Hagerstown opens public hearing on proposed FY26 property tax rates; record open through May 20

The City of Hagerstown opened a public hearing May 13 on proposed fiscal year 2026 property tax rates that would take effect July 1, 2025. Staff presented rates of 1.057 for all real estate and 2.643 for all personal property per $100 of assessed value, and said the increase would generate $2,200,000 to help fund public safety salaries and benefits.

The hearing notice was advertised in the Herald-Mail on April 26 and posted on the City of Hagerstown website beginning April 28. The city announced the public record will remain open until May 20 to accept additional comments.

“Of course, I am not in favor of an increase,” said Carrie Posner, a resident and property owner, during the public comment period. Posner told the council she owns rental properties in the city and said higher property taxes reduce net operating income for rental housing, which in turn lowers valuations and discourages investment. “Any increase to the property taxes in Hagerstown will perpetuate the dilemma of trying to bring home ownership into the city,” she said.

Posner said property taxes are a substantial expense for landlords and described a purchase decision she abandoned that day at an auction on the 400 block of Jefferson Street. She said the property was an eight-unit building and that tax considerations influenced her decision not to bid.

A presiding official opened the work session and called a brief vote earlier to meet in special session; the motion passed by voice vote. No vote on the proposed tax rates was taken at the May 13 work session.

The city limited public comments to three minutes and used an on-screen timer. The next formal steps and any date for final action on the tax rate were not stated during the hearing; the public record remains open through May 20 for submissions.