Senator Carozza is proposing an emergency services tax in Somerset County

SOMERSET COUNTY, Md. – A new emergency services tax is in the works. State Senator Mary Beth Carozza and Delegate Otto, at the request of Somerset County Commissioners, are sponsoring SB 719. The legislation would authorize county commissioners to enact a new property tax, to enforce a new property tax to pay for the costs of emergency services.

Hartford, Kent, and Montgomery County already have comparable taxes and fees. Senator Carozza said the potential move will keep the county ahead of the game.

“There is such a reliance on volunteers, and the volunteer companies are still trying to grow their numbers. But we need to supplement and make sure these services are available 24/7, year-round, and to the entire county.”

The bill has passed through the original chamber and has had its first reading in the opposite chamber.