Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.29.2000 MinutesSeptember 29, 2000 Hagerstown, Maryland Meeting with the Washington County Delegation to the General Assembly A special meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 12:00 p.m. at Hagerstown Community College by President Gregory I. Snook with the following members present: Vice President Paul L. Swartz and Commissioners Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. Members of the Washington County Delegation to the General Assembly in attendance included Senator Donald Munson and Delegates Robert McKee, John Donoghue, Joseph Bartlett, Christopher Shank, and Sue Hecht Commissioner Snook informed the Delegation that the requests being presented today have not been formally approved by the Commissioners but are only for the purpose of discussion. He reminded the Delegation that the next meeting is scheduled for November 17 and the final submission of requests would be presented at that time. Commissioner Snook asked the Delegation to check on the status of the disparity grants from the State. He indicated that Washington County had been removed from the list for a loss of $100,000. County Transfer Tax Commissioner Snook informed the Delegation that the County is seeking authority to impose a county transfer tax to “piggyback” on the State transfer tax of up to 1%. The tax would be assessed on the recordation of specified “instruments in writing” in the land records of the Circuit Court Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, stated that research has indicated that there are provisions in the law for this tax but the County would need additional legislative authority before it could be implemented. He indicated that $1.2 million in revenue could be generated and used as a “dedicated revenue source” for capital projects for the Board of Education, agricultural preservation, urban redevelopment, and historic preservation projects. Mr. Arch informed the Delegation that the revenues generated from the transfer tax could be dedicated to projects but would not have to be used in a specific geographic area as would be the case with impact fees. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion about the request. Collection Fee Charged by the Clerk of the Circuit Court The Commissioners requested to add a subsection to Courts 2-213 to allow the Clerk of the Circuit Court to waive or reduce fees for collections, particularly with respect to recordation taxes. Commissioner Snook stated that this request is being made in conjunction with the previous request. Restoration of a Portion of State Property Tax to Local Subdivisions Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, explained that a letter was received from Delegate Donald Elliott suggesting that counties request that a grant from the State be restored. The grant was equivalent to a portion of the tax on real property. Rainy Day Fund The Commissioners requested legislation to authorize the County to maintain cash reserves for specified purposes to help the County through hard economic times and to use for unforeseen special needs. Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, explained that this would give the County the opportunity to renew the budget for cash reserves if it is necessary in the future. She stated that other counties have comparable provisions. Hotel Rental Tax Commissioner Snook stated that the statute previously contained a provision allowing the County to collect an administrative fee of up to 5% to cover the cost of collecting and administering the funds on behalf of the Convention & Visitors Bureau. Since the County will continue to perform those functions, they asked that the provision allowing the deduction of an administrative fee be reinstated. Commissioner Wivell asked if the fee was taken out when the County’s portion was increased to 55% of the tax. The Commissioners agreed to research the issue and provide the additional information to the delegation. Commissioner Swartz also discussed the possibility of including campgrounds in the tax. SEPTEMBER 29, 2000 PAGE TWO Increase in Marriage License Fees The Commissioners reviewed a request to increase the marriage license fee in order to help CASA fund its operations. Commissioner Swartz cited the high turn-over rate in employees at CASA due to the low salaries. They discussed increasing the rate from $55 to $75. The Commissioners agreed to check with the Clerk of the Circuit Court to determine if he is collecting an administration fee and if the fee could be waived to permit additional proceeds to go to CASA. Agricultural Preservation The Commissioners reviewed a request to seek a share of the State surplus to aid agricultural preservation to allow the County to purchase more agricultural easements. Salary Increase for Sheriff The Commissioners reviewed the material provided by Sheriff Mades requesting an increase in the salary for the Sheriff. He proposed an increase to $67,500 for calendar year 2003, $69,525 for 2004, $71,610 for 2005, and $73,758 for 2006. Commissioner Snook stated that the last salary increase for the Sheriff was in 1997 and they feel that the request is appropriate. Exemption from Procurement for Undercover Operations Commissioner Snook informed the Delegation that a request was received from the Purchasing Agent asking for an exemption from the competitive bidding requirements in connection with the procurement of equipment and other items to be used for undercover operations of the Sheriff’s Office and the Narcotics Task Force for security reasons. Delegate McKee requested a list of items purchased for undercover operations in the past 5 years. Allow Shows, Sales & Exhibitions in a Non-enclosed Shopping Center Paul Prodonovich, Director of Permits & Inspections, stated that this request was received from the General Manager of Prime Retail. He indicated that they have requested an exemption to allow shows, sales, and exhibitions in a non- enclosed shopping center. Mr. Prodonovich indicated that they are asking that the word “enclosed” be eliminated to allow these types of activities in an open area mall. The Commissioners asked that the County Attorney draft the legislation to address their concerns. State Funds for Airport Runway Extension Commissioner Snook asked the Delegation to support the request for an appropriation of funds to re-route U.S. Route 11 and construct a bridge for the extended runway at the Hagerstown Regional Airport. He stated that they have met with Secretary Porcari of the Maryland Department of Transportation to advise them of the request. Senator Munson advised the County to make sure that the State understands that this is the County’s top priority. Commissioner Schnebly stated that this is a $14-16 million project. Subsidy for Scheduled Commercial Service to BWI Commissioner Snook stated that the Airport has requested a Statewide appropriation of $2 million in FY 2002 to subsidize scheduled commercial air service from rural airports to BWI. Airport Marketing & Development The Airport has requested the Commissioners to support the request for an appropriation of funds to re-route U.S. Route 11 and construct a bridge for the extended runway at the Hagerstown Regional Airport. Animal Control Authority Richard Douglas, County Attorney, reviewed the request to broaden the reach of the enabling law for the Animal Control Ordinance, conforming the statute to the structure approved for the new ordinance and adding licensing for catteries and the power to impose criminal as well as civil penalties. The Commissioners then discussed State funding for education. Commissioner Iseminger stated that, although the Thornton Commission is working with the counties regarding a possible change in the funding formula, it is rumored SEPTEMBER 29, 2000 PAGE THREE that they will only be requesting additional funding for special education and transportation this year. Commissioner Swartz renewed his support for a one percent increase in the sales tax with half of the proceeds going to the State and half to the counties. Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, discussed transportation problems at the intersection of U.S. Route 40 and Edgewood Drive. He provided an update and indicated that State support would be needed for the southern bypass. Delegate Shank stated that the City government also needs to be responsive to the taxpayers for development in this area. Mr. Arch briefly discussed the need for State funding for rail sidings for economic development projects. He also outlined some of the difficulties involved with applying Smart Growth regulations to rural counties. Mr. Arch also informed the group that the Civil War Heritage Committee held its first meeting last week. The Delegation urged the Commissioners to prioritize their legislative requests. The meeting was adjourned at 2:05 p.m. , County Administrator , County Attorney , County Clerk