Somerset County
Senate Bill 468/House Bill 591 (both passed) authorize Somerset County to grant a
property tax credit for real property that is not eligible for the homestead property tax credit and for which the current year’s taxable assessment exceeds the prior year’s taxable assessment by more than 20 percent.
Worcester County
Legislation was introduced to allow Worcester County and Ocean City to provide
property tax credits for amusement parks in Ocean City. Senate Bill 999/House Bill 1572 (both passed) authorize Worcester County or a municipality in Worcester County to grant, by law, a property tax credit for
•real property known as the Ocean City Amusement and Fishing Pier; and
•real property consisting of at least 30 acres located in Ocean City on or west of Route 528 and used exclusively for the operation of an amusement park.
Senate Bill 816/House Bill 1151 (both passed) authorize Worcester County or a municipality in Worcester County to grant, by law, a property tax credit for real property used as an historically operated amusement park.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Read My Lips.... NO NEW TAXES, (NOT)
Municipal Corporation Hotel Rental Tax
Most counties have been authorized by State law to impose a hotel rental tax. Authorized rates vary by county, from as low as 3 percent in Frederick County to as high as 8 percent in Allegany and Baltimore counties. Harford County does not impose a hotel rental tax. Senate Bill 131 (passed) authorizes municipal corporations to impose a hotel rental tax under specified circumstances, at a rate not to exceed 2 percent. The tax may not be imposed by a municipal corporation that has a current hotel rental tax revenue sharing agreement with the county it is located in, is located in a county that does not impose a hotel rental tax, or is located in a county that distributes at least 50 percent of hotel rental taxes collected to promote tourism in the county. The bill requires that a municipal corporation imposing the tax distribute to a convention and visitors bureau in the county where the municipal corporation is located at least the same percentage of the hotel rental tax collected that the county distributes to the convention and visitors bureau from any county hotel rental tax.
Most counties have been authorized by State law to impose a hotel rental tax. Authorized rates vary by county, from as low as 3 percent in Frederick County to as high as 8 percent in Allegany and Baltimore counties. Harford County does not impose a hotel rental tax. Senate Bill 131 (passed) authorizes municipal corporations to impose a hotel rental tax under specified circumstances, at a rate not to exceed 2 percent. The tax may not be imposed by a municipal corporation that has a current hotel rental tax revenue sharing agreement with the county it is located in, is located in a county that does not impose a hotel rental tax, or is located in a county that distributes at least 50 percent of hotel rental taxes collected to promote tourism in the county. The bill requires that a municipal corporation imposing the tax distribute to a convention and visitors bureau in the county where the municipal corporation is located at least the same percentage of the hotel rental tax collected that the county distributes to the convention and visitors bureau from any county hotel rental tax.
OC Responds To New Fire Chief Position
Here are the facts, directly from a councilman, written by a career firefighter/paramedic, and proud union member. Many are not happy with the process that has brought us to this point and the selection of the fire chief. However, we are committed to working with the new chief, and the parties involved to move forward, and continue to provide the service we have for nearly 50 years. The new city recognized fire chief is the current volunteer fire chief Chris Laramore. This selection was made because they felt he would be the best person to facilitate the change, and lead everyone through the natural progression of a combined service. He will not be compensated, however he will be held accountable for his performance, as well as that of his three respective departments. We have worked with this chief previously, and although not our choice or perfect candidate, have found him to be fair and reasonable. Regarding the comment that we can just sue, we have no pending lawsuits, nor have we been to arbitration, or even grievance, and have in fact worked diligently to resolve any concerns with the town in a fair and equitable fashion. I can say personally, and I hope on behalf of our entire division, congratulations to the chief, we will do our best to make this a successful operation. It has, and will be, our main focus to provide the best medical, fire and rescue service to the pubic we are sworn to protect.
Who Ya Gonna Call? Banking Regulators!
People are already commenting, what's the use of calling any of the local "powers that be" about the shafting the Camden neighborhood is about to get over 1004-1006 Camden by SunTrust's V.P. Rod Flowers and his partners in Captains Investments, Mitchell David and Tim Jones.
I still say call, because if they DON'T hear from you, then they can OFFICIALLY say they didn't hear that anyone was unhappy about this. Despite the fact, of course, that the neighbors packed the house the last couple of times this came up for consideration. You know, just like the Westsiders packed the city council house Monday night, but Westside Manor was pulled from the agenda. Funny how things keep getting pulled from agendas when the house is going to be packed. Then these things find their ways back onto agendas on short notice so citizens can't respond.
But here's another place you can call: the BANKING REGULATORS of SunTrust Bank. They are the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. And they'll be happy to look into your inquiry as to whether or not it's proper for a bank officer to be involved in investment activities that are not good for a neighborhood. Go to this link:
http://federalreserveconsumerhelp.gov/complaintinfo.cfm?info=1
Read the instructions, then click the link to fill out a complaint. You can just ask:
"Is it appropriate for a bank officer of SunTrust Bank -- in this case Rod Flowers, a vice president and branch manager in the mortgage division in Salisbury, MD -- to be involved in behaviors that damage neighborhoods zoned for single-family use. Take 1004 Camden Ave., Salisbury, MD 21801, and Captain Investments, for example, in which Mr. Flowers is a partner. Please investigate the propriety of these circumstances. Thank you."
Or give them whatever details you like! It's my understanding that banking regulators take stuff like this seriously. The way I look at it is, what have you got to lose if you do but a few minutes of time? If you don't, what you've got to lose is your neighborhoods.
For those of you who like the old-fashioned way, the phone and address are:
Federal Reserve
Bank of Atlanta
1000 Peachtree Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
(404) 498-8500
Like I said, "Who Ya Gonna Call?"
I still say call, because if they DON'T hear from you, then they can OFFICIALLY say they didn't hear that anyone was unhappy about this. Despite the fact, of course, that the neighbors packed the house the last couple of times this came up for consideration. You know, just like the Westsiders packed the city council house Monday night, but Westside Manor was pulled from the agenda. Funny how things keep getting pulled from agendas when the house is going to be packed. Then these things find their ways back onto agendas on short notice so citizens can't respond.
But here's another place you can call: the BANKING REGULATORS of SunTrust Bank. They are the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. And they'll be happy to look into your inquiry as to whether or not it's proper for a bank officer to be involved in investment activities that are not good for a neighborhood. Go to this link:
http://federalreserveconsumerhelp.gov/complaintinfo.cfm?info=1
Read the instructions, then click the link to fill out a complaint. You can just ask:
"Is it appropriate for a bank officer of SunTrust Bank -- in this case Rod Flowers, a vice president and branch manager in the mortgage division in Salisbury, MD -- to be involved in behaviors that damage neighborhoods zoned for single-family use. Take 1004 Camden Ave., Salisbury, MD 21801, and Captain Investments, for example, in which Mr. Flowers is a partner. Please investigate the propriety of these circumstances. Thank you."
Or give them whatever details you like! It's my understanding that banking regulators take stuff like this seriously. The way I look at it is, what have you got to lose if you do but a few minutes of time? If you don't, what you've got to lose is your neighborhoods.
For those of you who like the old-fashioned way, the phone and address are:
Federal Reserve
Bank of Atlanta
1000 Peachtree Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
(404) 498-8500
Like I said, "Who Ya Gonna Call?"
Homestead Property Tax Credit Eligibility
Homestead Property Tax Credit Eligibility – Repeal of Application Requirement (NOT)
Chapters 564 and 565 of 2007 require homeowners, beginning in January 2008, to file a
specified application with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) to qualify for the homestead property tax credit. Specifically, Chapters 564 and 565 prohibit SDAT from authorizing the credit, and the State, county, and municipal governments are prohibited from granting the credit unless the application is filed •within 180 days following the date a dwelling is transferred for consideration to new ownership, for a dwelling that is transferred to new
ownership after December 31, 2007; or •on or before December 31, 2012, for a dwelling that was last transferred to new ownership on or before December 31, 2007.
Beginning January 2008, the first homestead tax credit applications were sent out to
Maryland homeowners with the annual assessment notices. In order to verify eligibility, this application requires homeowners to include their Social Security number on the application. As a governmental tax agency, SDAT has legal authority to possess federal tax information, including Social Security numbers for all Maryland residents. While SDAT is legally entitled to possess this information, there are several safeguards in place to ensure that this information is used legally and remains confidential.
However, after complaints were voiced by homeowners regarding the use of Social
Security numbers and the timeframe of the application process, legislation was introduced to either repeal or modify the application requirement enacted by Chapters 564 and 565. Senate Bill 239/House Bill 1256 (both failed) were introduced as emergency legislation and would have repealed Chapters 564 and 565 of 2007 so that homeowners would not be required to file an application with SDAT to qualify for the homestead property tax credit.
Chapters 564 and 565 of 2007 require homeowners, beginning in January 2008, to file a
specified application with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) to qualify for the homestead property tax credit. Specifically, Chapters 564 and 565 prohibit SDAT from authorizing the credit, and the State, county, and municipal governments are prohibited from granting the credit unless the application is filed •within 180 days following the date a dwelling is transferred for consideration to new ownership, for a dwelling that is transferred to new
ownership after December 31, 2007; or •on or before December 31, 2012, for a dwelling that was last transferred to new ownership on or before December 31, 2007.
Beginning January 2008, the first homestead tax credit applications were sent out to
Maryland homeowners with the annual assessment notices. In order to verify eligibility, this application requires homeowners to include their Social Security number on the application. As a governmental tax agency, SDAT has legal authority to possess federal tax information, including Social Security numbers for all Maryland residents. While SDAT is legally entitled to possess this information, there are several safeguards in place to ensure that this information is used legally and remains confidential.
However, after complaints were voiced by homeowners regarding the use of Social
Security numbers and the timeframe of the application process, legislation was introduced to either repeal or modify the application requirement enacted by Chapters 564 and 565. Senate Bill 239/House Bill 1256 (both failed) were introduced as emergency legislation and would have repealed Chapters 564 and 565 of 2007 so that homeowners would not be required to file an application with SDAT to qualify for the homestead property tax credit.
SU Students Reach Out To Community
The Salisbury University Student Government Association is now sponsoring a Big Event in the Salisbury community on Saturday, April 19, 2008. The Big Event will be a one day community service project for the citizens residing around the Salisbury University campus.
What is the Big Event?
Created in 1982, the Big Event started as a one day community service project at Texas A&M University. It was a way for the students to say “thank you” to the surrounding towns for their support to the university.
How do you get involved?
Contact: Salisbury University
Student Activities Office (GUC 125)
Student Government Association
1101 Camden Avenue
Salisbury, MD 21801
Call 410-548-4757
Or Email sgavpofua@salisbury.edu
Homepage: www.salisbury.edu/campusgov/sga
What is the Big Event?
Created in 1982, the Big Event started as a one day community service project at Texas A&M University. It was a way for the students to say “thank you” to the surrounding towns for their support to the university.
How do you get involved?
Contact: Salisbury University
Student Activities Office (GUC 125)
Student Government Association
1101 Camden Avenue
Salisbury, MD 21801
Call 410-548-4757
Or Email sgavpofua@salisbury.edu
Homepage: www.salisbury.edu/campusgov/sga
Wicomico County Community Enrichment Grants
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14 different organizations were awarded "Community Enrichment Grants" yesterday by County Executive Rick Pollitt. They were.........
Salisbury Advisory Council $3,000.00
Salisbury Jaycees $ 500.00
Art Institute Gallery $2,190.00
MAC, Inc. $5,000.00
Urban Salisbury $1,000.00
SHORE UP, Inc. $5,267.00
Big Brothers & Sisters $3,000.00
Dove Point Daycare $2,000.00
DILA $6,500.00
Kappa Alpha Psa Fraternity $7,043.00
Girl Scouts $5,000.00
Lower Shore Red Cross $3,000.00
Easter Seals $5,000.00
Salvation Army $1,500.00
A total of $50,000.00 went to these special groups that do so much for Wicomico County. I'm told 12 of them were completely funded.
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Immigration Agents Crack Down On Pilgrim's Pride Plants
Federal Immigration Agents have raided several Pilgrim's Pride Poultry Plants in five states today. They are cracking down on an alleged scam to provide fake identification for illegal immigrant workers.
More than 100 people are expected to be charged in the raids at the nation's largest chicken producer. Could the Eastern Shore be next?
More than 100 people are expected to be charged in the raids at the nation's largest chicken producer. Could the Eastern Shore be next?
Breaking News! Picket In Front Of Sun Trust Bank To Take Place At Noon!
Salisbury News just learned a small group of citizens will be picketing in front of Sun Trust Bank on W. Carroll Street at Noon because its Vice President of Mortgages, Rod Flowers, is involved with Captain Investments trying to redo their property lines at 1004 Camden to pack in even MORE housing in this peaceful neighborhood.
From what I hear, these people are not picketing Sun Trust, but are PLEADING with Rod Flowers to not have their neighborhood ruined, BEGGING Sun Trust to help Rod "do the right thing."
A small group, you say? That's because while Paul Wilber turned in opinions LAST FALL on how the P&Z Commission could give the investors their wish, the CITIZENS ONLY GOT 3 BUSINESS DAYS OF NOTICE!
Show you care, Salisbury! Pop down there for a few minutes and join in!
From what I hear, these people are not picketing Sun Trust, but are PLEADING with Rod Flowers to not have their neighborhood ruined, BEGGING Sun Trust to help Rod "do the right thing."
A small group, you say? That's because while Paul Wilber turned in opinions LAST FALL on how the P&Z Commission could give the investors their wish, the CITIZENS ONLY GOT 3 BUSINESS DAYS OF NOTICE!
Show you care, Salisbury! Pop down there for a few minutes and join in!
Contacting The Planning & Zoning Commission
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Does ANYONE, besides Captain Investments (Rod Flowers, Mitchell David and Tim Jones) and their attorney T.J. Maloney and maybe Salisbury City Attorney Paul Wilber REALLY think it's right to create a pipestem lot so investors can pack more income-producing housing into one lot in a single-family home neighborhood?
There is already a big parking lot full of cars backed right up against people's backyards. Would YOU want to live next to an apartment building and a parking lot with ROTC practices and parties? That's what one lady who spoke up at the city council meeting described as her experience living beside this property. It's a single-family home neighborhood, people!
So here's how to contact Planning & Zoning Commission members to ask them to vote against the resubdivision of the 1004 Camden Avenue property owned by Captains Investments. Their home numbers (except where noted as work) are below. It is fine to share your concerns, feelings and facts firmly, but please keep the communications polite and professional, thanking them for their time in listening. Being hysterical will only make them mad.
Corinne LesCallette 410-742-5036
Jim Magill 410-742-6470
Gary Comegys (w) 410-548-1623 (h) 410-677-4025
Gail Bartkovich 410-742-5399
Donald Bounds 410-835-8732
Elder Glen Robinson 410-742-6029
Scott Rogers 410-742-6436
Call and let them know: pipestems are bad, Wilber's opinions were out back in October and November of LAST YEAR but the neighbors only got THREE full business days of notice! Ask them to protect the neighborhood. It even says in the code that the laws are to protect the welfare of the existing residents. So get on the phone. And remember, this isn't just about the Camden neighborhood. There are lots all over the place that this could be done with. Look at all the Captain Investment houses in Princeton Homes, many with the three and four unrelated occupant exemptions.
Are these neighborhoods for living a life, raising kids and retiring? Or just housing cash cows? Come on, Salisbury, stick up for yourselves.
BREAKING NEWS:Supreme Court Allows Lethal Injection for Exection
The New York Times reporting that The Supreme Court has rejected to hear a case challenging the three drug cocktail used for most lethal injections during the past thirty years.
This case I think will have serious ramifications here in the free state with the defacto moratorium still in place by the court of appeals in addition to the defeat of a proposal to repeal the death penalty in Maryland for the second straight year.
Dough Rollers Is Gone But Will Be Back
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As the photos above clearly show, Dough Rollers is completely gone but will return by April of next year with an entirely new facility. Playland next door has re-opened and are ready for the new season.
PUBLIC NOTICE
The City of Salisbury Internal Services-Finance Division will be closed on Thursday, April 17th, from approximately 8:30 a.m. until Noon. Our computers will be undergoing a software update. Internal Services will be closed until the update is complete.
Pork In The Park
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The Pork in the Park event is just days away and it seems to be the talk of the town! This year you'll be relieved to see new vendors setting up and selling food, one of them will be the Station 7 Restaurant from Pittsville. Hopefully the lines won't be as bad to get some good food this year.
If you're looking for Family Fun this weekend, don't miss this event. They have rides, all sorts of live music shows, I believe a motorcycle show and of course their BBQ Cook Off Competition. Besides, it's really cheap to get in too. I'll post more details when we get closer to Friday. I'm told they started setting up for the event yesterday.
Pork in the Park Bar-B-Que and Beer Festival to be held at Winterplace Park in Salisbury, MD on April 18-20, 2008.
The festival is open from 4pm to 10pm on Friday, April 18, 10:00am to 10:00pm on Saturday and 11:00am to 5:00pm on Sunday. Admission is only $2 per person, and children under twelve are free.
For more details, GO HERE.
Exclusive Breaking News
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I understand from sources involved that the Mayor and Council and Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company have come to an agreement, as to the delivery of fire and rescue services in the town of Ocean City. This agreement will include Chief Larmore becoming the Chief of all the towns fire service, including the career fire and EMS staff, the volunteer company, and the fire marshals office. The Mayor and City Council are expected to finalize their portion of the agreement next Monday evening. Although the fire company has made concessions from their once independent and autonomous status, I understand their vote of support was unanimous by the members present at their regular meeting held last night.
Additional details will be forthcoming, and don't forget, you saw it here first. I will add, the Union is PISSED OFF! The mere fact that the Fire Marshall's Office voluntarily chose to work under Chief Larmore ruffled more feathers than anyone could believe and they're pissed! I'm sure we'll see that in comments on this Post.
We're So Filthy Rich, We're Remodeling!
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Well, if there's any business to be in these days it's the fuel business. There's living proof that this recently remodeled gas station is doing so well, they're remodeling AGAIN!
That's right, the Gordy Family is actually planning on remodeling several of their locations, closing for about 6 days at a time.
Years ago we experienced the Computer Dot Com Boom, now we're watching the Gas Station Boom go through the roof and in order to show off, some locations will remodel and charge you even more. If you think they're doing this for YOU, you're sadly mistaken! "Gordy Marts, the richest game in town."
Fire This Morning On West College Ave
My friend Jack Harris, (photographer) was woken this morning to the sounds of sirens and lights as his neighbors home caught on fire. You'll see more of this, (NOT) in the Daily Times tomorrow. This is one main reason why it is so difficult to be a Volunteer, fires in the middle of the night and or very early in the morning.
Fortunately, no one was injured and the SFD is still on the scene doing their job.
Worcester County Arts Council Summer Arts Camp
Volunteers Needed For Summer Arts Camp
The Worcester County Arts Council is looking for Students Volunteers who would like to help with our annual Summer Arts Camp for children grades 3-7.
This year the camp is scheduled June 16 -20 at
The Volunteers will be involved in assisting art instructors during classes and workshops.
Interested students should call