Town of Port Deposit

At the June 2, 2026 Town Council Legislative Meeting, Council received the Sheriff’s Office monthly update, held a public hearing and adopted the Fiscal Year 2027 Annual Budget, reviewed lease agreements and the downtown banner project, discussed infrastructure projects, and received several operational and community updates.

Project & Infrastructure Updates
Council received an update on the Granite Avenue and Race Street stormwater project, including the need for a perpetual easement with Artesian for drainage infrastructure and a temporary construction agreement for project staging. The Town is working with counsel on the required documents.

Town Administrator Rinkerman reported that she submitted the Town’s quiet zone request to Norfolk Southern and is awaiting information regarding requirements, studies, and any needed crossing upgrades.

Public Works and Code Administrator Jamison reported that Public Works continued routine maintenance despite rain and limited staffing, including grounds work, storm drain cleaning, trash collection, Marina Park upkeep, Rockfish Tournament preparation, ditch debris removal, sidewalk repair, and use of a child- and pet-friendly weed treatment.

Additional maintenance concerns included Race Street potholes, overgrowth on Race and North Main Streets, street light repairs, and concrete falling from the Norfolk Southern railroad wall.

Community & Operations
Cpl. Tyler Price provided the Sheriff’s Office update for May, reporting increased traffic enforcement and routine calls for service. Council discussed tractor-trailer enforcement, Granite Avenue parking and roadway concerns, and complaints about dirt bikes and four-wheelers near North Main Street and Netter’s Alley.

Council approved a lease agreement for STEP Recovery Resource to use second-floor office space and agreed that staff should prepare a short-term lease for Delegate Kevin Hornberger from July 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026, without automatic renewal.

Town Administrator Rinkerman reported that the Town will not participate in the Circuit Rider Program for the coming year due to staffing changes and other available support. Council also discussed the downtown banner project, coordination with the Port Deposit Chamber of Commerce, and a Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway matching grant application.

Additional updates included cancelation of the June 16 Council meeting due to lack of quorum, follow-up on tax sale properties, upcoming stormwater work behind 43 S. Main Street, and Marina Park electric work.

It was announced that Rhonda, the Town mascot, was sighted for the first time in years. Towson University reported that she is doing well and provided a photo of her with permission to share it with the public.

Policy & Legislative Actions
Council held a public hearing on Ordinance 2026-01, Fiscal Year 2027 Annual Budget. Treasurer Gray reviewed the proposed balanced budget, including tax and fee rates, staffing, grant-funded and Town-funded projects, tax sale properties, stormwater costs, fire company support, Public Works equipment, parking lot engineering, and Visitor Center maintenance.

Following the public hearing, Council adopted Ordinance 2026-01 by unanimous vote.

Announcements
The 20th Annual Rockfish Tournament is scheduled for June 6, 2026, from 5:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Marina Park. The event is hosted by CCU and the Town of Port Deposit. Registration is open.

The Planning Commission is scheduled to meet on June 11, 2026, to discuss the Nexamp Solar Project and on June 25, 2026, to discuss Resolution 11-2026, Annexation of Bainbridge Property.

The Farmers Market, hosted by the Port Deposit Chamber of Commerce, will open for the season on June 13, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Center and Main Streets in Downtown Port Deposit.

Actions Taken

• Approved the May 5, 2026 Legislative Meeting minutes.

• Approved the May 19, 2026 Work Session Meeting minutes.

• Adopted Ordinance 2026-01, Fiscal Year 2027 Annual Budget.

• Approved the STEP Recovery Resource second-floor lease agreement.

• Directed staff to prepare a short-term lease for Delegate Hornberger.

• Agreed to a goodwill donation to Water Witch Fire Company.

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​This meeting summary is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the official meeting minutes. Minutes have not yet been approved and are presented to the Council for approval at the next legislative meeting. Once approved, the official minutes will be posted to the Town Council page.