Three Republican challengers in the Carroll County commissioners race each proposed different solutions to easing the burden on taxpayers.
Wade Miracle, of Manchester, suggested a plan to reward the teachers, police officers, firefighters and emergency services workers who choose to live and work in Carroll County.
“The idea is that you are always supporting our county, so now we are going to support you,” the 36-year-old said.
His proposal gives deductions based on years of service:
» Workers with three to five years of service to Carroll County would receive a 50 percent property tax deduction.
» Workers with five to 10 years of service would get a 75 percent deduction.
» Workers with 10 or more years would receive a 100 percent property tax deduction.
What programs or services would be cut to offset the decrease in revenue as a result of this plan still requires examination.
“Everyone seems to have an answer for everything, and I got to tell you I don?t,” Miracle said, adding that he would ask voters where the money should come from for his property tax incentive plan.
Douglas Myers, who worked for five years as the county?s Public Works director, said county government could stand to lose some “fluffy positions.”
“I know there?s waste in government, and no one?s even brought that up,” the 49-year-old said.
The Manchester resident said he eliminated several positions and estimated that he saved the county hundreds of thousands of dollars each year he worked there.
“I can?t say I am going to lower taxes, but I can work to make the government more effective and efficient,” he said.
Michael Zimmer, 42, of Sykesville, said he opposes transfer taxes and would work to lower the cap on property assessments.
“I would lower the cap on assessments for owner-occupied homes to 5 percent,” he said.
To supplement the county?s revenue streams, Zimmer said he would seek “voluntary forms of contributions rather than involuntary tax hikes” by soliciting support from residents and the private sector for education and recreation.
Candidate Richard Solomon, a Sykesville Democrat, could not be reached for comment.
AT A GLANCE
» Wade Miracle, R, emergency medical technician, firefighter
» Douglas Myers, R, wastewater supervisor
» Michael Zimmer, R, attorney
All three county commissioner seats are open and will be voted on at large.
