Budget Calendar

Each year, the County Council (410-313-2001) publishes a schedule for its review of the proposed operating and capital budgets. The calendar provides hearing dates and work sessions to consider budgets of each county funded agency.

The Budget Process

The County Executive estimates revenues and presents a spending plan which may not exceed expected revenues. After public notice, the County Council holds budget hearings. The council may not increase budget requests except as provided by state law or to correct mathematical errors. The council adopts the budget by ordinance.

The Capital Budget

The capital budget and program provide for funding of construction and capital equipment. The executive submits the capital budget to the council no later than 90 days before the end of the fiscal year (July 1-June 30).

The Operating Budget

The operating and current expense budget supports the daily operation of government agencies. Not later than 70 days before the end of the fiscal year, the County Executive submits the proposed operating budget for the next fiscal year to the County Council.

License and Permit Fees

The County Council annually approves the fee schedule for licenses and permit applications. Call the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits (410-313-2455) for fee information.

On-site Sewage Disposal System and Well Permit Fees

Permit application fees for on-site sewage disposal systems and well construction are: $180 for new construction; $25 for repair of existing systems; $225 per lot for percolation testing; and $80 for well construction. Call the Health Department (410-313-2640) for details.

Trash Fee

An annual fee of $175 per household is charged to offset the cost of collecting and disposing of residential trash. Low-income homeowners may be eligible for a grant to offset part of this cost. The Community Action Council has applications (410-313-6440).

Cashier

The cashiers in Taxpayer Services (410-313-2062) collect parking violation fines, permit fees, water and sewer payments, taxes and other revenue.

Payment Drop Box

A drop box for after-hours payment of taxes, parking violation fines and water/sewer bills is next to the main entrance of the George Howard Building. Call Finance (410-313-2062) for details.

Semi-Annual Payments

Effective July 1, 2000, taxpayers will be billed on a semi-annual basis for a primary residence. Real property taxes may be paid in two equal installments, due by Sept. 30 and Dec. 31, with no service charge. A taxpayer may pay the first installment by July 31 to receive a .5% discount on the amount paid. A taxpayer also has the option to pay the full year's bill on or before Sept. 30. For details, call Finance (410-313-2062).

Agricultural Land Preservation Program

Landowners with state and county agricultural easements may be eligible for tax credits. Applications are available through the Department of Planning and Zoning (410-313-5407).

Assessment Appeals

Property value can be appealed within 60 days after purchase. To appeal your three-year tax assessment, complete and return the form that comes with your Assessment Notice within 45 days of the notice date. Homeowners can appeal any year between July 1 and Dec. 31 for the following year's assessment. Call Assessments and Taxation (410-480-7940) for further information.

Front Foot Charges

Front foot charges help to cover the cost for construction of public water and sewer mains. All properties are billed, whether or not they are connected or improved. To discuss the front foot assessment charges on your property tax bill, call Finance (410-313-2061).

Homeowner's Tax Credit

The Homeowner's Tax Credit Program allows credits against the homeowner's property tax bill if the property taxes exceed a fixed percentage of the owner's gross income. To find out if you qualify, call Assessments and Taxation (410-767-4433 or 1-800-944-7403) for an application.

Metropolitan District Ad Valorem Charges

The Metropolitan District Ad Valorem is designed to pay for retiring and paying interest on county issued bonds and to pay salaries and expenses of the Department of Public Works related to water and sewer systems. All properties within the Metropolitan District are billed. If you have questions, call Finance (410-313-2061).

Property Assessment

Your property assessment, used to compute taxes, is the fair market value assigned to your property. The State Department of Assessments and Taxation (410-480-7940) re-assesses property every three years or whenever there is a substantial change or change in use.

Property Value

The state Department of Assessments and Taxation (410-480-7940) values property for tax purposes. Property value is based on sales of comparable properties in your neighborhood and construction costs.

Direct Debit

The Department of Finance offers electronic fund transfer (direct debit method) from your checking account to pay your water/sewer bills. You will receive a water/sewer bill each quarter showing current billing information. The bill will be marked "direct debit" and the payment will be deducted from your checking account on the bill's due date. Call Finance (410-313-2058) for an application.

Quarterly Water Bill

The Department of Finance mails water bills on a quarterly basis. Please call Finance (410-313-2058) if you change your mailing address; water bills are not forwarded!

Water Bill Accuracy

Call Finance (410-313-2058) if you have a question about the accuracy of your water bill. The Bureau of Utilities (410-313-4900) will complete a meter investigation for you; an appointment may be required.

Water Bill Questions & Answers

Tax or Lien Certifications

Individuals, lending institutions or title companies who need tax or lien certifications can get a form from Taxpayer Services, submit the completed form and $20 fee, and allow at least 48 hours for certification and approval. Call Finance (410-313-2062) for more information.