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Monday, August 22, 2016

County Executive Proposes Eliminating Impact Fees


County Executive Applauds Gov. Hogan’s Move to Change Septic System Rules
Culver Proposes Eliminating Impact Fee to Help Stimulate New Construction


SALISBURY – August 22, 2016 -- Wicomico County Executive Bob Culver applauded a move by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan to repeal a septic regulation that adds thousands of dollars to the cost of a new home. Culver also announced he would be sending a proposal to the County Council to permanently repeal the Impact Fee in Wicomico County to further stimulate the local economy with new housing construction. 


“We are fortunate to have a Governor who listens to the people of Maryland, and understands how government can sometimes stand in the way of an economic recovery. The onerous septic system rules put in place by the previous administration have had a negative effect on Wicomico County,” Culver said. 


In 2012, the state mandated BAT (Best Available Technology) septic systems be installed on new construction or any replacement septic system. Over the weekend, Hogan announced his administration would be lifting this requirement everywhere but inside environmentally sensitive Critical Areas. Critics of the BAT requirement have argued that the newer systems add an addition $11,000 - $14,000 to the cost of a new home and have not been proven to have any added environmental benefit. 


Also adding to the cost of a new home is Wicomico County’s impact fee. After Culver was first elected, he proposed waiving the fees for new home construction and the County Council agreed to place a moratorium on the fee through 2016. 


Culver said he will send a resolution to the County Council this week for their consideration at their next County Council meeting.
“I want to permanently repeal the Impact Fee in Wicomico County because it’s the right thing to do. Let’s build on this momentum from the state and send a strong message to home buyers that Wicomico County welcomes you. We want to make it more affordable, not less,” Culver said.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

first you better figure out how you are going to attract people to a drug and violence ridden area. Oh and by the way what about the jobs to support the new home buyers
lol the stupidity just grows and grows

Anonymous said...

Absolutely agree with 1:17.

Very, very few people will move here (and those that will , have by definition, a shorter economic life) without a job to build/buy a brand new home. And of they do, it will be at the cost of displacing demand for the existing homes for sale supply.
The logic here is election cycle based and continues to amaze and disappoint.

Anonymous said...

He could cut far far more fees/taxes than that if he really wanted to help Wic's families. Sure it would create a little fussy wave with your new found progressives. Do something billybob!

Anonymous said...

he can't cut fees/taxes when he just give away free College. How is he going to pay for that. the County already gives to Charitable and tax exempt organizations. So where is the money going to come from?

Anonymous said...

3:27 he'll just cut employees benefits to help with free college.

Anonymous said...

He just doesn't have his priorities in order. Give money for free College, cut employees benefits and now eliminate impact fees. Us taxpayers are going to pay dearly. Free College without jobs available is nothing more than a "feel good" issue to appease Ray Hoy. Screw the employees with their benefits cause they won't be able to do anything about it. Elimination of the impact fee cows down to his friends who are builders & puts the burden of funding schools on the taxpayers. Oh, Culver, you are going down the black hole and you will never ever be able to dig out of it. See ya!

Anonymous said...

county council on here talking? crying the blues because they have to get their hands out of our pockets. If people can buy/build a house, it stands to reason they already have a job and/or money. duh. you're right, the stupidity here is astounding.

Anonymous said...

Elimination of the impact fee cows down to his friends who are builders & puts the burden of funding schools on the taxpayers. Oh, Culver, you are going down the black hole and you will never ever be able to dig out of it. See ya!

August 22, 2016 at 7:32 PM

WHO else funds public schools other than taxpayers?!

Anonymous said...

Did you expect more given the level and extent of real world SUCCESSFUL experience in the GOB?

Anonymous said...

Culver Proposes Eliminating Impact Fee to Help Stimulate New Construction

When is he going to tell the County Council about it? I asked a couple and they know nothing about it. Bob has a communication problem and it is obviously his way or the highway!

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
county council on here talking? crying the blues because they have to get their hands out of our pockets. If people can buy/build a house, it stands to reason they already have a job and/or money. duh. you're right, the stupidity here is astounding.

August 22, 2016 at 8:06 PM

A. Kaye Kenney is that you again? It's my understanding that the county council hasn't heard about this yet so who is he making the proposal to?

Anonymous said...

Too late. We already gave up on Wicomico county. We planned to build a 4,000 sq ft. waterfront home on 5 acre property. Too many regs/rules/fees. It is empty farmland with little tax income to the county now and we have a beautiful waterfront home where you can go from house to pool to boat slip in all of 35 feet rather than 100ft set back and a mound septic tank.