Some
Thurmont
residents may get
sewer tax break
By Nicole Belanger
Contributing Writer
Low-income
Thurmont residents may get a break from the $2.50 per month
“flush tax” that supports the state’s Chesapeake
and Atlantic Coastal Bays Restoration Fund.
The exemption
program is open to municipalities who apply for it and once
the mayor and commissioners sign off on the final plan, the
paperwork will be forwarded to the state.
“We
thought this would be a benefit and we try to offset any tax
that affects those on fixed incomes or on low incomes,”
said Mayor Marty Burns.
In 2004
the Maryland General Assembly passed legislation establishing
the restoration fund, charging $2.50 per month on all sewer
bills and $30 per year on septic systems. Counties collect
the money and give it to the state for distribution. Funds
are used to upgrade wastewater systems, refurbish septic systems
or help farmers plant cover crops that will prevent nutrient
runoff.
Under
the exemption program, those who receive Food Stamps, Medicaid
or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) would be eligible, as
well as those who receive Veterans or Social Security disability
benefits.
Other
eligibility requirements include those who are part of the
Energy Assistance Program and those who meet income limits.
These income limits are a monthly income of less than $1,164
for one person, an income of less than $1,561 for a family
of two and a monthly income of less than $1,959 for a family
of three.
This
program may be in effect by the beginning of the new year.
