Clarke Votes Against Property Tax Cut
Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke said she doesn't oppose the tax cut but doubts the timing.
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Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke was the lone vote against moving a bill forward for final approval that would cut 20 cents from residents property tax rate in eight years.
Despite Clarke’s objection, the City Council approved sending the bill to third and final reader on Monday night.
Clarke, a veteran North Baltimore council member, argued against the tax cut, especially at a time when the city’s budget includes closing three firehouses, and when an official budget has not been presented to the council.
“My concern [is] of the timing of this tax cut," Clarke said. "Not so much the tax cut itself, but we just talked about a bake sale and sponsorship for firefighters. Right now we have not seen a budget and in fact there isn’t a budget to be seen yet."
Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake has released some details of the city’s $2.3 billion operating budget, which closes a projected $48 million deficit with measures including closing eight recreation centers, merging 911 and 311 call centers and having the Bureau of Solid Waste collect trash in city parks.
But the Maryland General Assembly’s adoption of the “doomsday” budget earlier this month could force the city to overhaul its budget because of $512 million in cuts statewide. The mayor has urged Gov. Martin O’Malley to call a special session to approve a budget that includes new revenue streams so these cuts can be avoided.
The tax cut bill will cost the city $3.8 million in fiscal year 2013 with fees charged to a city slots casino paying for the cuts in out years. Currently Baltimore has the highest property tax rate in the state and more than double the rate charged in neighboring Baltimore County.
"This bill would cut $3.8 million out of the next year’s budget for a tax break that would basically mean $3.30 less a month for people living in a $200,000 assessed dwelling,” Clarke said. “I’m not standing to oppose this; I’m standing to simply say that I think we need all the cards on the table when we look at what we feel is necessary for us to have to fill the gaps for next year."
What do you think of Clarke's actions? Tell us in comments.
ARTblocks
10:01 am on Wednesday, April 18, 2012
I think, as always, Mary Pat is the voice of reason. As a Baltimore City property owner, sure, I would like my taxes to be reduced TWENTY CENTS (helloooooo!), but I also believe that minor things like EDUCATION are critically important. Which are you going to choose?
Baltimore Guy
12:37 am on Friday, April 27, 2012
the property tax is crippling Baltimore city, there are thousands of YOUNG well educated paid technology workers in aberdeen,columbia, and fort Meade , and they all would love to live in the city and the crippling property tax in some cases ends up being a third of the monthly mortgage.
further more it heavily dissuades investors to develop or purchase property knowing that their break even point is set so high by the tax, and that even with asset appreciation they will be punished by even higher property taxes.
people need to wake up, this is a serious issue and its holding this city of ours back.
Baltimore Matt
2:03 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
It’s not about 20 cents...it's about 20 cents times the value of your home... E.g. .20 X $200,000=$400. $400 is not chump change. Many homeowners that oppose this tax cut have major tax credits such as the ones on newly built homes, newly renovated homes, and historic homes (Federal Hill, Mt. Vernon, Canton, downtown, and Fells Point) that temporarily shield them from paying full rate. Renters would also benefit from an across the board decrease in tax rates because their landlord would not have to pass on the taxes in form of higher rents.
Hell, if they make my property taxes $1.10 per $100 like Baltimore County, I would gladly send my kids to private school.