3 counties fear passage of tax-cap legislation

For county officials, this brings chilling memories of the Tax Reform by Marylanders initiative passed during the Proposition 13-inspired tax revolt of 1978. TRIM froze all future property tax revenue at 1978 levels, which prevailed until county officials convinced voters that services were so adversely affected -- hundreds of teachers were laid off and police and fire response time increased significantly -- that it was modified in 1984.

Question D, while it would allow property tax revenue to grow at the rate of inflation, would be just as devastating, Mr. Glendening said. The county stands to lose $14.6 million in the 1994 fiscal year, $34 million in 1995 and $47 million in 1996.

LOST REVENUES

Here is the projected loss of property tax revenue to counties if their respective tax-cap measures pass:

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTYFY 1994: $14.0 million

FY 1995:.. .. .. ..$19.7 million

FY 1996:.. .. .. ..$22.5 million

MONTGOMERY COUNTYFY 1994: $64 million

FY 1995:.. .. .. ..$128 million

FY 1996:.. .. .. ..$179 million

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTYFY 1994: $14.6 million

FY 1995:.. .. .. ..$34.0 million

FY 1996:.. .. .. ..$46.0 million