SILVERTHORNE – Silverthorne Town Councilors again approved a mill levy to cover municipal services at a new development north of town.

It’s the fourth time the mill levy has been approved, Silverthorne director of finance and administrative services Donna Braun said. Mill levies must be re-approved each year.

An initial review of the South Maryland Creek Ranch development of 83 residences over 361 acres showed the need for minimal police and administration services amounting to approximately $6,359.

A General Improvement District was formed in 2006 with the approval of the property owner to enable the certification of a mill levy. The Silverthorne Town Councilors act as the district’s board of directors.

The district’s board of directors annually certify a mill levy of 30 mills and allot a temporary credit of 30 mills to create a net zero levy until the property is developed, Braun said.

The goal is to set a precedent for the residents of the future development, Braun explained. The levy and its temporary credit should continue until the economy picks up and the land can be developed, she added.