Each year the Department of Legislative Services (DLS) and the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) have each conducted a survey concerning local tax rates, tax differentials and rebates, and various county budget data.  This year, DLS and MACo are collaborating to send out one combined budget and tax rate survey.  This combined survey was developed by a workgroup composed of county budget and finance officers, governmental relations staff, and staff from MACo and DLS.  It is our hope that the combined survey will be easier for all concerned, save time, and eliminate duplicative data collection.

Once completed, the surveys will be returned to both MACo and DLS for both organizations to compile necessary reports.  These include the Overview of Maryland Local Governments – Finances and Demographic Information; the Report on County/Municipal Tax Differentials and Tax Rebates, and the annual Budget and Tax Rate Survey.

Questions regarding the survey should be directed to Stan Ward, DLS, at (410) 946-5461, (301) 970-5461 or via email stanford.ward@mlis.state.md.us, or to Andrea Mansfield, MACo, (410) 269-0043 or via email amansfield@mdcounties.org.

The survey will be emailed to all jurisdictions this week.