Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Taxes topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Chesapeake Beach council backs exploring property‑tax exemption for 100% disabled police and EMS
Summary
Councilors discussed extending a county‑style property‑tax exemption to police and EMS personnel rated 100% permanently and totally disabled; staff estimated a roughly $5,500 annual cost and said any change would likely take effect in the new fiscal year (FY2027) after code edits and legal review.
Chesapeake Beach councilors opened a work‑session discussion on a proposed local property‑tax exemption for police and emergency medical services personnel who have a 100% permanent and total disability rating.
Anthony, who introduced the idea, said the town would be aligning with county practice and Maryland precedent that already exempts veterans with that rating. Town finance staff (Dan) estimated the fiscal impact to the town at roughly $5,500 annually and said officials would need to draft code language and allow time for implementation. Council members agreed any change would likely be effective in the new fiscal year (FY2027) and urged staff to prepare a resolution and legal review in advance of a formal vote.
Supporters framed the proposal as a modest, symbolic recognition that could help retain first responders and make the town more attractive to recruits; opponents cautioned about creating a narrowly defined class that excludes other disabled residents, and several councilors suggested exploring a broader disabled‑person exemption or a separate program for teachers and other public employees if the council decides to expand eligibility in the future.
No formal vote was taken during the work session; staff said they would prepare draft language, a cost memo, and present a recommendation at a future meeting for council action.
