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GC Commissioners Increase Hotel Tax From 5 To 6 Percent

May. 17, 2012

The Garrett County commissioners voted unanimously during their public meeting on Tuesday afternoon to raise the hotel rental (accommodations) tax from 5 percent to 6 percent. Also during the three-hour session, the commissioners discussed raising solid waste collection fees, awarded a bridge construction bid, adopted a new county recreation plan, and met with Friends of Deep Creek Lake.

The Maryland General Assembly and governor recently granted the commissioners the authority to increase the local accommodations tax up to 6 percent. It was last raised in 2005. The new rate goes into effect on July 1.

The Garrett County Department of Financial Services notified local businesses in an e-mail on May 9 that the commissioners planned to raise the accommodations tax.

“The county realizes that the procedure of hotel rental tax reporting to the county to reflect the increase in the tax rate would be a hardship on those of you who execute contracts with their rental customers well in advance of the customer’s stay,” Director Wendy Yoder’s memo stated. “Therefore, the county has agreed to amend the reporting procedure in order to ease the burden on you.”

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Contracts and confirmed reservations made prior to the notification memo will be honored at the 5 percent tax rate, even if arrivals are after July 1. Reservations made after May 9 will be calculated at the new 6 percent for arrivals after July 1.

Personnel from a local vacation rental agency noted at Tuesday’s meeting the bookkeeping difficulties involved in calculating the new/old rates and arrival dates. Commissioner Jim Raley indicated the county would work with businesses during the transition period.

Also on Tuesday, the commissioners discussed raising trash collection fees. Garrett County Department of Solid Waste and Recycling manager Dave Baker suggested raising the landfill tipping fees for household/municipalities from $35 to $45 a ton, and for construction debris from $40 to $45 a ton. He also proposed increasing the collection site vehicle sticker fee from $25 to $50.

Baker noted that rates in nearby counties are much higher than Garrett County’s current ones. For example, Allegany County has a $78 annual permit fee. Its tipping fees are $45.40 per ton for household and $57.54 per ton for construction waste.

The manager indicated the increased fees would be more in line with the actual cost of operating the landfill and collection sites.

Raley said the commissioners would take Baker’s proposals under advisement.

Gary Love, Solid Waste and Recycling, presented an amendment to the county’s 10-year landfill plan for thei commissioners’ consideration. Described by Love as a “minor modification,” the amendment includes the county’s proposed Cell 5. The commissioners unanimously approved the amendment.

Love noted that Cell 4 would be completed at the landfill later this year.

In addition, the commissioners unanimously approved the 2012 Land Preservation Parks and Recreation Plan for Garrett County.

Director John Nelson, Garrett County Department of Planning and Land Development, noted the state requires plans to be updated every six years in order for entities to be eligible for Program Open Space funding. He said the county’s new plan includes a recreational trails component.

Also during their Tuesday meeting, the commissioners approved Carl Belt Inc.’s bid of $1,291,18 to construct the new Corona Bayard Road bridge, located on the border of Maryland and West Virginia. According to local purchasing agent Brian Bowers, the project is being funded primarily by the federal bridge fund (80 percent), with the West Virginia Department of Transportation and Garrett County splitting the remainder of the cost.

The commissioners also met with Friends of Deep Creek Lake, a nonprofit community group dedicated to the watershed’s protection, preservation, and restoration. Group members stressed the importance of the commissioners taking a larger role in protecting the lake and adopting a “broader watershed” view in resolving sediment issues.

Lake property owners noted the current sediment study being conducted by the Department of Natural Resources has “missing components,” including the lack of information about runoff from farms, road culverts, and parking lots.

Friends of DCL executive director Barbara Beelar indicated her group wanted to partner with the commissioners to resolve issues.

The commissioners’ next public meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 5, at 9 a.m. in their meeting room at the courthouse.

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More Maryland families than ever require government aid

More than 700,000 get food help, the most in state history

Capital News Service

— COLLEGE PARK — The number of Maryland families who need government help to make ends meet has reached record levels.

More than 700,000 people receive food assistance, the most in state history. A record 70,000 people depend on emergency cash assistance. And the demand for the state’s child care subsidy program has caused officials to impose an indefinite freeze on new applicants.

Yet state and federal officials are budgeting less money for the safety net in the coming fiscal year. The move reflects the government’s confidence in the economic recovery.

Others question whether it is overly optimistic to cut back at a time when the state’s assistance programs are still swollen with unprecedented numbers.

“It took from January 2008 to February 2012 to double the number of people enrolled in the Food Supplement Program,” said Neil Bergsman, director of the Maryland Budget & Tax Policy Institute, a nonpartisan budget analysis organization. “It’s not going to go down all that way in one year.”

Bergsman questioned whether the department is projecting positive estimates to balance the state budget — a constitutional requirement. The state faces a $1.1 billion deficit that legislators hope to eliminate over the next two years.

“We think that our budget is accurate,” said Pat Hines, the director of communication for the Maryland Department of Human Resources. “And we’re optimistic about the direction of the economy and of our numbers.”

However, a report by the Department of Legislative Services Office of Policy Analysis suggested that services to families could be affected, since funding meant for struggling families would have to be spent on paying down the shortfall. If not, “the negative balance will just move from year to year,” the report said.

Demand has been so high that the Department of Human Resources was forced to request an additional $30 million in state funding in fiscal 2012.

The shortfall occurred even though federal funding has doubled to nearly $2 billion each year since before the recession.

The figures do not include the thousands of households who depend on food banks and charities because their income is too high for public assistance. To qualify, a family usually has to make no more than twice the Federal Poverty Level, or $40,000 for a family of three.

Nor do the figures include the families who simply aren’t aware they qualify for assistance. Cash assistance is one of the largest programs threatened by increases in demand.

While programs such as food assistance receive necessary funding no matter what, the state has to cover the remaining costs in the cash assistance program when demand exceeds the funding.

Families that qualify are limited to a total of five years — 60 payments — and also are required to participate in work programs. Today, about 70,000 Marylanders are enrolled in the program — a 40 percent increase from 2008 and an all-time high for the state.

”We really did see a pretty significant pop in enrollment,” said Vince Kilduff, deputy executive director in the Department of Human Resources Office of Programs.

Yet those enrolled in the program represent just a third of those who applied for help. Most of those denied either didn’t qualify or didn’t follow through after applying, Hines said.

One statistic working in the department’s favor is that nearly twice as many people are leaving the program as are signing up for it.

At the current rate, officials are predicting the federal grant alone will cover next year’s demand and this year’s deficit.

Bergsman, who worked in the Department of Budget and Management between 1988 and 2004, said the numbers may still be too optimistic.

“When I was in the budget office, there was a great temptation to use favorable assumptions for spending estimates so that we would not have to cut other stuff as much, and I don’t imagine that it’s any different today,” Bergsman said. “So you can have an estimate that is in the reasonable range, but you can pick the lower end of that range.”

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Most survey respondents favor idea of elk in Western Maryland

Garrett commission, Farm Bureau opposed to proposal

Michael A. Sawyers Cumberland Times-News

— CUMBERLAND — Of the 809 Marylanders who responded to a telephone survey about the possible reintroduction of Rocky Mountain elk into Garrett and Allegany counties, almost 75 percent of them think it is a good idea.

The survey was done by Responsive Management of Harrisonburg, Va., and the results were announced in a press release from a partnership that is investigating the return of the large ungulates to ground they have not occupied since the 1700s. Of the respondents, 230 were from far Western Maryland.

The survey was funded by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. The other partners are the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Foundation.

“These initial findings are most encouraging, but by no means conclusive,” said MLSF spokesman Bill Miles.

Yet to come will be face-to-face meetings between the partnership and people interested in or affected by any elk that would be brought to Maryland. A habitat and economic evaluation will be completed by DNR.

Miles said the plan is to have all evaluations in hand by Oct. 31.

The Garrett County commissioners and the Maryland Farm Bureau have officially opposed the reintroduction.

Miles said other Garrett County entities will be contacted, such as the Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Commission. “And we hope the commissioners will reconsider once all the evidence is compiled,” he said.

“I am in the process of setting up dates to bring all the appropriate people to Western Maryland for discussions,” he said.

Jerry Zembower, president of the Allegany-Garrett Sportsmen’s Association, said Tuesday that AGSA is awaiting additional information about the reintroduction and will take a stance at the June 19 meeting. AGSA represents more than 20 rod-and-gun clubs in the two counties.

The survey also uncovered some strong opposition in far Western Maryland, especially from the agriculture community that fears additional crop depredation. Others in opposition include those who oppose hunting and owners of at least 20 acres in the two counties.

“Maryland residents place particular importance on the knowledge that the state could benefit economically from tourists who come to watch or photograph elk; at the same time, the chance of a vehicle collision with an elk and the disease risk posed by elk are two of the most important potential concerns,” the report’s authors write.

The partnership’s press release, which includes a link to the report, can be found at www.dnr.state.md.us/dnrnews/pressrelease2012/051512a.asp.

“The overwhelming majority of Maryland residents (87 percent) said they had heard nothing about the possible reintroduction of elk into Maryland. About one in 10 residents (11 percent) had heard a little, and very small percentages said they had heard a moderate amount (2 percent) or a great deal (1 percent),” the report states, adding that residents of Garrett and Allegany counties were more likely to be aware.

Contact Michael A. Sawyers at msawyers@times-news.com.

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Maryland comptroller: Tourism business could be improved by drafting a new school schedule

Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News

— OAKLAND — During a Line at the Lake event, Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot spoke to members of the Chamber of Commerce, local legislators and officials about an initiative that he is seeking to reconvene schools statewide after Labor Day.

The initiative will help Maryland families, small businesses and students, who can make a little extra money for back-to-school expenses, Franchot said.

The criticism of the initiative is that school would have to run later in June. Franchot stressed that school would still be completed by June 10 if it started after Labor Day, still allowing 180 instructional days.

“We just have to interject a little common sense, a little old-fashioned values, a little bit of concern for our small business community and an interest in our kids being able to earn a little bit more money,” said Franchot, during the event at the Lakeside Creamery on Monday. “I contend that the kids would be smarter academically because they have better quality time during the summer.”

Franchot held the Line at the Lake event because Bill Meagher, owner of the Lakeside Creamery brought the issue to his attention.

“I feel very passionately about this issue that (Meagher) introduced to me,” said Franchot. “The reason I am so passionate about this is because of families. When I was a kid, starting school before Labor Day was un-American. So, we started this statewide conversation and I think it’s going to pick up a lot of traction.”

The statewide conversation is a win-win for both small communities and the tourism business in the state, as both are dependent on the summer season for their profits, said Franchot.

Meagher echoed Franchot’s sentiments, adding that August is traditionally the best month for tourism.

First Vice Chairman of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce Phil Rodeheaver of My Bank First United Bank & Trust stressed the importance of the initiative for the chamber.

The Chamber of Commerce plays a two-part role in the county, supporting both tourism and the business community, Rodeheaver said.

“This initiative picks up both of those and runs with them,” said Rodeheaver.

He said the school calendar change needs to be a state-run initiative.

“We are blessed to have one of the best school systems in the state, as well as the nation. I have no concern about the quality of education that my children will receive here in Garrett County. This change will precipitate benefits for both the tourism industry as well as the business community,” said Rodeheaver.

There are thousands of businesses that could benefit from the initiative, Franchot said.

Franchot will be asking for legislation to be submitted next year to standardize the change in the school calendar.

“I believe we will get a great response around the state. If all of you could pitch in and help us out and keep that conversation going,” said Franchot. “We will have a good conclusion.”

Chairman Jim Raley offered his support of Franchot’s initiative.

“I will do anything in my power — having been an educator — to work with state organizations to figure out some way to try to make this thing work for the whole state of Maryland,” said Raley.

Delegate Wendell Beitzel thanked Franchot for his thoughts.

“As you know, we are struggling up here, the ski area is having difficulty, the paper mill is having difficulty and businesses are really slow,” said Beitzel.

“We appreciate what you are doing to help businesses out here. You understand the needs of our business people, particulary the tourist area of the state. You understand what tourism means to the state of Maryland.”

Mike McKay, Allegany County commissioner, said there was a direct correlation between the economic climate of Garrett County and Allegany County.

“What is good for Garrett County is great for Allegany County,” said McKay.

Meagher echoed McKay’s sentiments. He said the school schedule had a ripple effect on the entire state, affecting all budgets in regard to the accommodation tax, sales taxes, rental taxes and home sales.

The problem with the state school calendar is its complexity, said Raley.

“One of the things that we need to look at is the archaic process that we have in the school calendar and try to figure out a way to make it work in Maryland. Especially since Maryland is the home of many pockets of tourism activities.”

Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com

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Kitzmiller, Dennett Road schools to close day early

Decision upsets parents; Garrett BOE meets tonight

Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News

— OAKLAND — The doors will close permanently on Dennett Road and Kitzmiller elementary schools at the end of the month unless the school board decides for a revote at tonight’s meeting or the appeal to the state to stop the school closings comes through.

Dennett Road and Kitzmiller elementary schools will be closing May 30, a day before the rest of the schools close, according to Amy Barnhouse, human resources/administration for the Board of Education.

Members of the Parents for Garrett County Education are unhappy about the decision to close Dennett Road and Kitzmiller elementary schools a day earlier, according to Diane Donham, the group’s spokeswoman.

“At this point we are feeling pretty aggravated and we are not feeling hopeful that the board will decide to keep the schools open,” said Donham. “We encourage them to rebuild the community relationship. It’s something that has to be done. If the board decides not to close schools, we will work with the Board of Education to come up with a better plan.”

The board is meeting tonight to discuss how it will spend $1 million-plus that will be received from the passing of the state Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2012. Spending scenarios that will likely be discussed include retaining more personnel and revisiting the decision to close the schools.

Parents for Garrett County Education filed its appeal to stop the school closings with the Maryland State Department of Education on Monday. The appeal includes a petition, an appeal letter and a copy of an audit from when the decision was made to close Bloomington Elementary School last year, according to Donham.

On Monday, Leo Martin, mayor of Mountain Lake Park, presented a petition with more than 2,400 signatures to the board asking for another vote on the school closings.

The special board of education meeting will be held today at 8 p.m. in the Southern Middle School cafeteria.

Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com.

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Lack of knowledge, too much alcohol key factors in boating accidents on Memorial Day

By Ray Sasser – Associated Press

Published Tuesday, May 22, 2012 Updated: Tuesday, May 22, 2012 – 8:25pm

It’s two weeks until Memorial Day weekend, usually considered the start of recreational boating season. National Safe Boating Week began Saturday.

Texas, for example, is not a safe boating state. In 2011, there were 226 recreational boating accidents reported, 115 injuries and 32 fatalities.

In 2009, there were 4,730 recreational boating accidents reported in the United States, with one fatality per 5.8 registered vessels. The same year, there was one fatality per 7.6 U.S. vehicles — automobiles and motorcycles.

Why should recreational boats be more dangerous than automobiles? There are several reasons. One is education. Many boaters don’t have any. In some states, an operator’s license is not required to drive a boat, even one capable of traveling 100 mph.

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Red Cross seeks to boost blood supply for summer

— CUMBERLAND — Officials at the American Red Cross are urging local residents to donate blood this month to help create a foundation for an adequate supply of blood for the summer months.

Friday through Monday, all donors will be entered into a Donor RewardsPLUS drawing for a $500 gas card. A blood donor and a platelet donor will be selected from the Greater Alleghenies Region.

Local blood drives include:

• Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Frostburg Village Nursing Home; 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Garrett County Memorial Hospital.

• Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Somerset, Pa.

• Monday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Cumberland Holiday Inn.

To schedule an appointment or for more information, call 800-733-2767 or go to redcrossblood.org.

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Maryland braces for Memorial Day travelers

By Candus Thomson, The Baltimore Sun

10:07 p.m. EDT, May 21, 2012
State transportation officials hope you’ll do a lot of sightseeing this Memorial Day weekend. Just not on the Bay Bridge.

Travelers headed to the Eastern Shore for the first time since last summer might be surprised. For one thing, the toll has risen to $4 from $2.50. For another, the westbound span is being painted for the first time since it opened in 1973, and scaffolding is likely to be a distraction — and potential hot spot for fender-benders.

“You’re sightseeing. They’re sightseeing. They hit the brakes. You’re still sightseeing,” said Kelly Melham, a spokeswoman for the Maryland Transportation Authority. “Bang.”

More than 1.8 million motorists are expected to swarm the state’s toll facilities from Friday to Monday as part of the unofficial start of summer. Of that total, more than 358,000 vehicles will cross the bridge, the largest potential bottleneck, while more than 435,000 vehicles will travel Interstate 95 north of Baltimore.

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Lots Of Meds Turned In

Garrett County residents turned in about 120 pounds of medications during the most recent National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on April 28, which was more than the combined total collected during the two previous Take-Back events, according to a county health department spokesperson. Garrett County agencies teamed up with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to participate in the national event. The DEA reported collecting a record-breaking 552,161 pounds, or 276 tons, of unwanted or expired medications for safe and proper disposal at the 5,659 take-back sites available across the country.

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In Garrett County, personnel from the sheriff’s office and the health department collected expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs at six sites. The event is designed to dispose of medicines that may be in home cabinets, and that have the potential to be misused and abused. The theme of the day was: “The streets aren’t the only place kids find drugs. Mind your meds!” The rate of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. is high, the spokesperson said, with more Americans currently abusing prescription drugs than the number of those using cocaine, hallucinogens, and heroin combined, according to the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Studies show that individuals who abuse prescription drugs often obtain them from family and friends, and from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of unused medicine, often flushing pills down the toilet or throwing them away – both potential safety and health hazards. Garrett County’s Take-Back events were sponsored by the sheriff’s office, Drug Free Communities Coalition, and the health department. For information about future events, persons may call the health department at 301-334-7730 or 301-895-3111.

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Deep Creek cleanup

June 2, 9 a.m.-noon. Deep Creek Lake State Park rangers and the Garrett Trails’ sustainable crew invite participants to join them as they clean and enhance area trails. Volunteers will meet at the upper overflow parking lot off State Park Road. Bring water, insect repellant, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing and a snack. Information: David Best at 301-387-5563 or Theresa MacLennan at 360-509-3492.

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Author: ilovedeepcreeklakerealestate

GC Commissioners Increase Hotel Tax From 5 To 6 Percent

More Maryland families than ever require government aid

Most survey respondents favor idea of elk in Western Maryland

Maryland comptroller: Tourism business could be improved by drafting a new school schedule

Kitzmiller, Dennett Road schools to close day early

Lack of knowledge, too much alcohol key factors in boating accidents on Memorial Day

Red Cross seeks to boost blood supply for summer

Maryland braces for Memorial Day travelers

Lots Of Meds Turned In

Deep Creek cleanup

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