In This Issue...
New Property Tax Credit for Seniors I want to remind Montgomery County homeowners who are at least 70 years old and on limited incomes that starting this month a new tax credit has gone into effect. The credit is based on 25 percent of your combined State Homeowners' Tax Credit and your County Supplement. You don't need to file separately. Your Homeowners Tax Credit application is good for all three programs - the State Homeowners' Tax Credit, the County Supplement and the new Senior Property Tax Credit. But, in order to be considered, you must file an application with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation. The deadline to apply is September 1, 2007. To receive an application or to receive more information, call 1-800-944-7403 or go online to www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/htc.html. - top Other Tax Credits for Homeowners Seniors aren't the only ones who can receive homeowners' tax credits. If you own and live in a home in Montgomery County, make less than $64,000 a year, and have assets of $200,000 or less (not counting your home and qualified retirement accounts), you may be eligible for a reduction in your property tax bill. Last year under this program, local residents received more than $7.8 million in credits from the state and County. The average credit last year was about $700. Our County Supplemental Credit is identical to the state's program and is available through the Maryland Homeowners' Property Tax Credit Program. Homeowners only need to apply once each year to the state, which will determine if you qualify for both programs. Even if you have applied for and failed to receive a credit in the past, you might be eligible this year. So, I encourage you to apply and see. The deadline is September 1. Just call 1-800-944-7403 or visit www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/htc.html. Spread the word! - top Help for Drought-Stricken Farmers No one has felt the effects of this summer's dry weather more than our local farmers. My hope is to help relieve some of the economic impact the drought conditions are having on them with the $1.5 million emergency assistance package I just announced, along with County Council Vice President Mike Knapp. The package, supported by monies from the County's General Fund, would help impacted farmers stabilize and maintain continued operations. These farmers who customarily show a relatively small return per unit have been especially hard hit by this stretch of dry weather, and they need help to get through this. Because these enterprises control the bulk of the land in our agricultural reserve, we are concerned that if these farmers who produce traditional crops -- such as corn, soybeans, wheat, hay, vegetables, small fruit and livestock -- are forced out of business, the reserve area could be devastated. I understand that farm losses in the county this summer could be as significant as the $10.6 million lost in 1999. Therefore, I'm looking to the County Council to approve this package, which would be funded by the Agricultural Services Division of our Department of Economic Development. - top In an effort to help fight global warming, Council President Marilyn Praisner and I recently announced that Montgomery County joined other large counties from across the country and the Sierra Club to found the Cool Counties Climate Stabilization Declaration. The document calls for dramatic cuts in global warming emissions and urges the federal government to enact policies designed to fight global warming and the country’s dependence on oil. The initiative was launched at the Annual Convention of the National Association of Counties held in Richmond, VA. Participating counties pledged to reduce global warming emissions 80 percent by 2050. The declaration also calls for federal legislation requiring 80 percent emissions reduction by 2050 and for fuel economy standards to be raised to 35 miles per gallon within 10 years. Montgomery County is a leader in the fight against global warming, and we’re making a difference through our initiatives to cut greenhouse gases. We’re proud to join the Cool Counties Program and will continue to do all we can on the local level to safeguard our climate and set a course for future improvements. But, we can’t do it alone. For our actions to be successful, the states and the Federal government must also be at the forefront of efforts to reduce these harmful emissions. I’m proud of the fact that Montgomery County is recognized as a national leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For a rundown of what we’ve accomplished to date, click here. - top In response to an increasing number of mortgage foreclosures both in Montgomery County and around the state, I joined with the Maryland Secretary of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR) Tom Perez to urge local consumers to use caution when buying or refinancing homes. In the first part of this year, Montgomery County ranked second in the state in the number of foreclosures, now we rank eighth, but that’s still nothing to be proud of. Homeownership is a basic dream held by many of our residents, and their ability to be able to not only purchase that home but remain in it should not be threatened by unscrupulous practices and practitioners. We support the state’s efforts to focus consumers’ attention on the problem. For example, there is the governor’s new Maryland Homeownership Preservation Task Force that will promote home ownership and help prevent foreclosures. The Homeowners Preserving Equity (HOPE) program of the State Department of Housing and Community Development will provide funds to allow eligible Marylanders to refinance their exotic mortgages and escape foreclosure. DLLR plays a lead role in enforcing laws designed to protect consumers and their mortgages, so we welcomed the opportunity to stand with Secretary Perez and send the message that “an informed consumer is a better-protected consumer.” I want to thank the three homeowners – YaVonne English, Vanna Sieng and Parvez Bakshi – who drove home the severity of the problem through moving, personal stories (of losing their homes) told at the press event we hosted in Rockville recently. Local homeowners who think they may have been victims of predatory lending or unfair mortgage practices may find help and/or information by contacting the following Montgomery County agencies:
- top For many of us, summer brings some rest and relaxation time at our favorite local getaways or exotic places farther from home. But, the season also brings heat waves, severe weather and a variety of outdoor activities that call for caution. Summertime tips -- including pool and grilling safety, safe food handling and preparation, how to survive the heat and caring for pets in warm weather – are available on the County’s website. Go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov and click on the appropriate headline next to the sun icon. Have a safe summer. - top Another mark of the summer season is increased attention to our yards. For those residents who use the services of a landscaper, our Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) sent letters at the beginning of summer to more than 400 landscaping contractors in the area, reminding them that under County law, they are prohibited from disposing of or dumping yard trim material anywhere other than at a permitted acceptance facility. The letter also described the law that prohibits the sale or use of a leaf blower that has an average sound level exceeding 70 decibels at 50 feet. The majority of landscapers working in Montgomery County provide valuable services to our residents and businesses while fully complying with the laws. However, the few violators are now on notice that they could be fined if they don’t comply with the County’s restrictions that safeguard our environment and our quality of life. Violating either law is punishable by a fine of $500 for each offense. The letter, in both English and Spanish, was sent to landscapers in Montgomery County and neighboring jurisdictions. It also contained information about permitted facilities in the county that legally accept yard trim such as grass clippings, weeds, leaves, brush, tree limbs, and stumps. For more information about illegal dumping and/or the use of leaf blowers, call DEP at 240-777-7700 or check their website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dep. - top If you’re one of the county residents who enjoys working in the yard yourself, then here’s a tip from our Division of Solid Waste Services and Department of Environmental Protection -- give yourself and the environment a break and grasscycle by just leaving the freshly cut grass on the lawn. As a veteran lawn mower from way back, I’ve learned that it’s best to cut grass whenever it needs it, not according to a rigid schedule of, let’s say, once a week. More frequent cutting means shorter grass particles that filter down to the soil where they break down and release all-important nutrients. Plus, think of all the time you’ll save by not having to empty the mower bag, putting the clippings into a bag or container, then dragging it to the curb. Finally, just remember to mow when the grass is dry, keep your mower blades sharpened and cut at the correct height for the type of grass you have on your lawn. Also, just water when the grass starts to wilt -- turning brown, becoming dull, and not straightening up when it’s been walked on. For more information, check out www.montgomerycountymd.gov/yardtrim. - top Online Guide to Local Government Montgomery County is a great place to live and our new “Know Your County” guide will help residents access services and resources they need. The 72-page guide was produced for use by our residents so they may better understand the functions of local government, as well as the wide array of services available to them. Included are an alphabetical listing of services. County department hotlines, and information on elections, schools and courts. There are also clear, concise descriptions of County Government offices and departments, as well as contact information. The guide was produced by the Office of Community Partnerships in the Office of the County Executive in collaboration with Discovery Communications, Inc., Host Hotels and Resorts, and The League of Women Voters and its Citizen Education Fund. “Know Your County” is available at www.montgomerycountymd.gov with links to versions in English, Spanish and Chinese. We welcome comments and/or suggestions for changes. Just email KnowYourCounty.ResourceGuide@montgomerycountymd.gov. For more information about the guide, or to learn where copies can be picked up, call 240-777-2500. - top Some of the most-frequently called County Government numbers are now available on a handy card – entitled Useful County Phone Numbers -- that can be kept on a desk or posted on the refrigerator. Ranging from Abandoned Vehicles, Affordable Housing and Animal Control to Utilities, the Volunteer Center and Zoning Information, there are more than 65 listings of the numbers most often requested by callers to the County’s Information and Referral line. That number, by the way, is 240-777-1000. To receive a copy (or copies), call the Office of Public Information at 240-777-6530 and ask for the Useful County Phone Numbers card, or even request multiple copies to share with neighbors. - top Health and Human Services Offers Evening Hours The Department of Health and Human Services is now offering evening hours at three locations every Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. Applications will be accepted and screening services will be available for income support programs, health care programs, child care subsidy and rental assistance. Appointments are required for some programs, such as emergency services and medical assistance for long-term care. Extended hours are available at the following locations: 8818 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring; 1301 Piccard Dr. Rockville; and 12900 Middlebrook Rd., Germantown. For more information, call the HHS Information and Assistance Unit at 240-777-1245. - top Report on Status of Women in Montgomery County I was pleased to be present at the Commission for Women’s 35th Anniversary celebration at the Music Center at Strathmore when they released their Report on the Status of Women in Montgomery County. The report – a two-year project of the commission -- presents facts and figures, key findings and recommendations in six areas: The Economy, Education, Health, Immigration, The Law and Politics. It’s designed as an educational and social action tool for policy makers and the general public. This is an impressive document, and I commend the commission for its work on the project. While the report shows the strength of the women in our community, it also raises serious concerns and identifies areas of vulnerability. It’s obvious that there is still much work to be done before we can celebrate their full equality of opportunity. To view the report online, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cfw. Women and girls comprise 52 percent of the population in Montgomery County, and I encourage anyone who supports the various issues that challenge more than half of our residents to read the report and become part of the solution. - top Our focus on improving services to residents and enhancing technology is paying off, and I’m proud to announce that Montgomery has been named America’s Top Digital County Government by the Center for Digital Government. Thousands of counties from across the country competed by participating in the 2007 Digital Counties Survey, a series of questions that included more than 100 measurements and data points about online service delivery, infrastructure, architecture and governance models. For the past four years, we’ve ranked among the top digital jurisdictions in the country with populations of half a million or more, and being recognized as the Top Digital Government for the first time is a true honor. It is a reflection of my commitment to making Montgomery County government more responsive and accessible to the people who live here. - top I’m also pleased to announce that Montgomery County recently received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers (GFOA) of the United States and Canada for our comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) for the year that ended June 30, 2006. This is the 37th year – and the 35th consecutive year – that the county has received the Certificate of Achievement – more than any other county in the United States. To be recognized by this prestigious organization for 35 consecutive years is an honor, and I’m extremely proud of the accomplishments of our Finance Department. For more information about our CAFR or the Certificate of Achievement, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/finance or call Finance Director Jennifer Barrett at 240-777-8870 or Karen Hawkins at 240-777-8802. - top In response to the tragic fire that took the lives of three young children and their mother at the Windsor Court Apartments in Silver Spring, the County has established a “Community Crisis Fund” for those who would like to help support the family. Persons wishing to contribute can mail checks – made payable to Community Crisis Fund – to: Commerce Bank, 3132 Briggs Chaney Rd., Silver Spring, MD 20904, call 301-847-0215; or the Eastern Montgomery Regional Services Center, 3300 Briggs Chaney Rd., Silver Spring, MD 20904, call 240-777-8400. The center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Checks can also be dropped off at the bank or the center. Thanks to everyone at Commerce Bank and the Eastern Regional Service Center for taking on this worthwhile project and helping a grieving family. - top In an effort to help communities open dialogues with upper levels of County Government, the Office of Community Partnerships will host a series of three Community Summits, starting in the Fall. The summits will provide an opportunity for members of the Latin American, Asian American and African American communities to demonstrate aspects of their culture, then sit down and talk with top County managers about issues of concern. The meetings are consistent with my ongoing promise that we “…make sure everybody – everybody – gets a seat at the table when decisions are made.” The summits are scheduled, as follows:
Locations and times are being worked out, and we’ll share that information in our newsletter as soon as it’s available. In the meantime, if you have questions about any of the summits, contact the Office of Community Partnerships at 240-777-2500 and ask for the specific staff liaison for your community. - top As I’ve promised, there are more of these meetings to come. We’ll resume in the fall according to the following schedule – all meetings begin at 7:30 p.m. -- so mark your calendars if you live in or near any these areas:
Check our newsletter each month for further details. But, don’t forget, if you want to reach me, just write ocemail@montgomerycountymd.gov. - top |
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