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Commissioners set March 10 evening public hearing on proposed excise tax amendments after debate over Leonardtown inclusion
Summary
The board authorized a public hearing on March 10 at 6:30 p.m. to consider amendments to the Saint Mary's County excise tax ordinance that would clarify countywide applicability and shift collection to certificate of occupancy; commissioners debated fairness to Leonardtown and whether rates should be reduced and voted 4–1 to hold the evening hearing.
The Saint Mary's County commissioners voted on Feb. 10 to schedule a March 10 public hearing at 6:30 p.m. to consider proposed amendments to the county excise tax ordinance (Article 32, Chapter 267). The draft amendments would explicitly apply the tax countywide — including municipalities — and change the point of collection from building-permit issuance to issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
Buffy Giddens of the county attorney’s office described the two primary changes and emphasized the amendment would not alter tax rates, allocation formulas or the credit structure currently in the ordinance. "The purpose of the amendments... is to clarify that this tax applies equally throughout the county to all development, whether it be inside the boundaries of a municipality or outside the boundaries of a municipality," Giddens said.
Commissioners engaged in a prolonged debate over equity and municipal autonomy. One commissioner urged pursuing an MOU with the town of Leonardtown rather than unilaterally broadening the tax, saying Leonardtown residents already pay additional local taxes and that an MOU would demonstrate partnership. Others argued countywide application is fair because residents in towns also use county services and schools.
Commissioner Alderson proposed an amendment to take the excise tax ordinance to public hearing with two changes: hold the hearing in the evening and include a proposal to reduce the excise tax rates by half for discussion. Commissioners first resolved to move the hearing to an evening time, eventually setting it for 6:30 p.m.; the motion to hold the hearing at 6:30 p.m. passed (recorded in discussion as four votes in favor and one opposed).
The hearing will give residents an opportunity to comment on the countywide application and the timing of collection; potential rate changes remain subject to public input and further deliberation. The county attorney’s office and staff said they will post hearing notices and collect public comment ahead of the March 10 session.
