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Howard County hears strong opposition and cautious support on proposed transfer and recordation tax increases
Summary
Board of Education leaders backed the tax proposals as a revenue source for schools and the general fund, while real‑estate, business and development groups warned higher transfer and recordation taxes would harm commercial investment, depress transactions and raise housing costs. Testimony was sharply divided across education advocates, builders, realtors and business groups.
The Howard County Council’s May 21 public hearing on CR 84 (a proposed increase in the county transfer tax) and CR 85 (a tiered, progressive recordation tax) produced lengthy, sharply contested testimony from education officials, real‑estate trade associations, commercial developers and county residents.
Mavis Ellis, chair of the Howard County Board of Education, urged passage of CR 84 and CR 85, saying increased revenues would support school capital and operating needs. "The board... appreciates the opportunity to testify on CR 84 20 20 as an increase in the county's transfer tax rate," she told the council, noting capacity and deferred…
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