Press Release - Green Fund Bill

October 30, 2007

The State of Maryland intends to charge an assessment known as an "impervious surface fee" for the establishment of the Green Fund.  This Fund is designed to provide funding to ensure the economic and ecological health of the Chesapeake Bay, Atlantic Coastal Bays, and rivers and streams in Maryland. 

This bill will be introduced during the special legislative session that begins October 29, 2007.  It is likely that this bill will pass either entirely or in some similar form.  Once passed, this legislation will become effective January 1, 2009.

The "impervious surface fee" will be assessed on improved property, not vacant land.  Homeowners will be charged based on square footage of the enclosed area of the property.  Under the current proposal, the amount will be $5.00 for properties with enclosed square footage of less than 1,500 ft.; $20.00 for enclosed square footage between 1,501 - 2,999 ft.; and $40.00 for an enclosed square footage of 3,000 ft. or greater.  Nonresidential properties will be assessed by a formula.

The "impervious surface fee" assessment is a fee and not a tax.  It is similar to the Bay Restoration Fee initiated by the State of Maryland several years ago.  In both cases, the County is required to collect this fee for the State of Maryland. 

This fee will have to be paid by virtually every property owner.

Time is of the essence.  This bill will be heard on November 2, 2007, in Annapolis.  Contact your elected state officials and let them know how you feel.  Go to the County's website at www.ccgov.org and click on "links."  You will be able to contact each of our senators and delegates from this page.