Local business owner asks Maryland attorney general to probe Seat Pleasant tax deal with Planet Fitness

Mr. Franco, who identified himself as the owner of D D M E A, Inc., asked the Maryland attorney general to investigate Seat Pleasant’s administration of its personal property tax, saying the city’s treatment of Planet Fitness amounted to unequal and possibly unlawful preferential taxation.

Franco read a written comment into the record alleging that Planet Fitness accrued a delinquent personal property tax balance "approaching 500,000" before a settlement with the city that "abated most of the past-due balance and critically resulted in Planet Fitness being billed at a reduced tax rate going forward," creating a competitive disadvantage for neighboring businesses that continue to pay the full rate.

"I am writing to formally request that the general review be review and investigate what I believe to be unlawful and unequal administration of the city as ... personal property tax," Franco said as the letter was read. He asked officials to obtain and review city records including ordinance rate schedules, settlement agreements, abatement approvals, and council minutes, and to determine whether any abatements or reduced-rate arrangements were authorized under Maryland law.

Council leadership acknowledged the submission and said staff would respond. The presiding officer told Franco "we will actually, respond accordingly" after the letter was read into the record.

Why this matters: Franco framed the complaint as an equal-protection and uniformity concern that could have financial implications for small businesses across Seat Pleasant. The letter requests refunds or other corrective actions if the attorney general finds unlawful preferential treatment. The council took the letter under advisement; no formal directive or follow-up schedule was announced during the meeting.

Next steps: The request asks the attorney general's office to review and, if warranted, recommend corrective actions and facilitate refunds. The council did not state at the meeting whether it will produce the records Franco requested or refer the matter to county or state officials.

Quotes and sourcing: Direct quotes and details above are drawn from the written comment read into the record by a council designee and from the presiding officer’s brief response.