10% Tax Increase Stands Despite Residents’ Protest

Outraged and encouraged by state legislators to protest the equivalent of a 10 percent property tax hike, more than 100 residents showed up to the county commissioners meeting last night in Charlestown.

Many people could not enter the standing room only meeting room in the fire hall, but they stood outside as the commissioners unanimously approved the fiscal year 2009 budget.

After considering statements made by county departments and nonprofit groups at a May 13 public hearing, the commissioners decided to fund a few more items, which increased the spending plan from $164.5 million to $164.8 million.

The commissioners kept the constant yield rate of 96 cents per $100, which increased resident’s property taxes by 10 percent.

Two Republican legislators, Sen. E.J. Pipkin and Delegate Michael Smigiel, told the commissioners to table the budget.

Pipkin said the residents of the county already have to deal with other increases such as the price of gas and food and don’t need another tax increase.

“Don’t turn your back on the citizens,” he said.

Commissioners President William Manlove said the approved budget increased funding for Cecil College, added three sheriff’s deputies, added a position of a social worker through the board of education, funded Cecil Partnership’s request and increased some professional services fees.

Cecil College’s funding increased from $8 million to $8.1 million, while Cecil Partnerships was funded its full amount of $15,500.

Residents spoke out against the tax rate again, even though the commissioners had voted on the increase.

Jean Whitsell of Port Deposit said she cannot deal with any more property tax increases.

Diana Broomall of Colora said the commissioners had not fulfilled their campaign promises of impact fees and an adequate public facilities ordinance.

Several other residents said the commissioners need to cut government spending and asked them to table the budget and re-examine it.

Commissioner Rebecca Demmler said she understands the residents’ opinions, but to provide vital services to the county, the commissioners must approve the budget, which has already cut many requests.

“We are not blind, deaf, or merciless decision makers  I hear the cry for relief,” Demmler said. “Had this been a few years ago, I might have been where you are and might have been saying the same things you are.”

Although the audience interrupted her, she continued, “Being in this position has made me keenly aware of the need to fund services expected by the public.”

Demmler also responded to the comments made by the state legislators.

“It is so easy to mouth the words no new taxes’ but to do so at the exclusion of providing vital services is not an option,” she said. “To do so, all the while knowing better, but with the purpose of pandering to and attempting to gain votes to the detriment of the county as a whole in unconscionable.”