here - Cecil County Government

CECIL
COUNTY,
MARYLAND
2007-2008
State of the
County
Report

Dear Citizens:
As your elected representatives, we are proud of Cecil County, our citizens and our
communities! Over the past year, we have found several statements to be true: government
regulations are always changing; the cost of doing business persistently increases; and the
challenges faced by local government have become more complex and difficult to resolve.
Cecil County continues to manage intense development pressure from the surrounding
areas and the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) initiative. Our pristine location along
the I95 and Route 40 corridor is perfect for commercial development and our rural character
is inviting for quiet country living. The most challenging job for government employees
and elected officials is creating an environment that balances the opportunities available to
accommodate both worlds. Our Board has worked diligently to develop and take an innovative
approach to establish water and wastewater infrastructure in the Route 40 growth corridor
and preserve the rural character of our communities.
Please take a moment to go through this 2007-2008 State of the County Report. We
shall continue to be committed to improving communication between the county and citizens
and work to balance our resources to permit economic development, while preserving our
rural and agricultural heritage. Everyone who resides in or visits Cecil County is entitled
to enjoy the many amenities available both now and in the future. We always welcome your
comments and look forward to hearing from you.
Best wishes,
William C. Manlove, President
Mark H. Guns, Vice President
Rebecca J. Demmler, Commissioner
Brian Lockhart, Commissioner
Wayne L. Tome, Sr., Commissioner
Email address: Commissioner’s first initial and last
name followed by @ccgov.org
Example: wmanlove@ccgov.org
Mailing address: County Administration Building
200 Chesapeake Blvd., Suite 2100
Elkton, MD 21921
Phone: 410.996.5201 or 5202 Fax: 410.996.1014
(seated l to r: Mark Guns and Bill Manlove)
(standing l to r: Rebecca Demmler, Wayne Tome, Brian Lockhart)
2

COUNTY BUDGET
Cecil County Approved Budget - Fiscal Year 2007- 2008
General Fund approved budget $156,759,702
Where the money comes from:
Where the money 2% comes 0% from:
3% 0%
2%
3% 2% 0%
1%
0%
0%
2% 2%
1%
0%
5% 2%
5%
30%
30%
55%
Income Property taxes taxes
State Income Shared taxes
Fund State Balance Shared
License Fund and Balance Permits
Charges License for Services and Permits
Interest Charges for Services
Other Interest Agencies
Other Other LocalAgencies
Miscellaneous Other Local
FinesMiscellaneous
Fines
Where the money goes:
Where the money goes:
2% 3% 0% Education
1% 0%
0% Education
18%
18%
55%
The majority 2% 3% 0%
of 1% the County’s 0% revenue Public is derived Safety
3%
from
0%
Public Safety
property 3% and income taxes (85% or Operating $133,091,200
Transfer
dollars) 7% and the majority of these dollars
Operating
were
Transfer
General Government
invested in education (48% or $73,565,387
Health and
dollars).
Welfare
In FY 2007-08, the county exceeded the State’s Health and legal Welfare
48% Highways, Streets, &
maintenance of effort requirements Bridges by providing
48%
$65,715, 162 in funding for the Board Public
Bridges
of Libraries Education,
Public Libraries
which was a $200,072 increase over Economic the previous
Development
year. The Commissioners’ voted Recreation to make and Culture this
significant commitment to education because they
Municipalities
recognize the importance of preparing Municipalities our youth
18%
Agriculture
to compete for the technology jobs in the region.
18%
Agriculture
Additionally, $20,647,102 was provided in the
Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for renovations
to Elkton High School, Perryville Middle School,
Calvert Elementary School, as well as planning
funding for the future Comprehensive Technical
High School.
7%
Property taxes
General Government
Highways, Streets, &
Economic Development
Recreation and Culture
The Board of Commissioners affirmed the real
property tax rate at .96 cents per one hundred
dollars of assessed value, continued to offer a 2%
18%
30%
2%
2%
0% Property taxes
5%
Income taxes
18%
early pay discount on property taxes, and affirmed
the Homestead Cap at 108%. Based on our financial
stability, the county received bond ratings of Aa3
from Moody’s and AA- from Standard and Poors.
These are trying economic times for everyone,
including county government, which is expected
to continue providing quality public services to
the citizens, improve infrastructure throughout the
county, support education and recreation, retain
qualified employees, prepare for BRAC, and
preserve our rural and agricultural heritage without
raising more revenue. This is not an easy task for
the county considering that the cost of providing
services and doing business has increased, while
revenue has decreased based on the economy. Every
level of government and business will be challenged
to find innovative ways to maintain the same level
of services with less money, which requires careful
planning, using available resources wisely, and
identifying alternative revenue sources.
55%
48%
State Shared
Fund Balance
License and Permits
Charges for Services
Interest
Other Agencies
Other Local
Miscellaneous
Fines
Where the money goes:
2% 3% 0% Education
1% 0%
0%
Public Safety
3%
7%
Operating Transfer
General Government
Health and Welfare
Highways, Streets, &
Bridges
Public Libraries
Economic Development
Recreation and Culture
Municipalities
Agriculture
1
Budget information from the 2008 Fiscal Year Budget Report.
3

COUNTY GROWTH
Residential Development
Cecil County’s pristine location at the head of the
Chesapeake Bay with its rural character and access to
the I-95 and Route 40 corridor makes it an ideal location
to live and raise a family. Our current population is
approximately 100,000 and is projected to increase to
160,000 by the year 2030. Our county is roughly 223,000
acres and 70% of the land is rural. One of the challenges
faced by the county is developing programs to preserve
our agricultural and rural character and directing planned
growth into the designated growth corridor.
The Department of Planning and Zoning staff is responsible
for providing assistance to the public with residential and
commercial development activities to ensure compliance
with the Cecil County Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision
Regulations, and Comprehensive Plan. Additionally,
services are provided through the department for Planning
Commission and Board of Appeals activities, building
permit review, historical preservation, agricultural and
forest conservation, Chesapeake Bay Critical Area, and
other associated projects, which are challenging and
varied in scope and staff support required.
2010 through 2030. The Board of County Commissioners
appointed a 41 member citizen oversight committee
to assist the department, as well as our consultant,
Environmental Resources Management on this two
year project. The committee has been divided into
seven sub-committees with each group being assigned
a required element of the Comprehensive Plan as their
primary focus. The assignment consists of preparing
a list of goals that would help to frame the process of
choosing a preferred growth management scenario to
guide the county’s strategic plan for future development.
The target date for completion of the draft is October
2009 for presentation to the Planning Commission for
consideration prior to review and adoption by the Board
of County Commissioners.
The Board of County Commissioners approved three
historic districts in 2007: (1) St. Patrick’s Chapel, W/S
Pleasant Grove Road; (2) Gilpin Falls Covered Bridge,
E/S Route 272, north of Bay View; and (3) Elk Forge
Bed & Breakfast, 807 Elk Mills Road. More information
on approved subdivisions, rezonings, special exceptions,
variances, and zoning violations is available in the 2007
Planning and Zoning Annual Report available on our
website at www.ccgov.org
The Planning Board of and County Zoning Commissioners Department has approved initiated the three historic districts in 2007: (1) St. Patrick’s Chapel,
process W/S Pleasant to develop Grove the Road; County’s (2) Gilpin next Comprehensive
Falls Covered Bridge, E/S Route 272, north of Bay View; and (3)
Plan, Elk which Forge will Bed guide & county Breakfast, growth 807 over Elk a period Mills from Road. More information on approved subdivisions,
rezonings, special exceptions, variances, and zoning violations is available in the 2007 Planning and
Zoning Annual Report available on our website at www.ccgov.org .
The Department of Permits and Inspections issued the following permits in FY 2007 - 08 2 :
FY 08 Permits Amount FY 08 Fees Collected Amount
Single Family Dwellings 195 Building Permits $ 688,215
Manufactured Homes 92 Plumbing Permits 61,885
Multi-Family Dwellings 75 Manufactured Home Parks 11,225
Residential Additions 515 Manufactured Home Tax 425,528
Residential Garages 153 HVAC/Mechanical Permits 41,419
Pole Barns/Sheds 207 Hawkers and Peddlers License 625
Commercial/Industrial Buildings 38 Coin-operated Machines 31,015
Commercial/Industrial Additions 33 Re-inspections and Missed 11,685
Inspections
Pools, Docks, and Piers 170
Miscellaneous 234
TOTAL: 1,712 TOTAL: $1,271,597
Agricultural Preservation
Investment in the business of Cecil
County agriculture continues to grow
4
steadily. According to the most recent
USDA Census of Agriculture, Cecil
2
2007 - 08 Permit information provided by the Department of Permit and Inspections

Agricultural Preservation
Investment in the business of Cecil County agriculture
continues to grow steadily. According to the most
recent USDA Census of Agriculture, Cecil County has
468 farms totaling 77,089 acres, with average farm size
of 165 acres. (The census numbers will be updated
in 2009.) Over a quarter of this farmland is currently
protected through various land conservancy purchase
programs and donated easements.
for our citizens throughout the county. The county is
seeking to implement commuter rail service through the
extension of MARC and SEPTA systems and increase
public bus transportation. The County realizes that
focusing only in one area without addressing the other
would render all efforts less effective.
Planning and Zoning staff have been aggressively
implementing the County’s Purchase of Development
Rights program (PDR) in an effort to allow the owners
of agricultural lands to realize some of the equity from
the land while they continue to maintain ownership.
Additionally, staff has assisted County efforts to provide
water and sewer infrastructure in our designated growth
areas, and multi-modal transportation opportunities
2007 Land Preservation Since 1981 Land Preservation
Program Acres Program Acres
MD Agricultural Land Preservation
MD Agricultural Land Preservation
Foundation (MALPF) 118 Foundation (MALPF) 13,462
Purchase of Development Rights (PDR)
MD Environmental Trust & Rural
667 Legacy 7,036
Land Awaiting Purchase 6,881
TOTAL: 785 TOTAL: 27,379
The Purchase of Development Rights Program is
designed to preserve productive agricultural land, reduce
the amount of development within prime agricultural
areas, maintain the equity value of agricultural land, and
encourage the continuation of agricultural production in
Cecil County.
The Transfer of Development Rights Program is designed
to preserve agricultural lands by directing growth to
suitable areas around the towns and within the designated
growth areas. However, in order for this program to be
successful, the county must establish essential water and
waste water infrastructure, adequate public facilities,
and development standards in the designated receiving
areas.
Phillips Mushroom is developing a new, state of the
art mushroom growing facility on a 214 acre farm in
Warwick in southern Cecil County. The latest technology
for mushroom production and harvesting from Holland
will be used in this operation. Application will be made
to have this operation certified as an organic mushroom
farm.
The equine industry continues to flourish in the county.
Work at Riveredge, a 226-acre farm in Chesapeake City,
is underway. This farm will be home to a new enclosed
arena, barns and support infrastructure for another top
of the line dressage facility. The new Hassler Riveredge
West, another 60-acre farm nearby, has already held
events with internationally renowned equine trainers.
3
Residential development information from 2007 Department of Planning and Zoning Annual Report
5

A growing number of wines from Cecil County vineyards
and wineries are now available at many locations in the
County, as well as around the state. Cecil County has
collaborated with Kent and Queen Anne’s Counties to
conduct a study to ascertain the feasibility of establishing
a wine management company on the Eastern Shore.
The state of Maryland continues to need grapes to
meet quotas for Maryland wines and encourages the
agricultural community to consider this niche business.
Economic Development
Cecil is projected to be among the fastest growing
counties in Maryland through 2030. Cecil has a
workforce of 51,558.The population of Cecil County
is now 103,490, according to the most recent report by
the Maryland Department of Planning. During the past
year, the unemployment rate has averaged 4.6 percent as
compared to the national average of 5.5 percent.
The number of in-county jobs continues to climb steadily
reaching 30,748 during 2007, an increase of over 5,000
new jobs since 2001. Payrolls in Cecil are holding steady
despite the downturn in the national economy. The
weekly wage in Cecil County is $827, the 2nd highest
wage among Maryland’s sixteen smallest counties with
a median household income of $62,100 (2006).
The number of in-county jobs continues to climb steadily reaching 30,748 during 2007, an increase of
over 5,000 new jobs since 2001. Payrolls in Cecil are holding steady despite the downturn in the
national economy. The weekly wage in Cecil County is $827, the 2 nd highest wage among Maryland’s
sixteen smallest counties with a median household income of $62,100 (2006).
In-County Jobs:
Thirty-two of the county’s 1,880 businesses employ over 100 workers. The manufacturing sector in
Cecil County continues to be strong, employing 4,564 or 15.2 percent of the total workforce. Cecil’s
Thirty-two of the
manufacturing
county’s
sector
1,880
is
businesses
nearly three times
employ
that of the a State manufacturer of Maryland from with an New average Castle weekly County, wage moved of their
over 100 workers. $1,077 The (2005 manufacturing figure). The manufacturing sector Cecil sector in Cecil entire County operation continues to to the grow. Upper Chesapeake Corporate
County continues to be strong, employing 4,564 or 15.2 Center building, a 22,000 square foot facility.
percent of the total In the workforce. past two years, Cecil’s there have manufacturing been substantial plant and employment growth at both W.L. Gore and
sector is nearly three ATK times Elkton. that Terumo of the Medical State of had Maryland a major project line move to an overseas location a couple of years
It should be noted that Mitsubishi Kagaku Imaging has
with an average
ago,
weekly
but Terumo
wage
Cardiovascular
of $1,077 (2005
has
figure).
taken on new projects and has increased employment in each of the
past three years. DuPont Dow Viton is in the process ceased of increasing the production the size of of copier their Elkton toner facility. at their Elkton
The manufacturing
Recently,
sector
PTFE
in Cecil
Compounds,
County
a
continues
manufacturer
to
from New facility Castle and County, Basell moved has decreased their entire operation their workforce to and
grow. the Upper Chesapeake Corporate Center building, a 22,000 has placed square their foot Appleton facility. Road headquarters and R&D
building on the market for sale. Also expected to have an
In the past two years, It should there be noted have that been Mitsubishi substantial Kagaha plant Imaging impact has ceased on Cecil the production County residents of copier is toner the at pending their closure
and employment Elkton growth facility at both and W.L. Basell Gore has and decreased ATK their workforce
of the Chrysler
and has
Assembly
placed
Plant
their Appleton
in Newark,
Road
Delaware.
Elkton. Terumo
headquarters
Medical had
and
a major
R&D building
project
on
line
the
move
market for sale. Also expected to have an impact on Cecil
County residents is the pending closure of the Chrysler Assembly Plant in Newark, Delaware.
to an overseas location a couple of years ago, but Terumo For FY 2007-08, the County’s industrial sector capital
Cardiovascular For has FY taken 2007-08, on the new County’s projects industrial and sector has capital investment is estimated at at $13,700,000. An An estimated
increased employment estimated in 365,000 each of square the feet past of three industrial years. and business 365,000 space were square added, feet as of well industrial as, 388 new and business space
DuPont Dow Viton industrial is in jobs. the process of increasing the were added, as well as, 388 new industrial jobs.
size of their Elkton facility. Recently, PTFE Compounds,
6
7

New Industrial Activity in FY 07-08:
Company Activity Investment Sq. Ft. Jobs
PTFE Compounds Plastics Manufacturing $2,000,000 22,000 25
Diamond State Truck Service Center 3,000,000 40,000 50
H & S Bakeries Distribution 500,000 17,000 60
Summit Project
Mgmt. Business Services 4
General Resonance R & D 1,000,000 16,000 22
Mountain Hill Water Utility 1,000,000 2,000 5
Janco Greenhouses Greenhouse Manufacturing 200,000 10,000 5
Phillips Mushrooms Agriculture 2,500,000 180,000 55
TOTALS: $10,200,000 287,000 226
Industrial Expansions in FY07-08:
Company Activity Investment Sq. Ft. Jobs
Strickland Steel Steel Fabrication $ 500,000 25,000 5
Terumo Cardiovascular Medical Products Manufacturing 22
ATK Elkton
Rocket Propulsion R&D
Manufacturing
2,000,000 35,000 100
Metal Sales & Service Aluminum Fabricating $1,000,000 18,000 35
TOTALS: $3,500,000 78,000 162
Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC), which was
announced Water’s in Edge 2005, Corporate is projected Center to bring Belcamp, 30,000 Harford to
announced 35,000 direct, in 2005, indirect, is projected and to induced bring 30,000 jobs to to 35,000 the region. County, These MD, jobs with will the majority primarily of the come positions from to Fort transfer
direct, Monmouth, indirect, New and induced Jersey jobs and to other region. bases, These including jobs Fort Belvoir, in 2009 and VA 2010. by September Some Army 2011. contracts A significant stipulate that
will number primarily of these come jobs from will Fort require Monmouth, at least New a Bachelor’s Jersey Degree contractors or other should education locate within beyond a certain high number school, of as miles
and well other as federal bases, including security Fort clearances. Belvoir, VA by September from the main gate of APG, which would accommodate
2011. A significant number of these jobs will require at companies locating in Cecil County in the development
least Nearby a Bachelor’s Aberdeen Degree Proving or other Ground education in Harford beyond high County will
corridor
gain an
between
estimated
Route
8,200
40 and
new
I-95
Department
and specifically
of
school, Defense as jobs well as on federal base. security Most of clearances.
on the west side of North East encompassing land
these jobs will be related to Command, Control, Communications, and
surrounding the communities in Charlestown, Perryville
Computer - known as Team C4ISR, currently based at Fort Monmouth. A conservative estimate of
Nearby Aberdeen Proving Ground in Harford County and Port Deposit.
additional contractor-related employment projects 1.5 to 2 new private sector contractor jobs for every
will gain an estimated 8,200 new Department of
new government job. This estimate has been streamlined, based upon further studies, to conservative
Defense jobs on base. Most of these jobs will be In FY 2009, the Office of Economic Development will
related
estimates
to Command,
of between
Control,
40,000
Communications,
to 60,000 direct,
and
indirect, continue and induced to focus BRAC-related on aggressively jobs marketing created county in
Computer Central Maryland, - known as including Team C4ISR, Cecil currently County, based over the at next attributes decade. to attract higher paying business services,
Fort Monmouth. A conservative estimate of additional manufacturing, defense, and technology jobs to our
contractor-related Some smaller units, employment and contractors, projects 1.5 have to already 2 new transferred industrial, jobs and - Mitre business Corp. parks. and KACI, Installing located water in and
private Water’s sector Edge contractor Corporate jobs Center for every in Belcamp, new government Harford County, waste water MD, with infrastructure the majority and broadband of the positions technology to in
job. transfer This in estimate 2009 and has been 2010. streamlined, Some Army based contracts upon stipulate our growth that corridor contractors is a top should priority, locate not only within to attract a
further certain studies, number to of conservative miles from the estimates main gate of between of APG, which more would industry accommodate and business, companies but to curb locating residential in
40,000 Cecil County to 60,000 in direct, the development indirect, and corridor induced between BRACrelated
jobs created in Central Maryland, including Cecil prepare for these challenges and will take advantage of
Route sprawl. 40 and The I-95 county and specifically is taking a proactive on the west approach side to
County, over the next decade.
every opportunity available to ensure that citizens benefit
from these initiatives. For more information visit 8 their
Some smaller units, and contractors, have already website: www.cecilbusiness.org
transferred jobs - Mitre Corp. and KACI, located in
7

Marketing
The Office of Economic Development has taken a
proactive stance on marketing Cecil County to attract
additional commercial, industrial, medical, R&D, and
technology business, focusing on the Mid-Atlantic
region. New methods, formats, and technologies are
being utilized, as well as updating previously successful
methods. Print media has focused on economic
development journals, relocation resource guides, and
trade publications in the Mid-Atlantic region. In addition
to print media, banner ads on web-based news and
weather media in Baltimore, Cecil, and Delaware have
been utilized. Industrial properties throughout Cecil
County are blast e-mailed to approximately 20 brokers to
showcase properties that are currently on the market or
vacant. Further, an ongoing radio advertising campaign
in Maryland, extensively in the Baltimore market, New
Jersey, and Pennsylvania has been underway.
With the coming of BRAC and increased relocation tours
planned for 2009, the Office of Economic Development
is working with the Cecil County Chamber of Commerce
to develop a new and enhanced information guide, as
well as planning a Cecil Expo at Fort Monmouth, New
Jersey. For more information visit their website: www.
cecilbusiness.org
Tourism
In April 2008, Cecil County tourism opened its first tourist
information center at the Perryville Outlets. During May
and June, over 400 people came to the visitor center with
questions and to request literature about our local tourist
attractions.
According to State figures, yearly expenditures by tourists
in Cecil County for FY 2007-08 was $164 million. The
tourism industry contributed an estimated $6.3 million
to the State in taxes, and another $8.2 million in local
tax receipts. Twelve percent of the County’s total jobs
support the leisure and hospitality industry. Visitor
information requests have increased to 25,000 in FY07-
08. This figure does not include Visitors’ Guides that
are distributed at shows and tourism information centers
throughout the region. Cecil County mails and/or
distributes over 50,000 Visitors’ Guides a year.
Cecil County tourism boasts a significant volunteer
network. Over 70 volunteers give their time and effort
to support the success of the tourism industry in Cecil
County. The county tourism effort continues to promote
a quality of life in Cecil that is second to none. For more
information contact the Tourism Office at 410.996.6292
or visit their website at www.seececil.org.
8
Public SErvices
Department of Emergency Services
In September 2008, DES Director Frank Muller retired
after 32 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Cecil
County. He took the organization from a Civil Defense
Agency to the current Department of Emergency
Services under Cecil County Government. Mr. Richard
K. Brooks, III, a 30 year veteran of the Maryland
Emergency Services system, took over administration of
the agency in October of 2008. He promoted Michelle
Meaders to Deputy Director, Richard Koch to Assistant
Chief of Training and Education, and Michael Deckard
to Assistant Chief of Field Operations.
The Cecil County Department of Emergency Services
(DES) was able to consolidate all public service
emergency response and law enforcement agencies
under one authority at the county level; the Department
of Emergency Service Communication System. The
system has the ability to relay 9-1-1 information directly
to the emergency responder, and responders are able to
communicate with each other using multiple channel
radios.
The Emergency Medical Services Division operates
four fully staffed paramedic units and is a supplemental
paramedic service that supports emergency response
medical emergencies by the county’s nine volunteer fire/
EMS companies. In 2007, the combination services
handled approximately 12,000 calls.
The county has acquired a mercury vacuum system
and infrared imaging system to aid in the effort of the
Department’s Hazardous Material Response team
for Homeland security and day to day business and
industrial operations. The team is comprised of 24 parttime,
on call technicians that are dispatched to hazardous
material incidents to support the volunteer fire service’s
containment and mitigation efforts.
DES offers Community Emergency Response Training
(CERT), is a free public education program for
community groups and businesses that focuses on
disaster preparedness. To date, over 100 people have
been trained. The curriculum spans topics such as
Emergency Preparedness for the Home and Workplace,
Basic Medical Treatment, Fire Safety, Terrorism, and
Disaster Psychology. For more information on individual
or group CERT training, contact Amy LePore in the
Department of Emergency Services at 410.392.2022.
In FY 2009, the Department plans to continue integrating
the computer aided dispatch system (CAD), the records
management system (RMS), and the mobile data
terminals (MDT) with all law enforcement agencies

in the county. The Electronic Services Division will
move into the maintenance phase for the communication
system, which will be handled internally at a significant
savings to the county. Construction has begun on the
new paramedic station in North East.
Volunteer Fire Department Vehicle
Replacement Program
The Board of County Commissioners successfully
initiated a program in FY 2006 that provides up to
one million dollars per year to assist volunteer fire
departments with replacing emergency response vehicles.
In FY 2008, the county contributed sixty-one percent of
the funding for the purchase of new ambulances and fire
trucks for six of the volunteer departments in the county.
The Chesapeake City, Cecilton, and North East fire
departments received $100,000 each toward the purchase
of ambulances, and the Rising Sun, Charlestown, and
Water Witch fire departments received $225,000 each
toward the purchase of replacement engines.
Since the program began in 2005, the funds have
helped purchase eighteen new emergency vehicles for
volunteer fire departments throughout the county; nine
ambulances and nine other vehicles (a fire engine, tanker,
or pumper). County funds have provided the volunteer
fire departments an accelerated opportunity to replace
aging emergency equipment, which has increased their
ability to respond to the emergency demands in their
community.
Public Safety Sheriff’s Office
The Cecil County Sheriff’s
Office (CCSO) has been in their
new facility for two years and
several changes and updates
have been made within the
Office. In cooperation with the
Cecil County Department of
Emergency Services, aregional
and county-wide dispatch
center has been completed
and is in full operation. The
CCSO handled 34,356 calls for
service, which is an increase of more than ten percent.
This was an increase of more than ten percent from calls
for service in 2006 (30,864).
In 2007, CCSO criminal investigators and Maryland
State Police criminal investigators combined efforts
creating Cecil County Bureau of Investigation (CCBI).
CCBI members are housed at the new CCSO facility
on Chesapeake Boulevard and investigators are sharing
resources and information in their efforts to combat
criminal enterprises within the county.
The CCSO received another $25,000 grant for a Sex
Offender Monitoring Program, which provides one fulltime
deputy assigned to monitor and track all registered
sex offenders moving in or out of Cecil County. The
grant also provided state of the art computers and photo
equipment to monitor and track the offenders. CCSO has
received numerous accolades from various organizations
and civic associations on the Sex Offender Awareness
Program to educate the public on how to cope with
the situation when a sex offender is living within the
community. The sex offender registry has climbed to
over one hundred and forty in 2007.
The CCSO has a dedicated a full-time investigator
to track existing and new gang activity within Cecil
County. A database capturing gang affiliation, criminal
backgrounds, and other pertinent information is
currently on-line and is available to all law enforcement
agencies. The CCSO developed and trained civic and
fraternal organizations on gang awareness, and other law
enforcement agencies in awareness, gang graffiti, and
gang intervention within Cecil County Schools.
9

The expansion and renovation of the Correctional Facility
located at 500 Landing Lane, Elkton will continue
in FY 2009. Phase I of the project, otherwise known as
the design phase, has been completed. The county will
jointly proceed with the state legislature as the project
transitions into Phase II construction. Computer software
technology remains a very important component of
the correctional management system. County officials
are currently evaluating programs that will enable personnel
to manage more effectively and will provide the
latest technological advances to support the operation
well into the future.
The CCSO in partnership with the Cecil County Delegation
successfully passed two pieces of legislation
during the 2008 Legislative Session. The enactment of
the Correctional Officers Bill of Rights Act will provide
certain rights to employees on investigative and disciplinary
matters. The second piece of legislative action
allows for a defendant to be released on bond from the
jail without appearing in person before a court official.
This change in procedure significantly reduces liability
and costs associated with inmate transportation to and
from the Detention Center.
In FY 2009, the CCSO will continue to utilize inmate
labor to support community events, road crews, and
non-profit organizations. The newest program involves
a partnership with the County Landfill. Inmates work
daily at the Landfill to support and provide cost containment
services to the county. The Office will continue to
develop plans to increase law enforcement and correctional
manpower, both sworn and civilian support staff,
to meet the demands for additional public safety services
associated in the County’s increasing population. For
more information on the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office
visit their website at www.cecilcountysheriff.org .
Senior Services and Community Transit
By 2030, Cecil County’s senior population is anticipated
to increase 172.3% from 12,254 in 2000 to 33,366 in
2030. It is expected that we will rank sixth among the
State’s jurisdictions in growth percentage of the senior
population. Senior Services and Community Transit
(SSCT) is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for
a diverse population of older adults in Cecil County by
offering a broad range of coordinated services in our senior
centers, community facilities, and homes. SSCT
provides information, education, volunteer and fitness
opportunities, and enables seniors to continue to live
safely and independently in the community for as long
as possible. SSCT also provides public transportation
to all residents, regardless of age. Both the older adult
and the transit population will continue to grow over the
next two decades. For information, contact SSCT at 410
996-5295.
For several years now, SSCT has been focusing on
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention services for
the current older adult population, as well as trying to attract
the next generation. To accomplish these goals, we
have worked through our senior centers and our Fitness
Center and through outreach at county events such as
the County Fair, at senior apartment complexes and various
health and wellness fairs. We encourage our staff
to accept speaking engagements to community groups.
Through partnerships with others, we are able to present
the Senior Lifestyle Expo and National Caregiver Conference
each year. At the same time we promote fun
events like the Senior Prom, Spring Fling, and other annual
dance/party events that both promote our programs
and help older adults have fun and stay fit.
In December 2007, SSCT opened the doors to our new
Elkton Center and a host of new opportunities. In addition
to a larger, brighter facility, we also have classrooms,
a game room, a ceramics, caning and crafts
room, and a beautiful open dining area. We serve lunch
five days a week and offer a wide variety of educational
presentations, trips, classes, fitness opportunities and
fun! Whether you are new to the area or new to retirement,
the Elkton Center is a great place to visit. We have
an active volunteer program and many ways to become
involved – from delivering home delivered meals to
homebound seniors, to delivering hope to local school
children – investing one hour a week can make a big difference
in someone’s life.
10

In June 2008, the Perryville Senior Center relocated
to the Perryville Presbyterian Church Activity Building
in the center of town. The Center is open Tuesday,
Wednesday, and Thursday each week and provides a
well-balanced lunch each of those days. Older adults
enjoy line dancing lessons, trips, educational presentations,
fitness information and spending time with friends.
Senior volunteers help in the local classrooms and often
provide school supplies for children in need.
Our final transition occurred with the relocation of the
Healthy Lifestyles Fitness Center (HLFC) to the new
County Administration Building. The HLFC is an innovative
fitness facility geared to adults 55+. Members
receive individualized workout programs and exercise
supervision by our team of Fitness Coordinators. The
Arthritis Foundation’s Exercise Program, the Life Beyond
Cancer Fitness Program and Yoga classes are also
available. Easily accessible Keiser equipment and a
safe, relaxed environment make the HLFC a favorite
with adults all around the county.
yearly and published on our website, offering volunteer
opportunities in over 60 Cecil County organizations.
Our very popular Senior Lifestyle Expo is held each
year at Cecil College. This day long event offers a wide
variety of workshops for seniors and baby boomers, a
large vendor hall filled with senior-friendly businesses
and services, and free health screenings. A partnership
with Cecil College provides a state of the art facility and
showcases their Senior Network programming. Again in
2008, over 200 attendees took advantage of this educational
and entertaining day.
The Senior Information and Assistance Program provides
information, access, and referrals to seniors and
family members on available services and programs. Assistance
is provided at both senior centers, and throughout
the county at senior apartment complexes, senior
group meetings, or in individual homes. The assistance
includes help with forms and applications, as well as advocacy
representation when needed.
Through the Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program
Counselors provide assistance for adults age 18
and older in understanding health insurance benefits,
bills, and client’s rights. Specialists provide in-person
and telephone assistance on a wide variety of health insurance
issues, including Medicare Prescription Plan D
and Pharmacy Assistance Programs.
The SSCT Volunteer Development Program is a growing
program with many opportunities to become involved
in local communities. Our Home Delivered Meal Program
is currently staffed by 41 volunteers who delivered
15,328 meals to 120 homebound seniors in FY08. Some
of our 118 volunteers also provided medical transportation,
participated in the Senior Buddies program at local
schools, made weekly calls through the Telephone Reassurance
program and weekly home visits as part of the
Friendly Visitor program. The upcoming year brings a
strengthened partnership with Harford County’s R.S.V.P.
Program and new possibilities for local volunteering.
Our Community Volunteer Resource Guide is updated
The Senior Legal Assistance Program makes referrals
to the Legal Aid Bureau, Inc., which provides legal services
for Cecil County seniors, including referrals to the
Sixty Plus Program for wills, living wills, powers of attorney
or other legal issues. A Legal Aid representative
is available for appointments at the Elkton and Perryville
Centers on a regular basis.
The National Family Caregiver Support Program
offers information, assistance, education, respite, and
supplemental services for the relief and support of caregivers
of people over age 60, and grandparents who are
55 and older and are raising their minor grandchildren.
Limited funds may be available for respite care, and
medical supplies. A Caregiver’s Support Group meets
monthly at the Elkton Center.
11

This year’s annual Caregiver’s Conference will be
held at the First Assembly Church of God in Elkton on
November 12. This full day event offers workshops
and a vendor hall for Caregivers and professionals and
students who work with them. Last year, over 100
attended.
The Long Term Care Team of SSCT continues to
serve the frailer and homebound segment of the older
adult population. These services include Senior Care,
whose goal is to allow participants to continue living
independently in the community for as long as possible
by providing financial assistance with medications,
medical supplies, medical equipment, medical adult day
care, emergency response systems and case management
for those who are eligible. The Senior Assisted Living
Group Home Subsidy Program provides limited
financial assistance for low and moderate income seniors
who qualify and are unable to afford the full cost of
assisted living and might otherwise be living in a nursing
home.
For those eligible adults 50 and older who are
nursing home level of care, the Medicaid Home and
Community Based Services Waiver for Older Adults
provides medical assistance to allow them to remain in
the community rather than live in a Nursing Facility.
The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is
available to advocate for residents of nursing homes and
specific assisted living facilities. The Ombudsman helps
residents maintain their legal rights and have control
over their own lives, as well as their personal dignity.
The Ombudsman also investigates complaints of abuse
and neglect and makes referrals when necessary.
When a person 65 or older lacks sufficient understanding
or capacity to make or communicate responsible
decisions concerning his person, the SSCT director may
be appointed Guardian of the Person by the Circuit Court
of Cecil County under the Estates and Trusts Article.
Public Guardianship is considered as a last resort
and all other alternatives are investigated prior to the
court granting guardianship. In each of the Long Term
Care Services mentioned, case managers coordinate the
services and provide assistance.
For information on Community Transit, “The Bus” and
C T Cruiser, see Public Transportation in this report.
Information Technology
Take a few minutes to visit our county website at
www.ccgov.org where we continually strive to keep
county information current and available to the public.
FY2008 was challenging for the IT Department with
the opening of the new County Administration building
on Chesapeake Boulevard in Elkton. The department
designed and installed a state of the art phone system
in the new building; created off-site data redundancy
and back-up systems; and supports IT functions in the
Circuit courthouse and several satellite offices.
The document management system electronically stores
documents and has helped alleviate the need for costly
storage space. Document retrieval is simplified by the
use of keywords assigned to each unique entry. The
content management system is an initial step toward the
establishment of comprehensive electronic and paper
retention policies county wide.
The automated permit processing project has progressed
to the final stages prior to release. Citizens will soon
realize the benefits of this effort with more efficient
expedition of accurate permits.
Public Health
The Cecil County Health Department works to improve
the health of Cecil County, in partnership with the
community, by providing leadership to find solutions to
our health problems. The primary functions of public
health include preventing epidemics and the spread
of disease, protecting against environmental hazards,
preventing injury, promoting and encouraging healthy
behavior and mental health, responding to disasters and
assisting the community in recovery, and as assuring the
quality and accessibility of health services.
The Health Department and Union Hospital surveyed
mental health, dental, and primary care providers in the
County during FY 2008. These surveys were an essential
part of the re-application process for Cecil County to
retain its designation as a federally-designated Health
Professional Shortage Area (HPSA). This designation is
important to attract and keep health care providers in the
County. Designation as a HPSA encourages providers
from the National Health Service Corps to practice in
our area and allows for additional incentives and bonus
payments for services.
The Health Department’s Office of Epidemiology &
Emergency Preparedness held five clinics in August/
September 2007 to distribute potassium iodide (KI)
tablets to residents, businesses, and schools within 10
miles of the Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station in
Pennsylvania. Potassium iodide will protect the thyroid
from the harmful effects of radiation that may be released
into the air during a radiation emergency. During an
12

emergency, KI should be taken only when instructed
by public health officials. In April 2008, a federal
evaluation of the Health Department’s monitoring and
decontamination response activities in the event of a
radiation release was successfully exercised.
To meet the needs of patients, the Health Department’s
Division of Addiction Services improved and increased
intensity of community-based addiction treatment by
developing an intensive outpatient program (IOP). The
format of the new therapeutic program incorporates nine
to twenty hours of services weekly, including: individual
& group therapy, recovery education, family support &
counseling, and random urine drug screening. Program
goals include evidence of patient progress which
decrease a need for elevating care to more restrictive
levels of treatment. IOP counselors encourage patients
to learn new behaviors, participate in self-help groups,
and practice relapse prevention strategies. Attendee
feedback regarding the new services has been positive.
Five thousand letters were mailed to Cecil County parents
to gather information for a needs assessment conducted
by the Children with Special Health Care Needs Program
at the Health Department. Eighteen percent of parents
responded. Asthma and ADD/ADHD were the highest
reported special needs in Cecil County. In addition,
an extensive resource list for families of children with
special health care needs was developed and posted on
the Health Department’s web site.
The Health Department’s Environmental Health
Services Division has been involved in educational and
enforcement efforts for Maryland’s Clean Indoor Air Act
of 2007, which took effect on February 1, 2008. The
law prohibits smoking in indoor areas open to the public,
including restaurants and bars, and in virtually all indoor
workplaces. Division staff worked to inform local
facilities of the new requirements under state law and
responded to a few complaints of violations, but overall
local businesses have been very cooperative in this
effort to protect the public health. Smoking cessation
programs continue to be available free of charge through
the Health Department’s Division of Health Promotion.
Community leaders identified a need to address youth
cited for tobacco use in Cecil County. In February 2008,
the Youth Tobacco Use Diversion Pilot Program was
established to review cases and recommend appropriate
sanctions for Rising Sun youth cited for tobacco
use. The Cecil County Community Health Advisory
Committee’s Tobacco Task Force, the Board of Cecil
County Commissioners, the Rising Sun Neighborhood
Youth Panel, and the Department of Juvenile Services
have been instrumental in the success of the pilot. The
Rising Sun program will continue in FY 2009; program
expansion to Elkton and North East is being explored.
After extensive planning and coordinating with the
State’s Mental Hygiene Administration, local providers
and community partners, Cecil County’s Network of
Care web site, www.networkofcare.org, was officially
launched on May 30, 2008. This web site offers a
single point of entry by providing critical information,
communication, and advocacy tools for those trying
to navigate the behavioral healthcare system. The site
offers a local service directory, a library with evidencebased
information on over 4,000 health topics, the ability
to track legislation and communicate with lawmakers,
the ability to keep personal health records electronically
in a secure manner, and much more.
FY 2009 priorities for the Health Department include
improving the capability to prevent and respond to
public health threats, including bioterrorism, pandemic
flu, weapons of mass destruction, natural disasters,
and other emergencies. The Health Department will
continue collaborating with the community to monitor
and improve the county’s health status, and plans to
conduct its third Community Health Survey in Spring
2009. The Department will also continue working to
improve access to health services, including addictions
and mental health. For more information on Health
Department services and programs, call 410-996-5550,
or visit the Health Department website at www.
cecilcountyhealth.org
13

Public Works Department
In 2007-2008, the Cecil County Department of Public
Works (DPW) strove to fulfill its mission of contributing
to the health, safety, economic well-being, and quality
of life of the citizens of Cecil County by providing a
full range of public works products and services in the
areas of roads, bridges, water, wastewater, stormwater
management, development management, and solid waste
management.
Roads and Bridges
One of DPW’s main functions is the maintenance of an
estimated 570 centerline miles of County roads, over
90 bridges, and associated stormwater management
facilities. DPW’s Engineering & Construction
Division is responsible for the management of major
construction projects funded through the County’s
Capital Improvement Program budget while the Roads
Division is responsible for maintaining the facilities and
infrastructure once they are built.
Replacement of functionally obsolete and/or structurally
deficient bridges continues to be a top priority, with
half of the County’s bridges falling into one or both of
these categories and requiring replacement. In addition,
DPW is in the process of developing a bridge repair and
rehabilitation program to address bridges requiring major
overhauls but not complete replacement.
Two bridge replacement projects were completed in
Fiscal Year (FY) 2008, with dozens more in various
stages of planning and design. The completed projects
were:
Barksdale Road Bridge over the West Branch of the
Christina River (completed September 2007)
Stevenson Road Bridge over Northeast Creek
(completed April 2008)
14

Approximately 12 miles of County roads were repaved
during FY2008. Roads that were repaved (in whole or
in part) include the following:
• Camp Meeting Ground Road
• Lombard Road
• Frist Road
• Hopewell Road
• Pond Neck Road
• Dogwood Lane
• Old Log Cabin Road
• Skyview Road
• Sweet Grass Drive
• Beech Drive
In addition, the salt storage barn at the Roads Division’s
Nottingham Yard was replaced. The Roads Division also
performed routine maintenance operations including
pothole patching, roadway crack sealing, cleaning and
replacement of culverts and catch basins, tree trimming
and removal (including trees downed as a result of
storms), roadside mowing, and snow and ice removal.
Water and Waste Water
Within the water and wastewater arena in FY2008,
the Department of Public Works continued to strive to
provide a high level of quality and customer service in
operating and maintaining its existing water and sewer
systems while proceeding aggressively with planning
and design to expand water and sewer infrastructure in
the County’s designated growth area in support of the
County’s strategic objectives.
The following upgrades to existing systems were
completed:
• Phase I of upgrades to the Meadowview water
distribution system were completed in
December 2007. The work included
replacement of an aging water main on
Chestnut Drive in the Winding Brook area of
the County. (Phase II is currently under
construction with completion projected for
December 2008.)
• Phase II of a project to provide backup
electrical power to various sewer pump stations
was completed in March 2008.
• A project to install an odor control system at
the Cherry Hill Wastewater Treatment Plant
(WWTP) was completed in April 2008.
• A new Septage Acceptance Station
at the Cecil County Central Landfill was
completed in June 2008. Septic haulers will
discharge their septage at this new station
instead of directly at Seneca Point WWTP as
they did previously. The septage will be
screened and pretreated before being
conveyed to Seneca Point WWTP via an
existing sewer line running from the landfill to
the WWTP.
In an effort to meet projected future water demands and
reduce the need to purchase water from an out-of-state
water supplier, DPW is working to develop additional
County ground and surface water sources. This effort
includes studies to evaluate the potential for additional
groundwater sources on the Elk Neck peninsula as well as
a study with the Town of Elkton to explore the feasibility
of a joint Town/County water plant withdrawing raw
water from the tidal regions of the Elk River.
On the wastewater side, the County has begun
preliminary engineering studies to expand the capacity
of Seneca Point WWTP from 2 million gallons per
day (MGD) to 5 MGD by the year 2012. As a result
of new rules implemented by the Maryland Department
of the Environment as part of the effort to improve the
water quality of the Chesapeake Bay, the County will
need to earn “credits” to offset increased flows from
an expanded Seneca Point WWTP. A study funded by
the US Department of Defense’s Office of Economic
Adjustment as part of the Base Realignment and Closure
(BRAC) process is intended to help the County develop
a strategy for earning the needed credits.
In recognition of its efforts, the Department of Public
Works received three awards from the Maryland Rural
Water Association (MRWA) at the organization’s annual
awards luncheon in April 2008:
• Mr. Jim Zell, a member of the Water &
Wastewater Division staff, was named the
“Collection System Operator of the Year”.
• County Director of Public Works, W. Scott
Flanigan, was selected as the “William F.
Eckman Decision Maker of the Year”
• The County’s Pine Hill’s Water System was
named the “Water System of the Year” as a
result of a series of system improvements
completed by DPW within the last several
years including upgrading to an automated
meter reading system, installation of an
automated data acquisition and control system,
and completion of a new well to ensure the
system’s supply is sufficient to meet projected
demand.
15

Solid Waste/Landfill
In FY2008, the Solid Waste Management Division
(SWMD) of the Department of Public Works, with
support from DPW’s Engineering & Construction
Division, continued its efforts to provide a cost effective
and environmentally sound system of integrated solid
waste management for the County’s residents.
The County’s solid waste facilities consist of a landfill
and two transfer stations (Stemmers Run and Woodlawn
transfer stations) where residents can drop off household
trash and recyclables.
Despite a significant increase in recycling, the County’s
continued growth results in an ever-increasing volume
of trash for disposal at the landfill. The Department
of Public Works estimates that the landfill currently
has sufficient capacity to last until the year 2013 and
so has begun work on a project to expand the landfill
capacity which, when complete, will provide decades of
additional capacity.
Major solid waste-related construction projects
completed in FY2008 include:
• A new Homeowners Convenience Center
(HCC) at the landfill intended to provide
residents with “one stop convenience” for
disposal of trash and a wide variety of
recyclables. The new facility was completed
in May 2008 and provides additional capacity
to meet peak demands and clears the way for
the future landfill expansion.
• Phase I of the upgrade to the Woodlawn
Transfer Station was also completed in May
2008. The project completely rehabilitated
the transfer station building and its mechanical
and electrical systems, greatly improving
its appearance and performance, and also
installed a compactor to be used in compacting
recyclables in order to reduce transportation
costs.
• Phase I of a multi-phase, multi-year effort to
improve stormwater management at the landfill
was completed in June 2008. Among other
things, it included replacement of a failed
outlet structure at the main sediment basin.
Cecil County Residents Support
Recycling!
The tremendous increase in the County’s recycling
rate is among the most noteworthy achievements of
the previous year. In 2005, Cecil County’s recycling rate
was a dismal 17%, lowest in the state. As a result of the
hard work of the SWMD staff and the fantastic support
of the County’s residents, Cecil County’s recycling rate
for 2007 was an estimated 53%, more than triple that of
2005.
SWMD continued twice yearly Household Hazardous
Waste (HHW) Days, with one in October 2007 and
another in April 2008 in conjunction with Earth Day.
The April 2008 HHW Day event included the collection
of unwanted, unneeded, and expired medications, a first
in the State of Maryland, and also set a new record for
the number of HHW customers and quantity of materials
collected. For more information on recycling and/or
special collection days at the landfill contract the Solid
Waste Management Division at 410.996.6275 or visit the
website at www.ccgov.org .
In recognition of its efforts, the Maryland Recyclers
Coalition named Solid Waste Management Division
the winner of its “2008 Small Government Leadership
Award”. This prestigious award is intended to recognize
Maryland municipalities and counties with populations
under 150,000 people for excellence in waste reduction
and recycling over the past year, with one winner selected
annually.
16
homeowners’ convenience Center

QUALITY OF LIFE
Parks and Recreation
The Department of Parks and Recreation currently
manages the following parks:
• Cecil Community Center Park located at 17
Wilson Road in Rising Sun includes two little
league baseball fields, a multipurpose field,
four brand new tennis courts, a fishing pond,
walking trail, tot lot play system, and soon a
new pavilion with picnic tables.
• Stemmer’s Run Boat Launch located on Pond
Neck Road near Earleville offers water access
to the Elk River for all boating enthusiasts,
fishing pier, double ramp, and ample parking.
• Harbour View Community Park located at 84
Basin Road in Chesapeake City offers a play
ground and dribble court.
• Cecil Sports Complex located on Bard
Cameron Road in Rising Sun hosts the Babe
Ruth Baseball League, Junior League Football,
Cecil Soccer League, and the County’s Parks
and Recreation Lacrosse Program. Future plans
include two additional baseball fields and a
concession stand at the park.
• Elk River Park located at 32 River Bend
Parkway in Elkton is under development and
will offer a double boat ramp, pier, ample
parking area, multi-purpose field and play
system. The Boy Scouts have already provided
a pavilion and swing area.
• Chesland located on Elk Forest Road in Elkton
offers six soccer fields, a storage building, and
ample parking area. Future plans include
irrigation well, twelve more soccer fields, and
two baseball fields, which leaves approximately
40 acres of forest area for walking trails and
passive recreation.
• Holly Tree Park in Perryville is a landmark in
Cecil County and a volunteer crew assists the
Department with maintaining and decorating
the historic tree for the holiday season.
• Johnnies Baseball Field on Mechanics Valley
Road was donated to the county by Maryland
Materials.
• Conowingo Park located on Route 222 is
currently under development at this time for
future recreational use. There is small parking
area available on the property for the Fisherman’s
Trail operated by Exelon.
• Elk Mills Community Park located on Elk
Mills Road offers a play system, pavilion, and
lots of open space for active and passive
recreation.
• Fletchwood Community Park located on
Chestnut Drive offers a pavilion, playground,
basketball courts, and open space for active and
passive recreation.
• Rolandsville Fishing Park located on Basin
Run Road in Conowingo offers recreational
fishing for the entire family.
17

The Department is focusing on expanding the County’s
recreational facilities, implementing new recreational
programs for all ages, and developing a County trail
in conjunction with the municipalities. In accordance
with the County Land Preservation Parks and Recreation
Plan, one of the first goals for the Parks and Recreation
Department was to initiate plans for the development of
a new regional park. The process began with a press
release requesting land acquisition proposals suitable
for a large regional recreational park. Any interested
property owners were asked to summit a letter of interest
and site visits were provided for the Parks and Recreation
Board. The 101+/- acre McMillan property and the 7.1
acre Sonic property with a 20,250 square foot building
were both for sale and located adjacent to each other. The
County contacted the Maryland Department of Natural
Resources (DNR) to inquire about using Program Open
Space (POS) funds to purchase both properties. DNR
informed us that there was open space funding available
in FY08 if the county was ready to purchase the properties
at this time, and the Board members voted to proceed.
Program Open Space (POS) is a nationally recognized
program that provides financial and technical assistance
to local subdivisions for the planning, acquisition, and/
or development of recreation land or open space areas,
including dedicated funds for Maryland’s state and
local parks and conservation areas. A percentage of
the state real estate transfer tax goes into the Program
Open Space special fund for the specific purpose of land
preservation. Almost all of the land purchased by the
Department of Natural Resources in Maryland in the last
38 years was funded at least in part with POS funds. POS
symbolizes Maryland’s commitment to conserving our
natural resources while providing exceptional outdoor
recreational opportunities for our citizens. For more
information visit their website at http://www.dnr.state.
md.us/land/pos/index.asp
The State provided a list of property appraisers, and the
county received two appraisals for each property that
determined the property’s value and cost per acre. The
contract sale price of the McMillan property
was $2,686,000, and the County received
$2,540,000 from Program Open Space funds,
leaving a balance of $146,000 to be paid from
County funds. The contract sale price of the
Sonic property was $1,400,476, and the County
received $1,385,426 from Program Open Space
funds, leaving a balance of $15,050 to be paid
from County funds. For the purchase of these
two properties the State has agreed to provide
$3,970,455 and the County’s match was only
$161,050.
These two properties will be preserved as open
space and will be developed for Cecil County
citizens to use for active (multipurpose fields,
aquatics, dog parks, tennis courts, playground,
etc.) and passive (nature and walking trails,
environmental education sites, etc.) recreational
opportunities and programs. With no guarantee that
Program Open Space funding would be available in the
future, the Board of County Commissioners made the
decision to purchase these properties to help achieve
a small part of the County’s recreational goals and
objectives. Public comment sessions will be scheduled
starting in September or early October 2008 to provide
citizens an opportunity to assist in the development of
this project. Notice of these meetings will be published
in the newspaper and on our website. Please visit the
Parks and Recreation Department’s website http://www.
ccgov.org/dept_parks/index.cfm or call their office at
410-996-8101 for all the latest information and news
on recreational programs and facilities throughout the
county.
18

Public Transportation
Public transportation is on everyone’s mind. With the
cost of fuel, number of cars on the road and just the
expense of owning a car, SSCT plays an important role
in providing low cost, safe, and efficient transportation
alternatives. With our fleet of cars, vans and buses we
provide Cecil County citizens transportation to medical
appointments, work, school, employment, shopping and
to our Senior Centers in Elkton and Perryville. Our
general public rider ship has increased by almost 1900
since last year and has gained a total of 8,300 more riders
since adding our second fixed route in 2006.
Community Transit is Cecil County’s bus service
for all ages and is operated through Senior Services
and Community Transit (SSCT). All of our buses are
wheelchair accessible. Personal Care Attendants (PCA)
are required for a passenger needing assistance to board
and disembark the bus or for passengers who are in a
wheelchair. SSCT does not provide PCA’s.
“The Bus” is a fixed route public transit system,
which includes the Glasgow Connection and Perryville
Connection. The Glasgow Connection provides service
between Elkton and Glasgow, DE from 5:30 a.m. to
6:15 p.m Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 2:15
p.m. on Saturdays. The Perryville Connection provides
service between Elkton and Perryville from 6:00 a.m. to
6:30 p.m., with no Saturday service. For times and bus
schedules, please visit www.transportingcecil.com .
The C.T. Cruiser is a safe, friendly curb to curb
service that operates on a first come, first serve basis.
Appointments to ride must be scheduled in advance.
This service is available to the general public, seniors,
and persons with functional disabilities. Our hours of
operation are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Our C.T.
Cruisers also provide transportation to the two county
Senior Centers. For more information or to schedule a
ride, call 410 996-5295.
19

Cecil’s Beautiful People
In FY2008, the Board of County Commissioners
honored community volunteers who were nominated
by their friends or family at a special dinner held at the
Chesapeake Bay Golf Club in Rising Sun.
Event Sponsors: Chesapeake Bay Golf Club,
Chesapeake Publishing Corporation, City Pharmacy,
Inc., Comcast of DelMarva, McCrone, Inc., and W.L.
Gore & Associates
Event Contributors: Cecil Bank, Mercantile County
Bank, Two River Yacht Basin, and Williams Family
Auto
SPECIAL THANK YOU: Anne DeMott of Copper
Beach Designs, the Piner Family Gospel Singers, and
W.L. Gore & Associates for donating the Gore-tex
jackets.
Cecil County Volunteer of the Year, Robert Small, (front
row, 3rd from the left) has been described as a soft
spoken natural leader, very compassionate and sincere.
As Chairman of the Cecilton Lions Club Children’s
Photo Screening Committee, he has been instrumental
in ensuring photos are taken of children’s eyes from
age four to six years old. The photos are read by an
eye doctor or trained technician to detect diseases of
the eye in order for the children to be referred for an in
depth examination if necessary. A total of 776 children
throughout the County Elementary Schools, Head Start,
Kiddie Academy and Mt. Aviat School have had this
service. The referral rate was approximately 4 ½ percent
of the children screened. These eye diseases would not
have been detected this early if not for the picture of the
eyes, and the pictures would not have been taken without
the leadership of this volunteer and the dedication of his
eye screening team.
Robert is active in other Lions Club activities which
serve the community. He can be counted on to work
at Camp Merrick for children with diabetes, make and
deliver arrangements for the annual Operation Daffodil
Days, building handicap ramps or repairing a roof for
Christmas in April, serving meals at the Cecilton Fire
Company, or at the annual Lions Club video horse race
fundraiser.
As a member of the St. Paul’s Church, Robert serves
on the Board of Trustees, the United Methodist Men’s
Group and the Administrative Council. You can always
find him somewhere, helping someone in need in the
community. The Board of County Commissioners’ is
proud to honor Robert Small as the 2007 Cecil County
Volunteer of the Year for he is one of Cecil’s Beautiful
People!
(l to r) 1st row: David Schlegel, Esther Boone, Robert Small (2007 Cecil County Volunteer of the Year), Patti Ann Smythe, Patsy Simpson.
2nd row: Jeff Gillespie, Bruce Watereau, Thomas Scott, Marion Wells, Austin Amos, Jr., Mary Smythe-Ewing, Jackie Crum, Mary Jo Williams.
3rd row: Commissioner Bill Manlove, Delegate Richard Sossi, Commissioners Wayne Tome, Commissioner Rebecca Demmler, Commissioners
Mark Guns, Senator Nancy Jacobs, Commissioner Brian Lockhart. Not pictured: Nancy Ball, Charles Hicks and Joe Tanner.
20

Prescription Discount Program
Cecil County participates in the National Association
of Counties Prescription Discount Program that can
save citizens an average of 20% on prescription drugs
at participating pharmacies in the area. There is no
enrollment form or membership fee. All you need is
a Cecil County Prescription Discount Card. Any time
a prescription is not covered by your insurance plan,
present the card for your discount. Cards are available at
the County Administration Building at 200 Chesapeake
Boulevard, or your local library, town halls, the Cecil
County Health Department and Union Hospital.
The success of the Rising Sun program has led to the
county seeking expansion of the NYP program to the
Town of Elkton and the Town of North East. We received
a planning grant from the Governor’s Office of Crime
Control and Prevention in FY08 and funding for FY09
to implement two new programs; one in each of the
municipalities. Additionally, the Cecil County Health
Department is a collaborative partner in the program and
developed a pilot tobacco diversion component for first
time youth offenders who receive tobacco citations. The
success of the pilot program in Rising Sun has supported
the expansion of this component to the Neighborhood
Youth Panel programs being developed for the Towns of
Elkton and North East.
Individuals interested in serving a volunteer and youth
mentor on one of the Neighborhood Youth Panels should
contact the Program Administrator, Dawn Rodenbaugh
at 410.996.5201.
Neighborhood Youth Panel Programs
The Cecil County Neighborhood Youth Panel (NYP)
is a juvenile diversion program, which gives first-time
juvenile misdemeanor offenders the option of appearing
before a panel of community volunteers rather than
entering the juvenile court system. In November 2000,
the NYP program was initiated in the Town of Rising
Sun, and it gives the community the opportunity to
be directly involved in the process of Balanced and
Restorative Justice by determining sanctions for youth
offenders, monitoring sanction compliance and assisting
in reparation of the victim. The NYP has successfully
created an environment where the community and law
enforcement agency interact in a program designed
to address the many aspects of the youth’s life; home,
social, and community. The program provides immediate
intervention with first time juvenile offenders and diverts
them from entering the juvenile justice system.
Housing Resources and Mortgage
Counseling
The Office of Housing and Community Development is
responsible for facilitating the HUD Section 8 housing
program in the county. The office was officially approved
as a fully accredited Housing Counseling Agency. The
full time Housing Counselor provides reverse mortgage
counseling for seniors and disable families, foreclosure
counseling for individuals and families at risk of losing
their home, general debt counseling and conducts a
monthly first time home buyer seminar that is free to the
public.
The office was awarded $500,000 per year for five
years to begin assisting homeless veterans, and this
will be a first time collaboration with the Perry Point
VA. The housing office continued the partnership
initiative with Home Partnerships to offer affordable
home buying options for eligible families and with
the Department of Social Services to administer the
Individual Development Account (IDA). The office
maintained their high performance standard and was
rewarded additional funding from HUD that enabled
them to assist another thirty-five families in the county.
For more information, contact the Office of Housing and
Community Development at 410.996.5425, or visit their
website at www.ccgov.org.
21

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
It is hard to believe that an undertaking of this magnitude
happened right here is Cecil County, but on Sunday,
October 14, 2007 the Luther family of Port Deposit was
surprised by Ty Pennington from the ABC show Extreme
Makeover: Home Edition with the news that they would
be the recipients of a brand new home and barn in seven
days.
This project would not have been feasible without
support and commitment from a multitude of businesses
and organizations. First and foremost would be the Clark
Turner Signature Homes team led by founder Clark
Turner, who has been designing and building award
winning residential communities throughout Maryland.
Donations included time, expertise, energy, and materials
from partners and sponsors for the Luther project. For
a complete list of partners visit Clark Turner’s website:
www.ctextremedream.com
The Luther family moved into their new home on Rock
Run Road on Sunday, October 21, 2008. Additionally,
the family will be able to continue their work in the
community through the Freedom Hills organization,
which has been bringing horses and people with
disabilities together since 1982. Renee Luther has helped
thousands of people enjoy the benefit of therapeutic
riding, while enduring the loss of her husband to cancer,
struggling to support her children, and finance running
the facility.
22

EDUCATION
Public School Highlights for FY2008:
• 16,301 students
• Teacher of the Year: Sharon Thomas, Elkton High
School
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
Academy successfully piloted at Perryville and
Elkton High Schools. All five high schools will
have the program in the 2008-2009 school year.
• Foreign language classes offered at the middle
schools for high school credit:
- RSMS -- Spanish and Chinese
- CHMS -- French
- EHS -- French
- BMMS -- French
- NEMS -- Spanish
- PVMS -- Spanish
• CCPS received four Superior ratings from the
Maryland Public School Construction Program for
Bainbridge Elementary, Conowingo Elementary,
Rising Sun Elementary, and Elkton Middle School.
CCPS has totaled 14 Superior ratings since 1998.
• 178 new teachers were hired and 33 of them were
county graduates.
• 93.1% of our teachers meet the “highly qualified”
definition of the No Child Left Behind mandate.
• Graduates of the Class of 2008 were offered a total
of $8,196,640 in scholarship funds.
• The Safe Schools Office reported that all thirty
schools were in compliance with expectations
regarding facility security and safety
• Honors course enrollment saw a 9.2% increase
from the previous school year, totaling 3,661
students. AP enrollment also increased by 8%
totaling 703 students.
Cecil College:
Cecil College, which was founded in 1968, is located in
North East, Md. It is governed by a Board of Trustees
that is appointed by the governor. The College is fully
accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges
and Schools and the Maryland Higher Education
Commission. Cecil also has articulation agreements with
more than 30 universities and colleges, both in Maryland
and outside the state.
Credit enrollment is up an average of 10%. This exceeds
the State’s overall growth rate of 2-3% and has earned
Cecil College the honor of being the fastest growing
community college in Maryland. Of particular interest
is the fact that the College is now enrolling more
full-time, traditional students who are seeking a true
college experience. This has put added pressure on the
College to provide facilities that support student life,
such as recreation, food service, and housing. Evening
enrollment is also up, and Elkton Station is seeing
increased utilization for credit courses.
23

CECIL COUNTY INFORMATION
County Website: www.ccgov.org
CECIL COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
200 Chesapeake Boulevard, Upper Chesapeake Corporate Center, Elkton, MD 21921
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Phone: 410-996-5201 / Fax: 410-996-1014
Board of County Commissioners
William C. Manlove, President 1st District – November 2008 wmanlove@ccgov.org
Mark H. Guns, Vice President 5th District – November 2008 mguns@ccgov.org
Rebecca Demmler, Commissioner 2nd District – November 2010 rdemmler@ccgov.org
Brian Lockhart, Commissioner 3rd District – November 2010 blockhart@ccgov.org
Wayne Tome, Sr., Commissioner 4th District – November 2010 wtome@ccgov.org
Vicky Rinkerman, Executive Office Administrator
vrinkerman@ccgov.org
Mylia Dixon – Administrative Assistant
mdixon@ccgov.org
COUNTY ADMINISTRATION Phone: 410-996-5203 / Fax: 410-996-1014
Alfred C. Wein, Jr., County Administrator
awein@ccgov.org
Tammy Wehner, Administrative Assistant
twehner@ccgov.org
COUNTY DEPARTMENT
Board of Elections 410-996-5310 epotter@ccgov.org
Board of License Commissioners 410-996-8155 ebradford@ccgov.org
Budget 410-996-8302 cwhiteford@ccgov.org
Economic Development 410-996-8465 vthompson@ccgov.org
Tourism 800-232-4595 sturner@ccgov.org
Emergency Services 410-392-2012 fmuller@ccgov.org
Housing and Community Development 410-996-8213 dmahaney@ccgov.org
Human Resources 410-996-5250 dnichols@ccgov.org
Information Technology 410-996-8475 smesneak@ccgov.org
Parks & Recreation 410-392-4537 cvandyke@ccgov.org
Planning and Zoning 410-996-8350 esennstrom@ccgov.org
Permits and Inspections 410-996-8323 pconway@ccgov.org
Electrical Inspector 410-996-8490
Plumbing Inspector 410-996-8323
Public Works
Office of the Director 410-996-8370 sflanigan@ccgov.org
Development Services Division 410-996-8380 twhittie@ccgov.org
Engineering & Construction Division 410-996-8377 sudzinski@ccgov.org
Roads Division 410-996-6270 dwebber@ccgov.org
Solid Waste Management Division 410-996-6275 pbieniek@ccgov.org
Water and Waste Water Division 410-996-6260 jcoale@ccgov.org
Senior Services & Community Transit
Office of the Director 410 996-8434 stwigg@ccgov.org
Community Services Team 410 996-5295 ltull@ccgov.org
Healthy Lifestyles Fitness Center 410 996-8437 ltull@ccgov.org
Long Term Care Team 410 996-8438 bdermott@ccgov.org
Transit Team 410 996-8422 lgorak@ccgov.org
BOARD OF EDUCATION 410-996-5400
HEALTH DEPARTMENT 410-996-5550
Environmental Health Services Division 410-966-5160
TREASURER - Pamela Howard 410-996-8050 phoward@ccgov.org
Treasurer’s Office 410-996-5385
STATE’S ATTORNEY – Christopher Eastridge 410-996-5338
ceastridge@ccgov.org
SHERIFF - Barry Janney 410-392-2100 Barry.Janney@ccdps.org
Detention Center 410-996-5559
Community Corrections 410-996-5533