Council Rejects School Construction Amendment

The Board of Ed was told to bring back the request during budget time.

 

Frederick, Md (KM) In a unanimous vote on Tuesday, the Frederick County Council denied a Board of Education Construction amendment request. . The measure would have allowed the School System to transfer $250,000 from the now closed-out Frederick High School replacement project to do a study on potential renovation needs at several schools.

Board of Ed member Joy Schaefer told the Council it was a tool to help plan for future renovation needs. But Council members said there is no money in the Capital Improvements Program for any new projects. They told the School System to bring this request back when the fiscal year 2021 CIP is being drafted.

The Facility and Program Assessment Study would have identified the potential limited renovation needs at Emmitsburg, Lewistown, Sabillasville, Thurmont and Wolfsville Elementary Schools. It would not have considered replacements, site improvements or needs for additional capacity, according to background materials.

In other action, Councilwoman Jessica Fitzwater introduced a bill to take 1.5% of the revenues from the County’s Recordation Tax for the Housing Initiative Fund. The money will be used to provide incentives for the creation of affordable housing.

Councilwoman Fitzwater introduced the bill on behalf of County Executive Jan Gardner.

 

By Kevin McManus