May 24, 2024
Ready Report: Memorial Day, No Property Tax Increase in Carroll & More…
As we head into Memorial Day weekend, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States. On Memorial Day we remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives while serving in the military and we recognize their families and all those they left behind. Their courage and selflessness must never be forgotten. Remember to think of them and to thank them this weekend, and of course have a wonderful and safe weekend.
Vehicle Registration Fees to Increase in 2025
One of the biggest fights in Annapolis this year was over the Budget. Republicans fought hard to keep any tax or fee increases from passing, however against my strong opposition, Democrats forced through a number of different vehicle registration fee increases, including ones based on weight of vehicles as well as raising the overall fee. These funds DO go largely toward the Transportation Trust Fund which has been facing shortfalls but that is largely because we are saddling primarily drivers with most of the cost while heavily subsidizing mass transit systems at over 90%. I had legislation to try to change this (SB 841) but it did not move. I will continue to work for fairness in transportation funding and to eliminate the unjust automatic gas tax hikes we have every July 1st.
However – I did want you to have the specific fee chart so you could be aware. Earlier this week, the Motor Vehicle Administration announced the new rates for vehicle registration, which are based on vehicle class and weight. The new rates can be seen by clicking here.
Good News – Carroll Co. Budget Approved – Proposed Property Tax Increase Eliminated!
Over the past few weeks the Carroll County Commissioners have been debating final passage of the county’s FY2025 Operating Budget. The preliminary budget included a 2 cent property tax increase, which would have been the first tax hike in many years. This was partly due to costs that the state government has forced down on counties that I have tried to stop or ease, including the Kirwan Education Blueprint mandate. Thankfully the commissioners, with Commissioner Joe Vigliotti (District 1) leading the charge, worked out additional savings and maneuvers in the budget to be able to eliminate this property tax hike. Also important – they restrained overall budget growth to just .4% so that is also good news. You can read the county government’s press release on the FY2025 budget by clicking here.
In the Community…
It was wonderful to be at the Carroll Community College graduation Wednesday in celebrating the class of 2024. It will also be the last commencement for Dr. James Ball who’s been president for over a decade and done a great job. As an alum of Carroll it’s always a proud moment to see more students achieving their A.A. degree, nursing degrees and/or certificates for trades. I’m a big supporter of community colleges and in my opinion we have the best two in the state in the two counties I represent – Carroll Community College and Frederick Community College.
Support Local Volunteer Fire Department Carnivals
Over the summer, several local volunteer fire departments host excellent carnivals throughout Carroll County. This is a great opportunity to show support for the men and women who will run into a burning building to save people they do not even know. Below are a list of all the summer carnivals coming to Carroll County:
Happening Now through Saturday New Windsor Fire Department
5/27 – 6/04 Gamber & Community Fire Company (see details on Veterans/1st Responder night below)
5/30 – 6/01 Union Bridge Fire Company
6/08 – 6/15 Sykesville Fire Company
6/10 – 6/15 Taneytown Fire Company
6/24 – 6/29 Reese Fire Company
6/26 – 6/29 Harney Fire Company
7/01 – 7/06 Manchester Fire Company
7/08 – 7/13 Winfield Community Fire Company
7/29 – 8/03 Mount Airy Fire Company
8/05 – 8/10 Hampstead Fire Company
Carroll County Veterans and First Responders Night at the Gamber Carnival
The Gamber Carnival will be holding its 2nd Annual Appreciation Night at Gamber Carnival, celebrating veterans and first responders. A free pit beef, ham or turkey sandwich and drink will be available for first responders and veterans on May 30th, from 6-9pm.
The Gamber Carnival is open from 6-11pm beginning on Friday, May 27th, until Saturday, June 4th. The carnival is located at the Gamber Carnival Grounds, Rt. 32 and Niner Rd.
Have a great rest of your week!
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