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Section 5 introduces Ordinance No. 4-25-1 to adopt FY2026 budget; property tax rate set at $0.00
Summary
At the April 8 meeting the Council introduced Ordinance No. 4-25-1 to adopt the FY2026 budget and set the Section 5 property tax rate at $0.00 per $100 of assessed value. The Council reviewed the draft line-by-line and approved the draft with no changes; a June vote is expected for a property tax rebate decision.
Chair Greg Chernack formally introduced Ordinance No. 4-25-1, a non-emergency ordinance to adopt the Section 5 FY2026 budget and set the municipal property tax rate at $0.00 per $100 of assessed value.
The Town Manager then presented the draft FY2026 budget. Councilmembers and attendees reviewed line items, income sources and expenditures. One resident proposed adding a property tax rebate that would cover FY25 and FY26; staff explained that the Council votes on the rebate at the June meeting, after Section 5 receives the final large income-tax distribution from the State, and therefore the rebate could not be added to the current draft. Following discussion, the Council approved the draft as presented with no changes.
Why it matters: The ordinance is the municipal mechanism required by the State of Maryland for municipalities to adopt a budget. By setting the property tax rate at $0.00 per $100 assessed value, Section 5 continues to levy no municipal property tax for FY2026; the final adoption and any rebate decision will follow the Council's regular timeline.
What's next: The Council is expected to consider the property tax rebate at its June meeting after receiving the final state distribution. The town's next meeting is May 6, 2025, when staff may bring follow-up items and a vote schedule for the ordinance.
