2026-04-09-approved-budget-work-session-minutes.pdf

Town Council of Centreville Budget Work Session April 09, 2026 5:30 p.m.

M I N U T E S

The April 9, 2026, Town Council budget work session was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by President Ashley H.

Kaiser at the Vincit Building located at 110 Vincit Street. The following members and staff were present:

Ashley H. Kaiser, President; Jeffrey D. Kiel, Vice President; Frederick E. Beu, Fred M. McNeil, and Sandra L.

Huffer, Members; Carolyn Brinkley, Town Manager; Karen Luffman, Finance Officer; Gary Phillips, Operations Manager; Clifford “Kip” Matthews, Director of Public Works; Krystel Ebaugh, Human Resource Manager; Jacki Payne, Administrative Assistant; Peter Flint, Zoning Administrator; Ashley Russ, Finance Specialist; and Gaye Adams, Town Clerk.

Citizens Forum No citizens provided comments.

Discussion Council continued discussion of donation requests.

▪ The Queen Anne’s County Historical Society requested $8,500 for improvements (painting and/or

building-related work). Council discussed potential eligibility for façade grant funding and other funding opportunities, noting the importance of preserving historic buildings for cultural and economic development.

▪ Council discussed at length funding for the Arts Council and reached consensus to fully fund the $2,500

request.

▪ Council agreed to revisit the Veterans’ memorial/statue request later and continue gathering updates.

▪ Council discussed maintaining flexibility within the donations line for additional requests received

throughout the year and emphasized improving the application timeline for future budget cycles.

Department Budgets o A10-Legislative Budget

▪ Ms. Luffman provided clarification that the increases reflected in the Council salary line are

shown due to potential participation in retirement benefits and not salary increases.

▪ Council confirmed that no pay raises were being granted.

o A92- Administration

▪ Mr. Beu expressed concern that slip rentals showed a decrease in revenue. Ms. Brinkley

clarified that all slips are being leased except for those whose terms have expired and are now open. The decrease occurs if payment for rental agreements is received after the prior fiscal year has ended.

o C11- Street Department

▪ Ms. Luffman stated that the addition of two full-time employees increased the salary line.

o C21- Water

▪ Ms. Luffman noted an increase in contract services due to operational costs, laboratory testing,

contractor services, and anticipated new contracts.

o H40-Main Street

▪ The increase reflects higher grant funding levels, from $25,000 to $33,000.

o Vendor and Contract Services Review

▪ Brightly Software: Asset management system used to track Town assets.

▪ Graphic design services: Used for the Main Street circular.

Pa g e 1 | 2

▪ Planning services (EPRPC): No longer utilized since hiring Mr. Flint as the Zoning

Administrator.

▪ Flagger Force: Provides traffic control during road work.

▪ Harris Jones Malone: Lobbying services noted success in securing significant state funding.

▪ QAC Drug Task Force: Required contribution under a mutual aid agreement.

▪ Southern Corrosion: Maintenance and inspection of water towers.

▪ Public Safety Software: Internal affairs software for the Police Department.

▪ Whitehill Consulting: Mr. Whitehill provides assistance with RFPs, planning and zoning, and

possesses extensive institutional knowledge.

o Capital/Project-Specific Items FY27

▪ 24-foot V-nose enclosed trailer - $17,000

▪ Roof repairs -Well 6 - $8,060

▪ Roof repairs - Well 5 - $13,060

▪ Compact tractor - $40,000

• Total capital requests - $78,120

o Fund Balance Summary

▪ General Fund: Surplus of $52,416

▪ Enterprise Fund: Surplus of $6,685

▪ Both funds remain in a positive financial position following the proposed adjustments.

o Future Considerations

▪ The upcoming utility rate study and trash contract may impact the final budget.

▪ Ms. Luffman will provide updated budget drafts reflecting any changes prior to adoption.

▪ The final proposed budget is scheduled for presentation at the first May Council meeting.

o Final Comments

▪ Council expressed appreciation for staff’s work in preparing detailed budget materials and

supporting documentation.

▪ Council members noted the value of thorough discussion and improved transparency in the

budgeting process.

Citizens Forum No citizens provided comments.

Motion to Adjourn Mr. Kiel made a motion to adjourn the April 9, 2026, Town Council budget work session. The meeting adjourned at 6:12 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Gaye Adams Town Clerk Pa g e 2 | 2