Garrett County commissioners lower county homestead tax credit to 2%

The Garrett County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously March 9, 2026, to lower the county portion of the Homestead Tax Credit from 3% to 2% during a special public meeting devoted solely to the issue.

Chairman Paul C. Edwards opened the meeting and explained that the county had reduced its portion of the credit to 3% last year and that the State of Maryland maintains a separate state portion at 10%. Commissioners S. Larry Tichnell and Ryan S. Savage both said they supported a further reduction: Tichnell said lowering the credit would help senior citizens, and Savage said it would help full-time residents.

During public comment, several speakers voiced support for cutting the rate to 2% or lower and asked whether the county could influence the state portion. Mr. Michael Bell presented opposing testimony, arguing that lowering the homestead credit effectively shifts county budget dollars to reduce individual property bills, saying property tax burdens can be inequitable across property values and recommending a uniform flat deduction for all property owners instead of the homestead credit. Chairman Edwards said he received one email in favor of lowering the rate; no other comments were reported.

On a motion by Commissioner Ryan S. Savage, seconded by Commissioner S. Larry Tichnell and made unanimous by Chairman Paul C. Edwards, the board approved a Garrett County Homestead Tax Credit rate of 2%. The meeting record shows the three commissioners voting in favor; no abstentions or no votes were recorded. The transcript does not specify an effective date for the change or any implementation instructions tied to the budget process.

After the vote the board immediately moved to adjourn; the meeting ended at 4:32 PM and was attested by County Administrator Kevin G. Null.