Middlebrooks argued that raising impact fees will do nothing to fix schools in established communities such as Glen Burnie, Severna Park and Brooklyn Park.
"To only build schools in West County and leave schools in North County behind - that's not fair," he said.
Leopold, a Republican, voiced his opposition to the resolution, which was introduced Monday. He said he was not consulted by the council members and accused them of trying to protect developers.
About 90 percent of home sales in Anne Arundel in 2006 were for existing property, according to county figures. The county executive said the transfer tax would have a disproportionate impact on established residents.
"I view it as an attempt to have the county taxpayers subsidize developers," he said,
Leopold predicted there would be "stiff resistance" at the State House, given the steep tax increases passed by state lawmakers late last year in a special session.
Del. James J. King, a Republican, said the council is seeking to use a transfer tax rate increase "as a bargaining tool" within the debate of increased impact fees. "It's a very dangerous game to be talking about raising taxes 50 percent on homeowners," he said.
phill.mcgowan@baltsun.com
