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Council discusses municipal infraction fine changes and options to tax habitually vacant properties
Summary
City staff told the Hagerstown Mayor and Council on Sept. 23 that 296 properties are registered vacant in Hagerstown and outlined options to change municipal infraction fines and explore taxing habitually vacant properties at higher rates.
City staff and council members discussed proposed amendments to municipal infraction fines and a separate policy review on taxing vacant properties during the Sept. 23 work session.
Municipal infractions and fines: Staff described a need to amend city code to reflect a recent state law change that allows municipalities to set preset fine amounts up to $5,000 (an increase from prior $1,000). Staff said legal counsel recommended preserving easy‑to‑read preset fine amounts for property maintenance code violations while allowing nuisance and vacant‑structure sections to use a maximum $5,000 figure and an internal policy to guide escalation for repeat offenses within a 24‑month period. Staff noted a…
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