Â鶹´«Ã½

Councilmembers unanimously approved a resolution authorizing Easton Utilities to join in forming the Maryland Municipal Electric Utility Alliance. The other municipalities are Berlin, Hagerstown, Thurmont and Williamsport.

Easton Utilities, a not-for-profit utility and telecommunications company, provides electric, natural gas, water, internet and more to residents of the town ans surrounding areas. Company leaders say the alliance will facilitate a shared voice between the five members on “legislative and regulatory matters.�

John Hines, vice president of electric operations and special projects at Easton Utilities, spoke to the Town Council on Monday.

“Formalizing an alliance of these shared interests will strengthen our collective positions in Annapolis during the General Assembly’s legislative session,� Hines said, “at a time when energy issues continue to be at the forefront of policymakers’ agendas.�

The alliance’s articles of incorporation had already been signed by the mayors of Berlin and Thurmont prior to Monday’s approval. Representatives from all five municipalities, including Mayor Megan Cook, gathered in Berlin for a workgroup session to discuss the potential alliance.

“How do you anticipate navigating a vote amongst the alliance that is unfavorable to Easton Utilities and the Town of Easton?� Council President Frank Gunsallus asked Hines.

“There may be issues that don’t necessarily help us, but don’t hurt us,� Hines responded. “And so, at the end of the day, the broader organization and the power that comes from five bodies really will create a bigger impact.�

Hines added that Easton Utilities can withdraw from the alliance at any time, and that “it still gives each local government the ability to act autonomously.

Gunsallus called it a “great idea,� and all four councilmembers present voted to approve the resolution.

HOSPITAL UTILITIESThe Town Council approved a second resolution Monday evening involving Easton Utilities. Resolution 6201 authorizes the utility company to extend service to what will be Shore Regional Health’s new medical center on Longwoods Road in Easton.

The medical center, which held a groundbreaking earlier Monday, is under construction and projected to open in the summer of 2028. It is replacing the current hospital on South Washington Street.

Since Easton Utilities’ electric, water and wastewater services to support the project will exceed $2 million, a resolution was necessary. All four councilmembers present voted to approve the resolution.