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Somerset council backs resolution supporting state task force to study municipal revenue options
Summary
The Somerset Town Council unanimously approved drafting a resolution supporting HB1142/SB, which would create a state task force to study county and municipal revenue sources. Councilors said the study is a noncontroversial, solidarity step for municipalities; staff will confirm recipients before sending.
The Somerset Town Council approved a resolution to support HB1142/SB, a bill that would establish a state task force to study county and municipal revenue sources.
Councilor Americana, who introduced the item, said the measure would not automatically give municipalities new taxes but would create a study body to examine options. "Maryland is one of only a handful of states that does not allow local governments to collect certain taxes," the councilor said, arguing that a task force would allow a careful study of options and that Somerset should act in solidarity with other municipalities.
The town manager and councilors noted the Maryland Municipal League (MML) requested municipalities send similar resolutions. Council President Bar asked whether the resolution should be addressed only to the district senator or to both chambers, because a bill that passed one chamber could be amended in the other. The council agreed to ask MML and staff to confirm the appropriate recipients before the resolution is sent.
A council member moved to draft the resolution using the MML template; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The vote was recorded by voice; a numerical tally was not specified in the meeting record.
The council took no public comment on the item. Staff will draft the resolution per the MML template and confirm to whom it should be addressed before sending it to state legislators.
