Baltimore County May Be First In State To Eliminate The Rain Tax

TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) -- More money in your pocket. Baltimore County may be the first in the state to eliminate the so-called rain tax, a fee that's hit some hard, especially small business owners.

Rick Ritter explains it's a move supported by the entire county council.

With unanimous support on council, there's little the county executive can do to stop it.

From the moment it passed into law, the stormwater remediation fee tacked onto county tax bills for every home, condo and commercial properties was wildly unpopular, especially for small business owners.

"I think it's totally ridiculous because we're taxed to death anyway," said Cassandra Herman Coyle, Herman's Bakery, Dundalk.

Like Herman's Bakery in Dundalk. A hometown favorite, mother and daughter Cassandra and Adrienne Coyle run the shop and know the struggles that often come with a small business.

"You may think something like a rain tax is going to not be that big of a deal, but every dollar counts," said Adrienne Coyle Porcella.

A lingering feeling that's shared by Baltimore County Council. All seven members are now sponsoring a bill to reduce that tax next year and then scrap it altogether in 2017.

Council members have already said the fee is a burden on homeowners and small business and that they stand united in getting rid of it.

With no fees, the county would still be required to pay for efforts to cut pollution in the bay.

The question Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz raises now is where they will get the $16 million to pay for that.

"We can't give up on our commitment to do these storm water remediation projects because it really benefits the entire region and the Chesapeake Bay," said Kamenetz.

Some homeowners wonder the same.

"My concern is they're not going to get it from anywhere," said Karin Taylor.

But a bill sponsored by all seven council members makes it veto-proof for the county executive.

Kamenetz says he plans on meeting with council members to discuss the next steps, trying to figure out a way to lower fees without compromising environmental protection.

By eliminating the fee, some county projects could be in jeopardy, such as school improvements, park projects and road projects.

Current stormwater fees are $26 for owners of single family homes, $14 for townhouses and $22 for condominiums. Commercial properties are charged $46 for every 2,000 square feet for impervious surfaces.

Council members have said they believe there's enough money to go around to pay for stormwater projects and the county's needs.

By eliminating the fee, one choice could be to increase property taxes, which the county executive says hasn't been done in 27 years, and he's unwilling to do.