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Commissioners approve $215,816 recordation-tax reimbursement to volunteer fire and rescue departments
Summary
The board voted unanimously to reimburse $215,816 in recordation taxes to multiple volunteer fire and rescue departments for historic payments; staff will draft checks and review whether future ordinance changes are required to prevent future charges.
St. Mary's County commissioners voted unanimously on March 2 to reimburse $215,816 in recordation taxes previously paid by local volunteer fire and rescue departments.
County staff presented a ledger compiled with the deputy clerk of the court showing recordation-tax amounts submitted by multiple volunteer departments going back to 2001, totaling $215,816. The motion — to reimburse those departments the amounts listed on the ledger — was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.
Commissioners and staff discussed whether the county can prevent similar charges going forward through ordinance amendment or whether state law changes are required. Legal staff and county administration said they will review the recordation-tax ordinance and consult with the county's legislative delegation as needed, and staff committed to return with recommended ordinance changes if local action is possible.
Implementation steps: finance will process the reimbursements and mailing; staff will prepare a cover letter documenting the commissioners’ vote and the date for departmental records. The board also directed staff to investigate whether state legislative change is necessary to change how the recordation tax applies to volunteer-department loans and to report back to the board.
