Keep the Fee: Vote Against CB52-2015
Howard County Councilman Calvin Ball, Councilman Jon Weinstein, Councilwoman Mary Kay Sigaty, Councilwoman Jen Terassa
CB52-2015 would repeal the stormwater fee and force the county to pay for stormwater remediation through the general fund. The current fee generates $10 million annually and provides funding for programs like the READY Program, which employ local youth to do stormwater remediation and develop job skills. If the funding were forced to come from the general fund, it could take away from funding for other important PATH initiatives, such as increasing transportation for seniors, increasing affordable housing in Howard County, and improving educational opportunities for young people. Long term, it could also harm the READY program if Howard County experiences a fiscal downturn and the general fund decreases.
Petition by
To:
Howard County Councilman Calvin Ball, Councilman Jon Weinstein, Councilwoman Mary Kay Sigaty, Councilwoman Jen Terassa
From:
[Your Name]
As a leader with PATH, I am asking you to please vote against CB 52, the Stormwater Fee Repeal Bill and keep the fee! The current stormwater fee is a progressive way to address harmful runoff into the Chesapeake Bay and is not an unnecessary burden to taxpayers. The fee supports programs such as the READY Program (created by PATH, the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, and the County) to address stormwater remediation and employ and develop Howard County youth. There are many priorities this year and in the years to come that will be critical to the health and success of our county that the general fund supports, such as increasing educational opportunities, expanding transportation for seniors and other residents of the county, and ensuring the availability of affordable housing for current and future residents. Let's keep the general fund strong by keeping the Stormwater Fee intact. Thank you for your support!