Tonight the Wicomico Council adopted amended versions of two controversial measures:
- Speed Cameras
- Change in the Homestead Tax Credit
Speed Cameras
The council passed an amended version of the proposed speed camera legislation. Under the amended bill, speed cameras would have to stay within a school zone – not within 1/2 mile as permitted by Maryland law. In addition, speed cameras would only be operable during school days and times.
Homestead Tax Credit
County Executive Rick Pollitt’s proposal to lower the homestead tax credit threshold from 10% / year to 0% was adopted after an amendment by councilwoman Stevie Prettyman was adopted to roll back the measure to 5%. Under the new bill, a homeowner’s assessment can now only go up 5% per year versus the current 10%. This is the same proposal that Prettyman proposed in the last council.
The 0% proposal was one of two cornerstones of councilman Bob Caldwell’s successful campaign in the last election.
Earlier in the meeting the council re-examined a bill to end the school construction fund. The resolution passed, also after an amendment proposed by Prettyman was adopted. Under the new proposal, the SCF would be abolished at the end of FY 2013.
Glad to see the council working together. Watched it last night and I am proud of our council. They seem to know the issues and are reasonable when it comes to finding common ground so the end result is better for us, the citizens.
ReplyDeleteThese show some of the reasons that they were elected this cycle.
ReplyDeleteCommon sense, limiting government, lowering tax burdens...and working together!
Thanks to the council for representing us...the citizens.
I also watched them last night and I was impressed that they are willing to work together. Thanks council for doing what is right for the people.
ReplyDeleteWhy in te world did Sample-Hughes light into Joe Collins. He was not disrespectful. He is feeling the same frustration about lack of participation that many of us who attend meetings would like to talk about. When we start showing up in numbers to support those who we sent to represent us things will change. Kudos to Jay Gibson, too. Mostly, the only ones who show at county and city meetings right now are the naysayers.
ReplyDelete8:10....she lit into him because his comment had nothing whatsover to do with the tax rate which was the subject at hand and would be interpreted by any reasonable person as a racist comment.
ReplyDeleteHe had nothing of substance to offer not did Brewington and Trenka....just the same tired and vague sound bytes.No hard facts or real solutions.
I was particularly amused by Don Coffin who , after rambling , offered the opinion that the proposed rate increase was illegal under the charter...i guess the mastermind behind the revenue cap is either intellectually dishonest or does not understand the legislation he so ardently supported....I suspect both.