Changes to park should be done by spring

December 15, 2009|By JULIE E. GREENE

FUNKSTOWN - Construction could begin on the first leg of Southern Boulevard, aka the Funkstown bypass, this coming year, and work will continue on a new basketball court in Funkstown Community Park.

Work has already begun on the basketball court in the new part of the park and should be ready by the spring, said Town Clerk/Treasurer Brenda Haynes.

A new walkway also will be built, from the new pavilion on the third-base side of the ballpark to the existing sidewalk. The basketball court costs $41,738 and the 320 feet of walkway cost $6,400, town officials said when the project was approved in October.

Work could begin on the first leg of Southern Boulevard from fall 2010 to spring 2011, said Rob Slocum, Washington County's deputy director of public works.

That leg would extend from East Oak Ridge Drive, west of Funkstown, to Alternate U.S. 40 north of Funkstown. If the project stays on track, the first phase could be done by spring 2012, Slocum said.

In 2010, Funkstown officials will discuss the possibility of raising the town's property tax rate, as well as its water and sewer rates, Haynes said. The Washington County Commissioners approved eliminating contributions, or tax rebates, to the towns, so Funkstown officials will be seeking ways make up for that lost revenue.

The town's property tax rate is 22 cents per $100 of assessed value, Haynes said. For a property with an assessed value of $100,000, the annual property tax to the town would be $220.

Funkstown registered voters can go to the polls May 3 to vote for mayor and two Town Council positions, Haynes said. The terms for council members Jerry Walker and Richard Nigh will be up. Robert Kline, who has been mayor since 1980, said he intends to file for re-election.

The deadline to register to vote in the election is April 2, Haynes said. The deadline for candidates to file is April 12.

Funkstown's Day in the Park will be held July 17 and 18, said Rich Gaver, one of the organizers. The weekend includes the Battle of Funkstown re-enactment. The Town Council voted 5-0 Monday night to make a $500 deposit for fireworks for the event.

Olde Tyme Christmas is expected to be held again, probably on Dec. 10, 2010, Gaver said.

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