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FAQ

2. What happens with the $3 million surplus? The surplus needs to go toward our new $12.2 million a year obligation to finance the Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB). (See question # 12)

3. What is a Bond Rating? How do we rate? The Bond Rating is based on many factors, including education and experience of the County Commissioners and senior staff, and is equivalent to a report card for Calvert County’s fiscal management. Calvert’s bond rating has increased each year and is superior for a county of our size, reflecting all “A’s” on our report card.

4. Did the property tax rate increase? Property tax rates have not increased since 1987!

5. How does our property tax rate compare with other jurisdictions? Calvert’s real property tax rate of .89 is ranked the 4th lowest (21st out of 24 jurisdictions) in Maryland.

6. Why did my home assessment increase? Due to the strong housing market, property values have increased. Property assessments reflect the full market value of your property, thus assessments have also increased.

7. Did everyone’s home assessment increase? No. Some have actually decreased.

8. My assessment increased. Does that mean my taxes have increased by the same amount? No! State law limits the increase in residential property taxes for a primary residence to 10% or less. The homeowner pays no property tax on the assessment increase above the limit.

9. Will there be a 10% increase every year? Absolutely not! The maximum increase is 10%. There could be no increase, or any increment up to 10%.

10. What has the county done to help with the increase in property assessments? The Homeowner Tax Credit allows for a property tax credit on principal residences. This county tax credit applies on the first $400,000 of a property’s assessed value, an increase of $100,000 over the State program, for those with a household income of $50,000 or less. The filing deadline is October 31, 2006, even if current taxes have been paid.

11. Why can’t taxes be cut at this time? We finally have a balanced budget with a great bond rating demonstrating our strong fiscal management. To continue providing and improving the quality of life we have in Calvert AND provide funds to pay for new financial obligations (see question #12), we must spend tax dollars wisely. A tax cut is not feasible at this time.

12. What is OPEB and how does it affect the county budget? Other Post Employment Benefits—Effective July 2007, this new accounting rule will require us to pay for the full cost of post employment benefits for county retirees AND future county retirees. This is a $12.2 million PER year commitment!

13. What about additional revenue? Additional revenue will help with school construction, road projects, law enforcement, emergency services, parks and recreation, teachers . . . and the list goes on. We are expecting to receive this additional revenue from Calvert Cliff's’ Nuclear Power Plant 3rd reactor (proposed), the 2nd Dominion Pipeline, Constellation Energy, and other companies as they expand.

14. What is the Excise tax? When a building permit is obtained for a new home or business, the County assesses an excise tax. For homes, the excise tax covers components for schools, roads, recreation, and solid waste. For businesses, it is for solid waste only. Growth is paying for itself, rather than burdening the existing populace with the cost of new growth.

1. How many people in the county own a home? Over 80 % of Calvert residents are homeowners! (Northeast of the U.S. recorded a homeownership rate of 64.4%)

2. What incentives does the county provide for affordable/senior housing? Reduction/waiver of excise taxes for affordable housing projects; Waiver of Transfer Development Rights (TDR) requirement in town centers for new affordable housing construction; Establishment of the Calvert Housing Opportunities Fund to promote home ownership and rehabilitation of existing homes, and to provide builders with short-term financing for construction of low-to-moderate income housing units; Options for Accessory Apartments in residential zoning; Donation of county-owned land for affordable housing and senior apartment development

3. How can the commissioners help? Calvert County Commissioners can negotiate for affordable units in new housing developments through the use of development agreements that can stipulate a certain percentage of affordable units in the development in exchange for county easements or other concessions. They can also offer PILOTs, or Payments In Lieu Of Taxes to affordable housing developments to make the financing possible for the builders/developers of those units. Examples are Yardley Hills and Chapline Senior Housing in Prince Frederick.

4. What about multi-family housing? A pilot program has been approved that permits multi-family housing in areas previously zoned for single family housing on a limited, trial basis. By adding more units per lot, the cost of each unit is reduced.

5. What help is there for buyers entering the housing market? Calvert County was the first county in MD to implement the House Keys 4 Employees program. This program combines state and county money to provide up to $15,000 in grants to qualifying 1st time home buyers at closing. Certain buyers can also qualify for the More House 4 Less program that offers lower interest rates over a longer term (up to 40 years) mortgage.

2. How much of the county budget goes to education? Funding for education continues to be a priority, as it represents 50.5% of the General Fund budget and 56% of the six-year Capital Projects Fund budget.

3. Are the schools properly funded? The current BOCC entered into a funding formula with the Calvert County Board of Education to make sure that the public schools are fully funded for success.

1. What should be our focus when searching for traffic solutions? We need to focus on upgrading route 4 and on providing more commuter bus and park-and-ride options.

2. What road construction projects have been started to reduce congestion? The construction of the Southern Connector Rd. begins the much-needed alternate route around the Lusby Town Center. The construction of the Prince Frederick Loop Rd. continues with two new segments opened in the last few months.

1. What can we do to keep our county the great place that it is? Due to the wonderful things that Calvert County has to offer, it has been one of the fastest-growing counties in the U.S. Everything we love about this county is threatened by uncontrolled residential growth. We have reduced the residential growth to a manageable 2%.

2. When are we going to get more pool facilities? The outdoor pool facility at Cove Point Park is complete. An indoor pool complex was approved in August 2006 for Prince Frederick and is moving forward.

3. When will we get a new library? The brand new Prince Frederick library will open its doors on Halloween!

4. What progress has been made with our parks and fields? The county has adopted and begun implementation of the Master Park Plan. We have had several field additions while many athletic fields have been expanded, upgraded and improved. The County purchased a new park near Anne Marie Gardens and is actively seeking more park land.

5. What are we providing in terms of additional recreation programs? The number of programs offered and the number of enrollments continue to grow. In the past several years, there was a 50% increase in the number of programs offered and a 130% increase in the number of enrollments in those activities.