(2/20) At the request of Scott Swartz from Habitat for Humanity inquired if the town, the town council took up a request to wave $28,800 in water and sewer hookup fees for the houses the organization is about to build on East Main Street.
Swartz said that they had wanted to break ground on the homes in 2020, but COVID made that impossible. Due to increase in prices in just about everything since then, Swartz said that the project would be over budget because of these increases and that the waving of the fees would help it move forward.
Both Councilman Haines and Forster supported the request of Habitat for Humanity. Both felt that the money would allow Habitat for Humanity to build an ongoing relationship with Taneytown. ‘It’s a win-win for Taneytown and a non-profit that that helps the citizens on Tanetytown. It’s humanitarian thing to do," said Foster
In considering the request, Councilman Fuller recalled that in the paperwork from Habitat they were only short by about $6,000 as a result of the increase in costs, and therefore, suggested if the city covered half of the cost, $14,400, then Habitat would be in the positive by over $8,000, which would help set them up to do more building of homes for the needy in Taneytown.
Councilman Hand however noted that Habitat for Humanity would be substantially in the positive if they were granted the full waiver and suggested instead the Council waive the exact amount they would need to break even.
However, Mayor Wantz said waiving the exact amount was tricky as the amount could fluctuate as the project got underway.
Reflecting upon Wantz’s concern, Hand moved to instead forgiven $8,640, "which would more then cover the projects current shortfall, while giving Habitat for Humanity some ‘wiggle room’ in case other expenses rose."
Wantz clarified that $8,640 would still put Habitat for Humanity slightly into the black, and allow the them begin their next build.
Prior to approving the request, Councilman Hand asked for clarification as to whether the funds would come from cell tower revenue. Wantz confirmed that the money would come from revenue from the cell towers, acknowledging that there were ample funds available from the revenue of the cell antennae on the water tower.
While hand was supportive of everyone’s desire to help Habitat for Humanity, he expressed reservation that given the money would be coming out of the town’s infrastructure budget, money that was needed to support much need water improvements projects.
After much discussion the Council voted unanimously to go with Hand’s recommendation and to cut the water and sewer hookup fees for Habitat for Humanity by $8,640.
