Property Assessments

AS THE GOVERNOR'S political problems mount, Democratic political observers are buzzing with the names of possible challengers including Baltimore County Executive C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger III.Ruppersberger says he's flattered by the attention, but he didn't initiate it, and right now, he's concentrating on getting re-elected as county executive.If history is an indicator, it may be wise for Ruppersberger to try to hold on to his current job.In the 38 years since Baltimore County has had home rule, only one county executive has gone to the state house - Spiro Agnew - and only one other, Donald P. Hutchinson (1978-86)

Anne Arundel County Executive John G. Gary is contemplating a 3-cent rise in the property tax rate, an increase permitted under the tax cap, council sources said.The increase would cost the average homeowner $46 per year and add $4 million to the county budget.In the past two weeks, budget officials have met with council members to explain why the increase is needed for the first time in more than a decade. They say assessments that are not keeping pace with inflation mean a loss in potential revenue unless the tax rate is raised.

BALTIMORE CITY and Carroll County are separated by a dozen miles geographically and by far greater distance politically. But they now find common ground, in the most unlikely of places -- the need to raise taxes.The current tax proposals from Baltimore Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke and the Carroll County commissioners are the most dramatic illustration of pressures on government finances. This trend echoes throughout the region: Baltimore County Executive C. A. Dutch Ruppersberger incurs heat for offering police officers raises but not firefighters; he says the times demand a judicious approach.

Homeowners whose property was just reassessed have until Feb. 12 to appeal. Information and an online application can be found at sdatcert1.resiusa.org/Appeals2007. You can also call your local assessment office for more information. The state Department of Assessments and Taxation says the key is showing why the home is incorrectly valued, not arguing that the taxes are too high. Residents who appeal are entitled to see the assessor's worksheet for their home and, for $1 each, worksheets for similar homes.

Despite an apparent surge of voter unhappiness and near perfect weather, Marylanders trickled to the polls today in lower than usual numbers to elect officials ranging from sheriff to governor.A check at about a half-dozen polling places in north and East Baltimore showed an extremely light turnout two hours after the polls opened. But in Baltimore County -- where a hotly contested county executive race and the tax-cap issue have stirred more voter interest -- lines were reported at several voting spots near Towson.

In response to residents' outcry about high Columbia Association assessment costs, Del. Shane E. Pendergrass has drafted two bills that would drastically change how the homeowners organization operates. One bill would impose a 10 percent ceiling on the change in property assessments. The other would allow a majority of property owners to amend the association's covenants - a significant change from the current requirement of unanimous approval from all property owners. Pendergrass, a Howard County Democrat, drafted the bills after east Columbia property assessments increased an average 33.4 percent when the state reassessed values there last year.

The Democratic love train became a familiar sight to county residents this year, as Gov. William Donald Schaefer rolled around the county with local party leaders in search of straight-ticket voters.But Democratic losses in races from county executive and County Council to sheriff and clerk of the Circuit Court have some observers wondering whether the party lacks the steam or the stokers to reach its destination.So far, most Democrats are looking for signs of optimism in defeat, blaming losses on voter frustration with incumbents rather than failures of their party.

Next month's race for the Columbia Council is shaping up to be among the most competitive in recent years, with 10 candidates contending for six open seats. All six incumbents are vying to reclaim their seats on the advisory body for the planned community, and races are contested in three villages - Hickory Ridge, Harper's Choice and Town Center. One candidate is running in each of three other villages. Incumbents Joshua Feldmark and Barbara Russell are unopposed in their quests to retain council seats from Wilde Lake and Oakland Mills, respectively.

In a housing market beset by slower sales and higher mortgage rates, most Marylanders should see little, if any, increase in property assessments this year.That's the call by state officials, who on Friday will mail 590,000 notices showing estimated market values used to calculate property owners' taxes over the next three years.Last year, for the first time in decades, the average annual valuation remained even with that of the previous year. The department expected a slight increase in valuations, on average, this year though no final estimates were available last week, said Ronald W. Wineholt, acting director of the state Department of Assessments and Taxation.

Let your house go to pot in Columbia and you'll get a flurry of letters ordering repairs and threatening legal action. You'll even lose your right to vote in village elections. Refuse to pay Columbia Association property taxes and you'll hardly feel the consequences - at first. The association eventually gets even with homeowners who stiff it on taxes, known officially as property assessments. Before their homes can be sold or refinanced, owners must pay all back assessments - plus 6 percent interest that starts accruing the day the bill is due. "The point is that we do collect," said Maggie J. Brown, president of the Columbia Association.