Read more about the article State Archives To Offer Government Free Land Records Access
County News / Courts / Finance and Procurement / Planning and Zoning
State Archives To Offer Government Free Land Records Access

The Maryland State Archives, manager of the central land records database, has confirmed their plan to offer a governmental exemption from their planned user fee system to start this spring.  In correspondence with MACo, the State Archives have indicated: Those who access mdlandrec.net regularly for government business purposes will be asked to fill out a request form when logging into the site. With this information, we will ensure that those users will not have to pay for access. This form…

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April 23, 2025
Read more about the article General Assembly Targets Nursing Home Inspection Backlog
County News / Health and Human Services
General Assembly Targets Nursing Home Inspection Backlog

Nursing homes provide critical care to some of Maryland’s most vulnerable residents, making it essential that they adhere to strict health and safety regulations.  According to a Maryland Matters article, as of the end of March, nearly 60% of the state’s 220 nursing homes had received an inspection within the past 16 months—the federal benchmark for timely oversight. That’s a marked improvement from last June, when only 21% met that threshold. But the reality remains…

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April 23, 2025
Read more about the article Wicomico Council Member Baker Resigns
County News
Wicomico Council Member Baker Resigns

Wicomico County Council Member Shane Baker has resigned his seat on the county council, indicating his plans to move his principal residence out of state. Council Member Baker submitted his resignation to Council President John Cannon today, April 17, pursuant to a county charter provision that council members must reside in the district they represent. From coverage on the WBOC website: First elected to represent Wicomico’s District 3 in 2022, Baker also served as the…

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April 17, 2025
Read more about the article General Assembly Adopts MACo-Backed Delay of Tax Overhaul for Airbnb-Type Rentals
County News / General Assembly News / News You Can Use / Taxes and Revenues
General Assembly Adopts MACo-Backed Delay of Tax Overhaul for Airbnb-Type Rentals

The General Assembly passed legislation this year to shift how Maryland collects hotel rental taxes from short-term rental (STR) platforms. SB 979 / HB 1103, as enacted, centralizes tax collection for qualifying platforms under the Office of the State Comptroller, aiming to improve enforcement and ensure short-term rentals (STRs) contribute fairly to local revenues. At MACo’s urging, lawmakers delayed the bill’s implementation until fiscal 2027, providing time to resolve administrative details, coordinate across jurisdictions, and…

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April 17, 2025
Read more about the article MD Passes Bill to Lower Prescription Drug Costs
County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources
MD Passes Bill to Lower Prescription Drug Costs

Prescription drug prices continue to rise, and local governments are footing more of the bill. Maryland passed a bill that gives the State’s affordability board authority to curb costs and protect public budgets.  As prescription drug prices continue to strain family budgets and public health programs, Maryland is taking bold legislative action. In the 2025 legislative session, the Maryland General Assembly passed legislation to increase drug pricing transparency and accountability. SB 357/ HB 424 enhances…

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April 17, 2025
Read more about the article HB 717 Modernizes Program Open Space for Counties
County News / Parks and Recreation
HB 717 Modernizes Program Open Space for Counties

As communities evolve, so must the tools that support parks and recreation. A new law modernizes Program Open Space to meet today’s needs, giving counties the flexibility to build, maintain, and plan for vibrant public spaces. The Maryland General Assembly passed HB 717 – Natural Resources – Public Lands – Acquisition, Staffing, Operations, and Funding – a significant win for counties and the communities they serve. Since 1969, POS has enabled the expansion of parks,…

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April 17, 2025
Read more about the article Wicomico Exec Giordano’s Budget Proposes Tax Relief, Funds Core Priorities
County Budgets / County News
Wicomico Exec Giordano’s Budget Proposes Tax Relief, Funds Core Priorities

Despite facing State funding challenges, Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano has proposed a more than $3 million property tax reduction as part of the County’s fiscal 2026 budget. The proposed rate of $0.80 per $100 of assessed value — down from last year’s $0.84 — aims to deliver tax relief while maintaining significant investments in local priorities. The proposed budget fully funds the Board of Education’s $55 million appropriation request and provides raises for all…

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April 16, 2025
Read more about the article Fitch Affirms St. Mary’s County’s AAA Credit Rating
County News / Finance and Procurement
Fitch Affirms St. Mary’s County’s AAA Credit Rating

Fitch Ratings affirmed St. Mary’s County’s AAA credit rating this week. The rating helps maintain low borrowing costs for capital projects and underscores the County’s strong financial management, economic stability, and long-term planning. In addition, Fitch has assigned a AAA rating to the following St. Mary’s County general obligation (GO) bonds: $30,000,000 St. Mary’s County Consolidated Public Improvement Bonds – 2025 Series The GOs are backed by the County’s full faith and credit and unlimited taxing…

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April 16, 2025
Read more about the article Howard County Childcare Capital Grant Expands Opportunities for Families and Providers
County News / Housing and Community Development
Howard County Childcare Capital Grant Expands Opportunities for Families and Providers

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced last week the 27 recipients of the Economic Development Authority’s $1 million Childcare Capital Grant, supporting new childcare centers, along with repairs and expansions that will increase childcare availability and opportunities in the county. In January, County Executive Ball announced $1M in funding for grants to support new childcare centers and improvements to existing provider facilities. Grants ranging from $12,000 to $165,000 have been distributed to 27 childcare providers…

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April 16, 2025
Read more about the article Talbot’s Proposed Budget Reflects Fiscal Discipline and Targeted Investments
County Budgets / County News
Talbot’s Proposed Budget Reflects Fiscal Discipline and Targeted Investments

Talbot County’s proposed fiscal 2026 budget reflects a disciplined approach to local spending, preserving core services while adapting to rising costs and State-imposed funding mandates. The proposed operating budget totals $161,052,000, reflecting a fiscally conservative approach focused on preserving fund balance, maintaining low taxes, and investing in public safety, education, and essential infrastructure. Public safety and education remain top funding priorities, with 43% of the operating budget dedicated to Talbot County Public Schools, including a…

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April 16, 2025
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