Park police leaders and county officers urge council to extend property tax credit to county-agency police

Speakers at a public hearing Oct. 1 told the Montgomery County Council Bill 15-24 would help retain and recruit public safety officers who serve county residents but face rising housing costs.

"When we make it easier for our park police members to own a home within this vibrant and diverse community, we all benefit," Chief Daryl McSwain said, testifying in support of the measure on behalf of the Montgomery County Division of the Maryland National Capital Park Police. He said the credit would help officers who work with the county on public-safety matters and serve millions of visitors to the county park system.

Park police officers and union leaders described examples of staff who moved outside the county because they could not afford to buy or keep a home here. "Our property tax has increased 50% in seven years," said Andrew Clay, a park police officer who told the council the credit would make it possible for him and his family to keep living in Montgomery County. Officer John Wigmore and others said that some officers choose to live in neighboring jurisdictions for affordability reasons.

Jonathan Ness, president of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 30, said the measure would better align the tax code with the county’s interest in having officers live where they work. Proponents argued the credit will support recruitment and increase the share of officers who are county residents.

No one from the opposing side spoke during the registered public testimony. The hearing record will remain open per the council’s published rules for Bill 15-24 and council members scheduled a committee work session for Oct. 10.