Elaine Blaisdell
— OAKLAND — The Garrett County commissioners unanimously approved both the $71,835,856 fiscal 2015 operating and capital budgets as well as the fiscal 2015 tax rates during their public meeting Tuesday. The real property tax is $0.9235 in Mountain Lake Park and $0.990 in all other areas. The tax rate includes the fire tax rates, special fire tax levy per $100 and the landfill bond tax.
“This should be a joyous day like we celebrated over the weekend with our graduates because in this instance government has contracted and has actually cut funds for the budget that keeps the tax rate at 99 cents and still covers the basic services provided by the people’s government and it also kept community schools open this year,” said Jim Raley, commissioner. “What we hope by keeping the tax rate the same is that investors once again look at buying and building in Garrett County’s wonderful areas.”
The budget will be reduced by more than $6.5 million when compared to fiscal 2014 ($71.8 million versus $78.3 million). The county lost more than $5 million in revenue, $3 million in real estate tax, $525,000 in income tax and $500,000 in recordation tax, according to Scott Weeks, director of financial services for the county.
Commissioner Gregan Crawford stressed that despite the reduction in the budget that the property tax rate was kept flat, there weren’t any cost of living adjustments in the budget and the rainy day fund, which makes up 5 percent of the budget, remained intact.
“Friends, I just want to say that this budget before us is one of the most difficult in my four years,” said Raley. “Not only does it involve having to say no to many agencies and people who I trust, but it also cuts into services performed at the governmental level.”
