You Work Hard For the Money

Originally Published: April 25, 2023

I heard this a lot while I was campaigning: “Tax and Spend Democrat. Democrats think they know how to spend your money better than you.” But, the Commissioners have raised property taxes for the last several years. The Commissioners raised Income Tax in the past, held on to large, unspent fund balances, and consistently raised fees. The Commissioners are all Republicans.

Taxes are necessary for the government to provide services. All elected officials, no matter their party, decide tax rates. We can debate and disagree on how the money is spent, but taxes will still be collected.

Property tax will increase because home value assessments are up. The Commissioners could adopt the Constant Yield Rate, which would ensure the same amount of income from property taxes as last year, but have chosen not to. Property tax credits for veterans and public safety officers are currently available, but are not included in this budget.

Income Tax Revenue is up because wages are up. The Income Tax Rate remains at 3%, the same as last year.

Fees are increasing to cover additional operating expenses. The full fee schedule is included in the link below.

The Excise Tax is replacing the Impact Fee, and the proposal is an increase of between 80 and 300%. The Commissioners will make a final decision on this AFTER the budget hearing tonight. A potential of $3.8M could be placed in the Fund Balance as a result.

Last week, only FIVE speakers offered opinions on the Excise Tax. The budget is $314M of your dollars–it requires your input. Even if you don’t review the budget in full, you can still speak to what you believe are priorities for the County.

Tonight. 6:30PM. Chopticon High School.

Email: csmc@stmaryscountymd.gov

Budget: https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/.../FY2024_Recommended...