Garrett County approves FY2024 property tax exemption for Backbone Housing nonprofit

The Garrett County Board of Commissioners on April 18 unanimously approved a Fiscal Year 2024 real property tax exemption for Catholic Charities Senior Communities — Backbone Housing, Inc. Commissioner Ryan S. Savage moved the measure, Commissioner S. Larry Tichnell seconded, and Chairman Paul C. Edwards made the vote unanimous.

County Administrator Kevin G. Null told the Board the exemption was granted under the Annotated Code of Maryland, Section 7-502. The meeting record also notes that exemptions are granted in compliance with §7-592 of the Maryland property tax code.

The action was taken during the Board's administrative session and was recorded as an approved exemption for the nonprofit housing project. The record does not specify the assessed value of the property or the estimated foregone tax revenue.

The vote followed broader discussion during public comment and by commissioners about affordable housing in Garrett County. Chairman Paul C. Edwards said "it depends on who you ask," when asked what defines affordable housing, and described the Spring Project as a "public/private partnership with the County helping with the infrastructure." He said the goal for that project is "affordable housing in the range of $150,000-$175,000 for duplexes and $225,000 for single family." Commissioner S. Larry Tichnell said housing in the $150,000 range "is affordable to someone making $45,000-$50,000" and urged working with banks on financing programs.

Next steps recorded in the meeting minutes do not list additional formal approvals tied to the exemption; the County will include the exemption in its FY2024 property tax records as provided by law.