Back in 2005 The Worcester County Liquor Control Board sought legislation to signficantly increase their borrowing authority pursuant to HB 91. In essense the Worcester County Liquor Control Board sought to increase their borrowing capability from 3,000,000 dollars to 5,000,000 dollars. The Maryland House Delegates responsbile for implementing this legislation were Bozman, Conway, and Elmore.That is partially why they were able to purchase and stock the former Pilchard Brothers gigantic warehouse located in Snow Hill, Maryland. But the avenue was being paved back then for their agency to expand dramatically - as is visible today. At that time Wicomico's borrowing authority was $500,000, Somerset $50,000, and Harford County $75,000.
Background: In general most Maryland jurisdictions permit the sale of alcoholic beverages through a three-tier system in which retail alcoholic beverages licensees purchase alcoholic beverages from licensed Maryland wholesalers who purchase alcoholic beverages from licensed manufacturers and import companies. However, in Montgomery, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties, the counties operate dispensaries through which they act as the wholesalers for retail alcoholic beverage licensees in their respective districts.
Shortly after HB 91 was sponsored I saw another interesting bill come about - HB 356 It was then that I alerted Worcester County Concerned Citizens group chairman - Joe Coleman - a group who incidentally was almost successful in implementing a Worcester County Tax Cap. They - in turn - alerted the Worcester Liquor Retailers Association who at the 11th hour was able to pursuade their elected officials to withdraw HB 356. HB 356 was sponsored by Delegate Bozman and Delegate Norm Conway.
http://mlis.state.md.us/2005rs/billfile/HB0091.htm
http://mlis.state.md.us/2005rs/billfile/HB0356.htm
12 comments:
Montgomery County has made their dispensary a dept of gov't. Somerset, Worcester and Wicomico systems are antiquated and need to be done away with. The money would be made up by more sales and tax influx. People wouldn't have to go across the state line to buy the product then with private stores opened here.
A minor correction....LCB purchased the former Central Implement building. The rest of the story seems fair and correct.
What a fiasco. Why in the world would Worcester Co. require 5 million dollars in line of credit.
Do the County officials actually want Worcester to be deemed the 'Drunk' capital of the east coast. I hope the voters in Wicomico and Worcester remember what has actually transpired.
It's time for new leadership.
In Wicomico, the group responsible for the implementation of the revenue cap, not tax cap, was also responsible for the implementation of the Executive form of gov't. Way to go. (sarcasm intended)
Anonymous said...
Montgomery County has made their dispensary a dept of gov't. Somerset, Worcester and Wicomico systems are antiquated and need to be done away with. The money would be made up by more sales and tax influx. People wouldn't have to go across the state line to buy the product then with private stores opened here.
8:14 PM
Sounds like the same song and dance from Stevie Prettyman and Joe Holloway. Oh Well, Wicomico's system is not antiquated and it generates revenue for the county. Someone is trying to get in the business and make profit for themselves.
Response to 11:50
The last time I checked Wicomico's real property tax rate - it has dropped yet again for the 10th year in a row. So from my angle - the revenue cap is working.
Government doesn't belong in the liquor business. For a fee, allow current beer and wine stores to apply for a beer, wine and liquor license. Sell future licenses on a ratio of liquor stores to per capita ratio. The cost of the new license, and its renewal, as well as the increase in sales of liquor should, I think, add much more than this government agency is handing over to the County.
Anonymous said...
Government doesn't belong in the liquor business. For a fee, allow current beer and wine stores to apply for a beer, wine and liquor license. Sell future licenses on a ratio of liquor stores to per capita ratio. The cost of the new license, and its renewal, as well as the increase in sales of liquor should, I think, add much more than this government agency is handing over to the County.
8:58 AM
ZING............. 7:43 AM hit a soft spot. So tell us Einstien why doesn't government need to be in the liquor business? The Wicomico County LCB is doing a fine job at what they are doing. Which one of the clowns are you? You obviously have a vested interest in the business or you are looking out for a friend.
Dont blame the store employees,the board is who is in charge of these things.
7:52, You may like having the same tax rate from 1950, but it truly is unsustainable. However, jacka$$es like you are too stupid to realize that and other things, that is why you voted for the Exucutive form. (didn't comment on that did you......didn't think so)
4:28
You must be a lunatic. I was a Voice member - (one of 100s) - and as far as my recollection the group was not in favor of the County Executive form government. Whereever you are getting your information - it is inaccurate. There were lots of Voice members who were opposed to the County Executive. As for the revenue cap - may it live forever. I disagree - it is sustainable.
Now scat!
Response to 4:28 Comment:
What planet did you come from? The revenue cap issue is a matter of a simple deduction.
Without the revenue cap the amount of inceased taxes would go from your hip pocket into the coffers of bureaucrats. Personally, it is a no-brainer issue.
Bottom line - would you rather have control over the fruits of your labor - or alternatively give it to the bureacrats to bolster their hip pockets.
You are a scary personality - serious.
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