Sykesville council unanimously backs resolution supporting state task force to study municipal revenue

Sykesville — The Town of Sykesville’s mayor and council on March 23 adopted Resolution 2026-02, formally expressing the town’s support for House Bill 1142, legislation to establish a task force to study and recommend modern county and municipal revenue sources.

The resolution passed by voice vote after a short staff presentation explaining the measure’s purpose. Joe (town staff) told the council the resolution “does not obligate the town to any financial commitment” and is intended to signal municipal support for a nonpartisan, data-driven review of local revenue options. Councilmember Goff moved the measure and President Carter seconded; the council adopted the resolution unanimously.

Why it matters: Maryland is, staff said, one of the few states that does not share sales-tax–type revenues with municipalities or allow them to collect certain sales taxes directly. Supporters of HB 1142 say a task force could identify ways to reduce overreliance on property tax revenue and update the state’s local funding framework to reflect a service and digital-based economy.

What the resolution does: Resolution 2026-02 instructs the town to transmit a signed copy to the town’s state delegation and to the Maryland Municipal League to support statewide advocacy. Staff emphasized the action is a formal statement of support; it does not create a new tax or commit Sykesville funds. The transcript records the town’s intent to send the resolution to the named state legislators and to MML for inclusion in broader advocacy efforts.

Next steps: According to staff, HB 1142 had passed the Maryland House of Delegates earlier in the day and was expected to be considered by the Senate in the coming days. The town will forward its signed resolution to state legislators and to the Maryland Municipal League.

Notes: The council’s vote was recorded as unanimous in the meeting; the transcript did not list individual roll-call votes.