Montgomery County weighs three tax credits as cost questions remain

[Cristina Caicedo Smit]

Montgomery County Council members are weighing three tax credit bills for low-income families, first-time homebuyers and school employees, but no cost estimate has been released.

Councilmember Kate Stewart, the lead sponsor, said some cost figures would come before the bills reach committee. The council held a public hearing on the package Tuesday.

• Bill 46-26 would create a $500 child tax credit for low-income families with children under 6, or under 17 with a disability.
• Bill 47-26 would raise the household income limit for the homeowners property tax credit to $106,800 and let residents apply before buying a home.
• Bill 48-26 would extend a $2,500 property tax credit, now available to first responders, to public school employees, including teachers, cafeteria workers and bus drivers.

Tamara Kelly, an administrative secretary with Montgomery County Public Schools and a member of SEIU Local 500, said at the press conference before the hearing that the $2,500 credit would help workers like her.

“Being a homeowner doesn’t mean you’re wealthy, and working in public education shouldn’t mean struggling to afford the community you serve,” Kelly said.

Residents were split at the hearing. One opponent, Gordie Brenne, from the Taxpayer League said verifying eligibility for the child credit could cost more than the $500 benefit. Brenne also argued that the credits “raise housing demand without adding supply,” and urged the council to wait until the new council is sworn in.

Esther Wells, the Republican nominee for county executive, said she opposed all three bills. She cited the council’s spring vote to eliminate a homeowners credit and said the council “cannot be trusted.”

Christopher Cano, who spoke at the public hearing and is a supporter of the bill, said the credits would help families at the bottom of the income scale, and that teachers can’t afford to live in the county.

Stewart said she sees the bills as a first step. “We need to provide this stability during uncertain times,” she said. “And this tax credit package is just the beginning.”

The bills must still go through committee review before the full council votes.



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