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Energy Tax Hike Likely In Montgomery County

May 18, 2010
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By Matt Bush

Homeowners in Montgomery County, Maryland could find out tomorrow how much more they will be paying on their monthly utility bills, as the county council moves to finalize plans to increase the county's energy tax. The average homeowner could end up paying over $100 more per year under the plan. Council president Nancy Floreen knows the move won't be popular, especially during the summer.

"Let's hope it will be cool and rain, very much like our winter," says Floreen.

Under the plan, the increase would "sunset", or expire, in two years. Though council members at that time could continue to keep the new tax rate in effect, Floreen doesn't think it will be necessary.

"This economy shall turn around. Our income revenues will increase. But we do anticipate that there will be a challenge through next year," she says.

The "challenge" is the county's ballooning budget deficit, which is why County executive Isiah Leggett asked for the tax increase.

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