By Sarah Malik and Mike Mills
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writers
The Baltimore County Council voted 5-2 Monday night to repeal a $20 monthly tax on mobile homeowners.
Councilwoman Cathy Bevins, D-District 6, who proposed the bill, said the monthly fee was unfair because it was taxing mobile home residents twice.
“I concur with Councilwoman Bevins,” said Councilman Todd Crandell, R-District 7. “After hearing back from our good county auditor, I’m satisfied with our understanding of the issue and I do believe this is an unfair double dip on mobile homeowners.”
Bevins called the tax outdated, saying it is no longer needed because mobile homes are no longer mobile.
The tax was originally instituted so that mobile homeowners moving from place to place would pay their fair share for county services.
Council Chairman Julian Jones, D-District 4, was Bevins’ strongest opposition to the tax repeal.
“I don’t think $240 a year is excessive,” Jones said. “The law requires people who live here to pay a tax.”
Jones also cited a $42 million lawsuit against the Baltimore County Police Department as reason to not repeal the tax.
“I just think that this is probably not a good time to give a tax break,” Jones said.
According to county documents, the repeal will cost the local government an estimated $600,000 in revenue. The repeal will take effect on Oct. 29.
David Gerstmyer, a mobile home resident in Middle River, thanked council members for eliminating the tax.
“This has been a battle that has been going on for a long time,” he said. “I want to thank all of the council people for letting us have the opportunity to come speak and tell our side of the story.”
Councilman Wade Kach, R-District 3, reminded Gerstmeyer to check and see if property owners are still charging mobile homeowners the $20 tax.
“You must be vigilant, Mr. Gerstmyer,” Kach said. “You got to make sure that the landlords are not going to charge you $20 more, despite the fact that the law was repealed.”
“I can assure you that the information will get out,” Gerstmeyer said.