McHenry Water System Follow-Up Hearing Scheduled

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Sep. 8, 2011

The Board of Garrett County Commissioners will conduct a follow-up public hearing on the McHenry Water System – Water Connection and User Fees and Connection Amortization Policy on Saturday, Oct. 1, at 9 a.m. in the Garrett College auditorium.

According to a release from the commissioners' office, this hearing is scheduled to review and receive public commentary to consider changes to the existing policy and to address questions on expansion of service to the water district.

Also, the commissioners and the Department of Public Utilities staff have compiled answers to a number of questions that were presented during the public hearing on August 27. These are now available on the Garrett County Government web site at www.garrettcounty.org.

Interested persons who have questions on this matter are encouraged to attend the October 1 hearing, and prior to that date may contact the Department of Public Utilities at 301-334-6983, or the county administrator or the commissioners at 301-334-8970.

More here.
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McHenry Property Owners Object To Mandatory Water Service Hook-Up

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Sep. 1, 2011

The Garrett County commissioners held a public hearing on Saturday morning at Garrett College to receive comments on proposed fee and policy changes to the McHenry Water System. About 200 people attended the two-hour event, with more than 20 voicing their concerns. Most objected to a waterline connection mandate.

Chairman Gregan Crawford said over 1,500 postcards were mailed to McHenry area property owners, notifying them about the hearing.

"This is part of the standard DPU policy from this point on," Crawford said about the Department of Public Utilities informing people about such events.

The proposed changes include reducing the connection fee from $2,800 to $2,000 and allowing property owners up to five years to connect to the system. Those who do so within that time period could spread the connection cost over a 15-year period at a 1 percent interest rate. After the five-year deadline, the term would be 5 percent for 10 years. This amortization policy would apply only to McHenry Water System connections.

"These proposals change the amortization flexibility, time frame, and payment structure, and significantly lower the connection rates," Crawford said.

Though the hearing was about connection/user fees and the connection/amortization policy, most of the public comments centered on the fact that numerous property owners will now have to abandon their private wells and pay the county to install water lines to their homes, connect them to the McHenry system, and supply them with water.

"This was crammed down our throats," said Kim Knox, who lives off Pysell Road.

Several speakers indicated their wells are in good working condition and provide good tasting water. Some wondered if the public system would provide enough water/water pressure for household use and fire suppression.

"I've never, since this started, felt like I knew what was going on," said Pysell Road property owner Marie Broadman about the expansion project.

The previous board of county commissioners held a public hearing on Dec. 7, 2010, on expanding the McHenry Water Service District to include Sandy View Court, Winding Estates Drive, Grand Estates Drive, Quiet Quail Way, Golf Drive, Ruffed Grouse Lane, Sandy Shores Road, Fern Loop, Wisp Mountain Road, Fantasy Lane, Barbara's Way, Susan's Way, Marsh Hill Road, Pysell Road, Deep Creek Drive, Gravelly Run Road, Ridgeview Valley Development, Sweet Rewards Development, a portion of Mosser Road, the Garrett County Airport property, and McHenry Business and Technology Park.

No written or verbal commentary about the proposal was received at the hearing, and Commissioners Ernie Gregg and Fred Holliday approved the boundary changes.

More here.

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McHenry Water System Hearing Slated Saturday

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Aug. 25, 2011

The Board of Garrett County Commissioners will hold a public hearing this Saturday, Aug. 27, at 9 a.m. in the Garrett College auditorium to consider changes to the water connection/user fees and the connection/ amortization policy for the McHenry Water System.

Interested persons will be heard at the hearing on the necessity or advisability of the proposed policy and rate change.

For more information, persons may call the commissioners' office at 301-334-8970.

More here.

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McHenry Cove Views

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Annual McHenry Highland Festival Slated June 4–6

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May. 27, 2010

The 23rd annual McHenry Highland Festival will take place Friday through Sunday, June 4–6. Scheduled to kickoff the festival is a Celtic concert at Wisp Resort Friday evening. A cash bar and light fare will be available at 7 p.m., with the concert slated at 8 p.m.
The event will feature world renowned Scottish fiddler Bonnie Rideout, Celtic rock band MacTalla Mór, Celtic singer-songwriter Christina Harrison.

Tickets are $35 per person and may be purchased in advance at Gregg's Pharmacy, Oakland; the Visitors Center, McHenry; or online at www.highlandfest.info

The festival will continue Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Garrett County Fairgrounds in McHenry. Admission is $12 for adults, $6 for students, and free for children 12 years of age and younger.

This year's honorary clan chieftain is Odette Lueck, who will preside over the festival.

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Health Insurance Partnership Event Slated In McHenry

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Health Insurance Partnership Event Slated In McHenry


Sep. 25, 2008

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce will host a Health Insurance Partnership session at its McHenry office on Monday, Sept. 29, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Nicole Stallings, chief of government relations and special programs for the Maryland Health Care Commission, will be the presenter.
Small-business owners who have not been able to provide health insurance coverage for their employees may find the Health Insurance Partnership helpful.

"The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce and the Garrett County Health Department feel it is important to bring this message to our small businesses," said Karen Reckner, the chamber's director of business services. "This is the only session scheduled in western Maryland, so we strongly urge the public to attend. Please note that you do not need to be a chamber member to attend this informational session."

Stallings will give an overview of the partnership, including who is eligible and how to enroll for this new program. Garrett County health officer Rodney Glotfelty will also provide information to interested business owners.

The partnership is designed for businesses with two to nine full-time employees, earning an average yearly wage below $50,000, that have not offered health coverage to their employees in the previous 12 months. Businesses that meet these criteria may be eligible to receive a subsidy of up to 50 percent of their insurance premium.

Under the partnership, small businesses may be eligible to receive a subsidy that helps provide health coverage services and rewards participating individuals for efforts to improve their health and/or manage chronic disease.

Eligible businesses may choose from a selection of health coverage plans and establish a payroll deduction. Business owners will work with a local insurance agent or broker to register for the partnership and to find the right health care plan for them.

"This session provides important health care information to area businesses," said Charlie Ross, chamber president/CEO. "With the growing importance of offering health care to employees, we urge area business owners to attend to learn more about how they can take advantage of the Health Insurance Partnership for small businesses."

Seating for the Sept. 29 presentation is limited. Business owners interested in attending the event are ask to RSVP by contacting Reckner at 301-387-4386, ext. 12, or karen@garrett-chamber.com.

More information about the partnership is available online at dhmh.state.md.us.


If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Long & Foster Real Estate for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350