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Bel Air Board Of Commissioners 2025: Meet Gavin Hanley

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, October 6th 2025 at 19:16 GMT by Patch
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Bel Air’s 2025 Board Commissioners Meeting: Gavin Hanley and the Town’s Vision for the Next Fiscal Year

On March 10, 2025 the Bel Air Board of Commissioners convened at the town’s City Hall to discuss the budget, infrastructure projects, and community‑wide priorities for the coming year. The meeting—held in a hybrid format with both in‑person attendees and an online livestream—was the town’s first full‑length “town‑wide briefing” in a long time, and it set the tone for how the small Harford County community will navigate the next 12 months.

Who’s In and What’s On the Agenda

The nine‑member board, whose names are posted on the town’s official website, opened the session with introductions and a brief recap of the 2024 fiscal year. Governor‑appointee Gavin Hanley, who has served on the board since 2021, was the most vocal participant, stressing the importance of “data‑driven decision making” and urging the town to keep residents informed through transparent reporting.

Key agenda items included:

1. 2024 Budget Review and 2025 Forecast – The town’s finance director presented a year‑end audit, highlighting a modest surplus of $250,000. The 2025 forecast projects a slight deficit if the “New Development Tax” is not increased to match projected spending.
2. Water System Upgrade – An overview of the pending capital‑expenditure project to replace aging mainlines in the northern part of town. A contractor’s proposal for a $4.2 million contract was tabled, along with a discussion of the town’s ability to secure a 30‑year municipal bond.
3. Community Center Revitalization – An update on the renovation of the historic “Bel Air Town Hall” into a multi‑purpose community center. The board debated the feasibility of a public‑private partnership with a local nonprofit.
4. Zoning and Development – Governor‑appointee Hanley urged the board to adopt the new “Neighborhood Development Guidelines” published by the County Planning Commission to ensure balanced growth.
5. Public Safety and Police Operations – The town’s Chief of Police presented a 2025 budget request for new body‑cam equipment and a “Community Policing Initiative.”
6. Miscellaneous and Open Forum – The board took a short break and reopened the floor to resident questions and suggestions.

The meeting’s transcript is available on the town’s official website, along with a downloadable PDF of the 2024 budget report, the water system upgrade proposal, and the Community Center renovation design renderings.

Highlights and Takeaways

Gavin Hanley’s Vision

Hanley repeatedly emphasized the need for fiscal prudence while pursuing growth. “Bel Air has a unique blend of small‑town charm and the convenience of proximity to Baltimore. That’s our competitive edge,” he said. He urged the board to revisit the 2024 tax structure and explore a modest increase in the Development Tax, which currently sits at 2.5 % of new construction value.

Water System: A Looming Challenge

The water upgrade remains the most contentious issue. The current mainlines are over 80 years old and have been experiencing intermittent failures during heavy rains. The proposed $4.2 million contract would cover replacement of 12 miles of mainline and installation of new water‑metering infrastructure. The board split evenly on whether to approve the bond, with the majority leaning toward a “soft vote” pending further financial analysis.

Community Center: From Historic to Functional

The town’s historic building, built in 1885, has been a landmark for over a century. The renovation plan, submitted by the nonprofit “Bel Air Heritage,” includes a new gymnasium, a child‑care center, and a meeting space for the local Chamber of Commerce. Hanley expressed enthusiasm for the project, but raised concerns about the projected $1.8 million cost. He called for a public hearing to assess the project’s feasibility and to explore possible state grant funding.

Zoning: A New Frontier

The County Planning Commission’s new guidelines aim to preserve the character of established neighborhoods while allowing for modest infill development. The board will need to adopt a “Neighborhood Development Ordinance” that incorporates the new guidelines into the town’s zoning code. Hanley noted that “consistent, transparent zoning rules help attract responsible developers and protect resident property values.”

Police Operations: Innovation and Transparency

Chief Martinez’s proposal to allocate $60,000 for body cameras was supported by 8 of the 9 commissioners. The board also approved the creation of a “Community Policing Advisory Committee” to facilitate regular dialogue between law‑enforcement officers and local residents. Hanley praised the move, stressing that “trust is built on accountability.”

Links to Follow for Deeper Insight

1. 2024 Budget Report (PDF) – The document outlines revenue sources, expenditures, and the surplus.
2. Water System Upgrade Proposal – A detailed contractor’s bid with cost breakdown and timeline.
3. Community Center Design Renderings – Visuals of the proposed renovation, available in high resolution.
4. County Planning Commission’s Zoning Guidelines – The full document is over 40 pages, with annexes on environmental assessments.
5. Police Department Budget Request – A separate PDF outlining the proposed equipment and training needs.

All of these documents are linked directly from the meeting’s agenda page on the town’s website, providing residents and stakeholders a full audit trail.

Looking Ahead

The Bel Air Board’s meeting highlighted that the town is at a crossroads. On one hand, it must continue to maintain essential services like water and public safety. On the other, it must adapt to changing demographics, technological demands, and the need for sustainable growth. Governor‑appointee Hanley’s push for a balanced, data‑based approach suggests a roadmap that emphasizes fiscal responsibility while encouraging community involvement.

Residents will hear the outcomes of the board’s votes in the coming weeks. The town’s website will publish a final agenda and minutes by the end of March. As the town moves forward, the conversation will likely center around how to fund the water upgrade, whether the community center can become a vibrant civic hub, and how zoning can support a growing yet tightly knit population. The Bel Air Board’s careful deliberations in March 2025 will set the stage for a year of thoughtful, transparent governance in this historic Maryland town.