The Baltimore City Council has voted to advance a property tax relief measure that critics claim will raise taxes for some homeowners.
WBFF reports the measure reduces the property tax rate by 1 cent for every $100 of assessed property value. Thus, the plan would enable the owners of a $200,000 home to receive a $20 tax reduction, while owners of a $500,000 home would enjoy a $50 tax break.
“This proposal strikes the right balance by providing meaningful tax relief while preserving core city services for residents,” said Sharon Green-Middleton, the council’s vice president.
However, Councilman Yitzy Schleifer warned the plan also proposes increasing the homestead property tax credit cap from the current level of 4% to 5%. He said this would result in homes being assessed at a higher rate that could cancel the proposed reduction.
“The people who win only win slightly and the people who lose lose big time,” said Schleifer, adding, “This bill robs Peter to pay Paul. This is not the city giving anything to the taxpayers this is neighbors subsidizing other neighbors. Let me be clear, this vote and this bill is a tax increase – this increases the homestead cap a protection that homeowners have,” said Schleifer.
Furthermore, the plan is not aligned with the city’s 10-year financial plan, which envisioned a 2-cent reduction in 2027. Schliefer added, “This is not responsible tax reduction. Responsible tax reduction is finding savings and finding ways to be more efficient within government to reduce taxes.”
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