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Resident voices concern over rising property assessments; county staff notes homestead cap limits tax increase
Summary
Charles Goebel, a Mount Savage resident, told commissioners he opposed a large increase in property assessment values; county staff noted a county homestead cap limits taxable increases to 4% despite higher assessments.
Charles Goebel of Mount Savage addressed the Allegany County commissioners during public comment to protest a sharp increase in his property assessment issued by the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation.
Goebel said his home, built in 1900, was reassessed to $148,000 and he believes that value is too high given his repairs and condition. He said many residents in Mount Savage are concerned about how assessment increases might affect local businesses and homeowners. Goebel also raised a broader question about deductions for retirement accounts and pensions.
A county staff member (name not specified) responded that the county receives bulk assessment data from the state and that while assessments can rise substantially, county-level protections limit how much a resident’s tax bill can increase. The staff member said the county’s homestead cap limits the increase in the taxable amount to 4%, described as one of the lowest caps in the state. The staff member said officials are hearing growing concern as assessment values have increased.
Goebel said he has appealed the state assessment and voiced frustration with the process; the record reflects his comments in the public-comment period but no county action was taken at the meeting on assessments.
