Question A - Charter Amendment - Allowing Extension of Temporary Increase of One Cent per One Hundred Dollars of Assessed Value for an Additional Seven Fiscal Years

Section 614 of the Talbot County Charter establishes a cap on the amount of revenue the County can derive from taxes levied on real estate. The cap on revenue is two percent (2%) compared to the previous year, or Consumer Price Index-Urban (CPI-U), whichever is less. Talbot County's revenue cap is one of the most restrictive in the State of Maryland, making it extremely difficult for the County to raise sufficient revenue to fund certain initiatives, including key public safety projects. At the November 3, 2020, general election, the voters approved an amendment to § 614 giving the County Council authority to increase revenues above the revenue cap, with a limit of up to one cent (1¢) per one hundred dollars ($100.00) of assessed value for five (5) fiscal years, beginning July 1, 2021, and ending June 30, 2026. The Charter Amendment would extend the County Council's authority to raise revenues above the revenue cap as aforesaid for an additional seven (7) fiscal years, beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2033.