For the second session in a row, the Howard County Delegation is considering legislation that would increase the Howard County Commercial Construction Excise Tax.
First enacted in 2008, the construction excise tax was created to provide a dedicated funding source for road improvements needed to support development activity. Legislation sponsored by Delegate Venessa Atterbury proposes using the increased tax revenues to fund deferred maintenance in the county school system. A separate provision requires the Board of Education to develop a plan by October 2021 that will address deferred maintenance in the school system.
Although there may be areas that need improvement in any large building portfolio, Howard County received a superior rating in the most recent state review of its maintenance program. A 2019 Interagency Committee on School Construction report on maintenance of public-school buildings found 96% of Howard County buildings were rated superior or good. Only three counties scored higher – Queen Anne’s, Calvert and Frederick.