PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – May 21, 2024 – The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has announced public hearings to discuss proposed increases to the real property tax and county income tax rates. The hearings are scheduled for Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. The venue for the event will be the Commissioners Hearing Room, located on the second floor of the Calvert County Circuit Courthouse at 175 Main St. in Prince Frederick.
Details of the Proposed Tax Increases
The proposed real property tax rate is set to increase by $0.04 per $100 of assessed value, moving from $0.927 to $0.967 per $100. This adjustment is expected to generate an estimated additional $5.8 million in revenue. For the average taxpayer, this change translates to an approximate increase of $152, based on state-assessed property values. If the proposal is approved, the new tax rate will be effective for the tax year starting on July 1, 2024.
Additionally, the county income tax rate is proposed to rise from 3% to 3.2%. This increase aims to yield an extra $3.6 million in revenues. The new income tax rate, if approved, would commence for the tax year beginning January 1, 2025.
Public Participation and Transparency
To ensure public participation and transparency, the BOCC will provide several ways for residents to participate in the hearing. Individuals can attend the hearing in person at the specified location or join remotely via phone. The public may dial in toll-free at 301-715-8592, using the meeting ID 899 4188 8251 and the passcode if prompted. To provide public comments during the hearing, participants can press *9.
For those who prefer to submit their comments in writing, emails can be sent to Dawn.Wood@calvertcountymd.gov. Written comments can also be mailed to the BOCC at 175 Main St., Prince Frederick, MD 20678.
Budget Information and Accessibility
The proposed budget for the fiscal year 2025 is available for public review. Interested individuals can view the budget online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/FY25. Hard copies are accessible at public libraries or by contacting the Department of Finance & Budget at 410-535-1600, ext. 2441, or by emailing Dawn Wood at the provided email address.
To further promote accessibility, the public hearing will be streamed live during the regular June 4 BOCC meeting on the Calvert County Government YouTube page at www.youtube.com/CalvertCountyGov. The meeting will also be broadcast live on Comcast channels 99 and 1070 HD.
Accommodations
For individuals requiring reasonable accommodations due to disabilities or linguistic barriers, requests can be made by contacting the BOCC office at 410-535-1600, ext. 2202, or through TTY at 1-800-735-2258.
Encouragement for Public Engagement
The BOCC encourages all interested residents to participate in the public hearing, whether in person or virtually, to share their opinions and ask questions regarding the proposed tax increases and the FY 2025 budget. More information about the budget development process is available at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/FY25.
