Bruceton Board Trims Tax Rate

In a meeting that stretched more than 40 minutes Tuesday evening, the Bruceton Mayor and Board of Aldermen balanced celebration with fiscal pragmatism—honoring three high school sports teams, finalizing next year’s budget, and sparring over the future of the town’s curbside leaf collection program.

Routine Business Cleared Quickly

The board approved minutes from the May 13 regular meeting and a May 27 special session unanimously. Aldermen then accepted the May financial statements on a 4–0 vote after a roll call confirmation.

Mayor’s Report Highlights Community Events

Mayor Robert T. Keeton III thanked Hollow Rock–Bruceton Central High School seniors for their “Project Graduation” note, and announced that installation of the long-awaited automated water meters will begin June 23.

The mayor then presented framed proclamations to members and coaches of the high school track & field squad, baseball Panthers, and softball Lady Panthers, each of whom reached sub-state or state competition this spring. Photographs were taken with athletes crowding the dais amid applause from family and friends.

Citizens’ Concerns: Budget and the “Leaf Machine”

Only one resident, Robert Cole, spoke during the public comment period and used nearly ten minutes to criticize the board for moving too quickly on the 2025–26 budget and for discussing elimination of seasonal leaf pickup.

Cole contended that property tax impacts were unclear, the town’s leaf vacuum—which officials said suffers from a failing fan assembly—could be repaired, and that eliminating pickup would push residents toward backyard burning and place a burden on elderly homeowners.

Town Attorney Josh Winstead eventually reminded Cole of the three-minute rule, drawing objections from Vice Mayor Cliff Sturdivant, who asked that Cole be allowed to finish.

Public Works Superintendent Andy Pierce confirmed the vacuum’s mechanical issues and noted staffing limits: “If [crews] get called off for a water leak, leaf pickup stops.” Mayor Keeton added that this year’s draft budget funds no part-time labor and no roll-off dumpsters for spring clean-up but stressed that the board could restore either service later by amendment.

Budget Votes: Amendment and New Plan Adopted

An amendment to close out the current fiscal year (Ordinance 25-02) passed 4–0 on second reading. The new FY 2025–26 budget (Ordinance 25-03) was adopted 3–1, with Alderman Renee Ford Ward opposed. The plan lowers the municipal property tax rate from $2.20 to $1.70 per $100 of assessed value and keeps salaries flat across all departments. Alderman Jack Blocker noted that solid waste fees may still need a $4–$5 monthly increase within four years as reserves decline.

Even with the reduction to $1.70 tax rate. Bruceton still has the highest city-tax rate among Carroll County municipalities. With the next highest being Hollow Rock at $1.49.

Board and Commission Appointments

The board unanimously reappointed six members to the Industrial Development Board—Debbie Ridings, Malia Hollingsworth, Marty Batt, Mara Allen, Rod Sturdivant, and Alderman James Butler—staggering most terms through 2027. Butler abstained from voting because his brother was among the appointees.

Hollingsworth, Batt, Allen, Sturdivant, and Butler were also returned to the Zoning Board of Appeals for terms ending between 2026 and 2028.

What’s Next?

The board will revisit solid waste pricing and decide whether to declare the aging leaf vacuum surplus at a future meeting. For now, regular maintenance crews will continue limited pickup only if scheduling allows.

The meeting adjourned at 5:42 p.m. with a unanimous voice vote.