Smithsburg briefs

March 08, 2006|by TIFFANY ARNOLD

Town eligible for excise tax revenue

SMITHSBURG -The town of Smithsburg is eligible to receive a portion of Washington County's excise tax revenue, Mayor Mildred "Mickey" Myers announced Tuesday night.

Smithsburg is eligible for the money because the county approved the town's recently revised Adequate Facilities Ordinance (APFO), Myers said during the town's monthly council meeting.

According to Washington County's Excise Tax law, municipalities can receive a portion of the county's excise tax if their APFOs meet certain criteria.

An APFO helps ensure that the town's schools, roads and other public services can adequately sustain growth.

The council agreed 4-1 to revise its APFO to mirror the county's APFO during its February meeting.

Councilman Jerome Martin said he voted against the revisions because he thought the county APFO lacked teeth. He said it would do little to curb overcrowding in the town's already overcrowded schools.

Historical society taps Rohrer as leader

SMITHSBURG - The Smithsburg Historical Society has named Mike Rohrer, 38, as its new president.

Rohrer formally introduced himself to the mayor and town council Tuesday, during the council's monthly meeting.

Rohrer replaces Charlie Slick, who died Jan. 6. Slick, 75, served on the town's council for 14 years until he lost as a write-in candidate in 2002.

Rohrer, who also is a professional DJ, is a Frederick County (Md.) middle school teacher.

"I'm not here to fill Charlie's shoes. I don't know if anyone could," Rohrer said. "I'm just glad to be here."

The historical society will host a family game night March 18, from 6 to 9 p.m. at 9 N. Main St.

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