 2015.

The need to increase water rates is due to the water system running at a loss for many years, said the town staff. The deficit in the town’s water revenue is getting to the point where the water fund will soon have to borrow cash from other funds.

New Town Appointments

Dan Garnitz, who moved to Emmitsburg in 2018, resigned from the Board of Appeals, but was appointed to the Planning Commission for a five-year term. Dan grew up in Montgomery County and lived in Fairfax, VA till 2017. The Planning Commission members are appointed individuals who advise the Town Council on all the planning and development issues.

Jack Pollitt was also appointed as an alternate member of the Board of Appeals. The Board of Appeals hears appeals regarding zoning decisions, development decisions, code violations, and other appealed matters.

Small Game Hunting Is Back

The Town Council voted 5-0 to allow small game hunting to resume at Rainbow Lake and Watershed. Small game includes: crow, pheasants, quail, rabbits, ruffed grouse and squirrels. The hunting season for small game coincides with deer season.

Only deer, turkey, and small game are allowed to be hunted at the watershed. Residents that wish to hunt at the Watershed have to obtain a hunting license from the State of Maryland, and a free permit from the town office. Hunting is allowed Monday through Saturday.

Voluntary Water Restrictions

Town staff informed the Town Council that due to lack of rain, the level of Rainbow Lake has been dropping, and as of last check, it was two feet below the spillway. As a result the town of Emmitsburg is asking for voluntary water restrictions (Phase 1).

If the lake level goes below three feet of the spillway, the town will enforce required restrictions (Phase 2).

Phase 2 water restrictions, which are mandatory, include prohibitions on the general outdoor use of water, including filling or replenishing swimming pools, car washing, and washing housing, sidewalks, or other public ways. Watering lawns, gardens or shrubs are also not permitted. Additionally, restaurants and taverns may not serve water unless it is requested by a patron.

While the current drought is nowhere near the drought of 100 years ago, when local wells dried up, the town staff is nevertheless keeping a weary eye on the lake level and levels in the town wells.