The Town Council cut $5,000 from the amount Sykesville will borrow for its new police station.
At last night's session, Town Manager James L. Schumacher recommended securing a 10-year, variable-rate loan of $135,000 from Union National Bank.
But the council decided they could get by with a loan of just $130,000.
Of that amount, $108,000 would pay for construction. The balance would pay for equipment and furniture.
"A 10-year loan is a better way to go," Mr. Schumacher said. "We could save about $70,000 in interest and we wouldn't have to pay [about $1,500] settlement costs."
Initial payments on the short-term loan would be about $1,600 a month. The payment would change with the prevailing interest rates.
"I would like to save $70,000, but can we afford the monthly payment?" asked Councilman Walter R. White.
Councilman Jonathan Herman said if the department had $27,000 for equipment, it would spend that amount. He called for a $125,000 loan cap, which he said would reduce the monthly payment by about 10 percent.
"We could pick up whatever other money we need for equipment from general revenue funds," he said. "I would rather see the department start out with a little less money. When they get in the building, they will know better what they need."
Police Chief Wallace P. Mitchell said he had only asked for what he needed.
Mr. White argued for the original loan amount. Mr. Herman compromised with a $130,000 cap, which received unanimous approval.
In other news, Mayor Lloyd R. Helt Jr. announced a vacancy on the Planning Commission, due to the resignation of Paul Sabatiuk.
"Paul has served us well for four years," said Mr. Schumacher.
Mr. Sabatiuk said increased work responsibilities forced him to step down.
The position on the seven-member commission will stay open for a month until the mayor, with the council's approval, appoints a new member.
Following a public hearing, at which no residents offered comments, the council adopted an amendment to the Public Ethics Ordinance. It requires all elected officials and municipal employees to comply with the state ethics law.