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About Maryland Homestead Property Tax Credit

The Homestead Property Tax Credit is a statutory limit on the amount an assessment increase may affect a taxpayer’s tax burden. This is important for owner-occupied dwellings as a provision of a property tax credit against large assessment increases that functions much the same as a cap.

In an effort to help reduce the tax burden for full-time Garrett County residents, The Board of Garrett County Commissioners proposes to lower this rate. This could cap the increased taxable assessment at 3% per year.

Any residents with Garrett County declared as a primary residence can submit the Homestead application. Due to the state’s process, the limitation reduction would be applied in Fiscal Year 2025.

Homestead Property Tax Credit applications are found at https://sdathtc.dat.maryland.gov/.


Homestead Property Tax Credit History

Since 1977, State law provided that owner-occupied dwellings were not taxed on annual assessment increases that exceed 15%.

During the 1990 and 1991 Sessions of the General Assembly, significant changes were made to the Homestead Property Tax Credit Program. For the first time, the credit was applied to the State property tax to limit taxable assessment increases for homeowners to 10% annually. Additionally, each county was mandated to adopt a local ordinance or resolution specifying a local percentage of 0% to 10% for purposes of local property taxation.

Homestead Property Tax Credit Implementation

The Homestead Credit percentage selected by each county is expressed as a percentage increase from the prior year’s assessment. If a municipality disagrees with the Homestead Credit Percentage specified by its county, municipal officials may set their own limit between 0% and 10%. If a municipality takes no action, then the county percentage will apply to assessments used to compute municipal taxes.

Local percentages (county and municipal) remain in effect until changed by local action. County governments may, in the future, change their Homestead Credit percentage, but must do so by November 15th preceding the year of the proposed change. Municipalities may change the percentage before November 25th of the preceding year.

If you have questions or comments on the constant yield tax rate, please email gccomments@garrettcounty.org until June 5.

for more information About Maryland Homestead Property Tax Credit – Communications Office – Garrett County Government

May the 4th be with you

The unofficial holiday originated from a catchphrase from George Lucas’ first film of the space franchise, “Star Wars: A New Hope,” which was released in 1977. In the film, General Dodonna utters the phrase to the rebel alliance as they prepare for their assault on the Death Star.

“Then man your ships! And may the Force be with you!” Fans celebrate Star Wars Day on ‘May the 4th’ because it sounds similar to the classic catchphrase, “May the force be with you.”

learn more about the holiday here- star wars day 2023 – Search (bing.com)

Garrett County’s Premiere Luxury Picnic Company

Introducing luxury picnics and events for tourists and locals alike to the area! The Party Club luxury picnics give people the opportunity to celebrate and gather at curated tablescapes without the stress of planning their event. This means you can go all out for your birthday, bachelorette, bridal brunch, date night, or just for fun picnics- without lifting a finger! For more information and to book your picnic visit Home (partyclubco.com)

photo via Facebook MollyBFilmandPhoto

Northern Lights at Deep Creek Lake

The Northern Lights were viewed at Deep Creek Lake in the early hours of April 24th, 2023. Sarah Myers, the editor and owner of the Deep Creek Times caught this stunning panoramic photograph of the lights on the overlook on Maryland route 135.

The Northern Lights at Deep Creek Lake, MD – Deep Creek Times

What’s Up Deep Creek for May 2023

Taylor-Made Deep Creek Sales

What’s Up at Deep Creek? Glad you asked! Here’s the scoop on area happenings for May 2023.

One. Last. Chance. at Sipside Lounge

May 3, 5-9PM
Hosted by Barb and Pat Franc, this fundraiser benefits the Garrett Regional Medical Center Foundation. Open to the public, is supports the GMRC’s Behavioral Health Center. There will be a cash bar, drink specials, and live music.

Fletcher’s Spring Fling
May 5, 6:30PM
Join us for a Fun Filled Celebration of Fletcher’s Miracle Journey! Fletcher’s Spring Fling is a fundraising event to benefit Fletcher Layne Fazenbaker’s family. She was born with a rare congenital brain tumor and received treatment at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Her family is experiencing financial burdens due to the time away from home, work and their business. There will be live music by the Remedy, food by Goehringer’s Catering, bouquet bar by Jeffries Farm, The Travel Mug Coffee Trailer, games, prizes & more!

The Meadow Spring Kick Off Event 2023
May 6, 8AM-4PM
Halian Landscapes and Mosser Meadow Nurseries invite you to their 2nd annual spring kick off. There will be plants, artisans, food, and fun!
-ABPH Art
-Bearded Bee
-Fernwood Soap
-Mountain Magic Candle Company
-Pleasant Valley Woodcrafts
-Spruce Knob Maple
*FOOD: Coffee Bar, Wildom Farm and Sweitzer’s BBQ
*LIVE MUSIC: by Terah Crawford
*FREE Kettle Corn and Face Painting

Team Trivia
Every Thursday, 6:30-8:30PM
Mountain State Brewing Company hosts team trivia every Thursday throughout the year!

Team Bingo
Every Sunday, 1PM-3PM
Mountain State Brewing Company hosts team bingo every Sunday throughout the year!

Mountain Fresh Spring Farmers Market
Every Saturday in May, 10AM-1PM
Held at the pavilion off 2nd Street in Downtown Oakland by the town parking lot, local vendors offer farm fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and more.

HART for Animals Guest Bartender Challenge
May 10, 6-9PM
Taylor-Made real estate is your host at Mountain State Brewing Co. for the annual Have a HART Guest Bartender Challenge! Stop by for a drink and help support a great cause!

Plant Your Own Herb Planter
May 11, 18, and 25, 6:30PM
Three Sisters Farm will provide several varieties of culinary herbs, a strawberry pot to plant them in and soil. Cost is $5 and includes food from Big Dogs Deli. Bring a beverage of choice. Space is limited and you must be pre registered.

Mountain Maryland Native Plant Festival
May 13, 10AM-3PM
New Germany State Park is the location for this celebration of native plants. There will be native plants for sale, family friendly activities, nature walks, and educational displays.

Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet at Savage River Lodge
May 14, 10AM-2PM
Reservations are recommended for this Lodge tradition that features made to order omelettes and waffles, a carving station, and assorted side dishes and desserts.

Mothers Day Buffet at Wisp Resort
May 14, 11AM-2PM
Wisp Resort offers a delicious buffet and complimentary photos for you and your mom. Reservations are required. Call 855-990-0304.

Dutch’s Wine Pairing Dinner
May 18, 4-9:30PM
Dutch’s at Silver Tree offers a special wine pairing dinner menu with Garrett Mentors, a local children’s mentoring organization, receiving funds from the sales. Please call Dutch’s to make your reservation: 301-387-0525!

National Road Festival Yard Sale
May 20, 8AM-1PM
Held throughout the town of Grantsville, the National Road Festival Yard Sale has become one of the biggest events of the National Road Festival. Other events going on during the yard sale include:

  • Free appraisals provided by Blue Moon Antiques
  • Car Show, Grantsville Town Park
  • Food Trucks, Grantsville Park
  • Live Music in the afternoon sponsored by the Grantsville A&E District
  • Kids’ games provided by JTF

Growing and Caring for Lavender
May 20, 10-11:30AM
Deep Creek Lavender Farm’s owner, Anne Davidson, teaches you about growing, propagating, and caring for Lavender. Learn about the history and uses of lavender. Plants and lavender items can be purchased after the class.

Make a Wood Wick Dough Bowl Candle
May 20, 10:30AM
Head to The Studio at Marsh Hill to learn to make a triple wood wick candle. Mix scent into the wax and pour into a rustic wooden dough bowl. The class cost is $52.

2nd Annual Deep Creek Lake Memorial Weekend Craft Show!
May 26 3-7PM and May 27 10AM-6PM
Held at the Garrett County Fairgrounds, this event includes numerous craft vendors along with great food.

Mountains and Museums
Memorial Day Weekend
All seven of the county’s museums will be open during Memorial Day weekend for the Mountains and Museum event, on Saturday, May 27, 2023. The Oakland Museums will be open on Friday and Saturday, May 26-27,2023, 11-4 and Sunday, May 28, 2023, 12-3

Garrett County Diversity and Inclusion Committee Meeting Scheduled

Garrett County Government

The Garrett County Diversity and Inclusion Committee is having a meeting on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 from 3 PM until 4:30 PM at Garrett College in the Offutt STEM Building in Room 211.

Call for Art: County Collector Coin Project

Call for Art: County Collector Coin Project


The County Collector Coin for 2023 will celebrate the National Road in Grantsville. The Casselman River Bridge, which
was apart of the road was erected in 1811 and travel over the bridge began in 1813. The stone arch bridge was the
largest single span bridge in the US at the time. This area holds a tremendous amount of history from George
Washington’s troops marching through this area to the National Road it is certainly worthy of a celebration. We
encourage you to share with us your vision for this collector coin.


Eligibility:
Anyone living in Garrett County is eligible to enter art to be considered for the county collector coin.


Deadline:
All submissions must be received by May 1
st. Submissions can be emailed to kim@garrettchamber.com
All artwork should be provided in the following format files: .jpeg, .png, .pdf


Rules:

  • Any medium can be used but a digital copy must be submitted as the final product.
  • Artwork must commemorate the National Road in Grantsville.
  • Artist must provide name, address and how long they have lived in Garrett County.
    Judging:
    All art will be judged by the Heritage Area Board of Directors. The board is comprised of 15 local members that
    represent various areas of business and government agencies within Garrett County. The entire board will vote on
    submissions based on the following criteria:
  • How well the art depicts the history of the National Road. Does it celebrate the history?
  • Will the art present well on a small coin.
  • How creative is the design.
  • Marketability of the art on a coin
    Each item will be worth 10 points. Making the maximum score available 40. The winner will be notified via the email
    used to submit the original artwork. The artwork will be on display with the coin at the Visitor Center during the sale of
    the coins. The artist will be credited in all marketing materials. Including press releases, sales flyers, social media posts,
    etc.
    For questions contact kim@garrettchamber.com

Two Minute Deep Creek Market Update

Taylor-Made Deep Creek Sales

Here’s a quick overview of the Deep Creek Lake real estate market as of April 14, 2023.

  • Average sold price lake area residential – Average: $1,002,723, Median: $639,500
  • Number of sales pending for Garrett County – 55 (28 went under contract in March)
  • Number of homes for sale Garrett County – 133 (51 were listed in March, down from 5 year average which is 66)
  • Number of sales closed Garrett County – 37, down from 5 year average of 46


Written by Admin on April 17, 2023. Posted in Deep Creek Lake Real Estate, Market

GLENDALE ROAD REALIGNMENT PROJECT TO BEGIN MONDAY, APRIL 24, 2023

Department of Public Works – Roads Division


The Garrett County Public Works Department – Roads Division announces that Excavating Associates, Incorporated will be starting the Glendale Road Realignment project on the date of Monday, April 24, 2023. Traffic flow will be impacted during the project phase, and the public should expect travel delays.
The public can address any questions to Excavating Associates at 301-777-0444.

FSU awarded $250K grant for outdoor recreation economy

Greg Larry, Cumberland Times-News, Md.

Apr. 4—FROSTBURG — Frostburg State University has been awarded a $250,000 grant for educational programs designed to support a regional approach to growing Western Maryland’s outdoor recreation economy.

The grant, from the Maryland Department of Commerce Office of Tourism in conjunction with the federal Economic Development Administration, will fund initiatives in workforce development, training and certification in Allegany and Garrett counties, and will be administered by FSU’s Division of Regional Development and Engagement.

“DRDE is very excited to be leading this regional initiative to collaboratively address the immediate outdoor recreation workforce needs in Mountain Maryland and create a pipeline of students interested in enjoying the outdoors and with the skill sets necessary to adequately support our local businesses,” said Al Delia, FSU’s vice president for regional development.

The projects will be a collaborative effort between FSU, Allegany College of Maryland, Garrett College and local outdoor recreation businesses. Supporting partners include the Maryland Office of Outdoor Recreation and county government offices in Allegany and Garrett counties.

“DRDE is uniquely situated to lead this initiative and we look forward to growing our partnerships with our community colleges and local small businesses in the outdoor recreation economy,” said Jennifer Walsh, regional initiatives coordinator for the Division of Regional Development and Engagement, and executive director of The Greater Cumberland Committee.

Funds will be used to support a bicycle mechanic program at ACM and a marine mechanic program at Garrett College, while FSU will purchase outdoor recreation equipment to support its Center for Advancement of Natural and Outdoor Experiences, led by Natalia Buta. A paid internship program will also be created to place students with local outdoor recreation-related businesses.

“The bicycle repair training through ACM will immerse students into a 4-day experience in bicycle mechanics, covering all the essential maintenance material in greater detail with hands-on training,” Cynthia Bambara, president of Allegany College of Maryland, said. “Students who complete the program will earn an Apprenticeship Bench Tool Kit and will be prepared to further their studies and participate in a paid internship with a local bike shop.”

Garrett College will partner with Deep Creek Lake-area marinas and boat companies to provide an introductory marine mechanic program.

“Upon completion of the proposed 100-hour training, a student will receive a non-credit certificate of completion from Garrett College,” Julie Yoder, the school’s dean of continuing education and workforce development, said.

According to Yoder, once a student has completed two years of experience, they will be eligible to take a certification exam through American Boat and Yacht Council to become a certified technician. Paid internships with local companies will also be available.

Ashli Workman, director of tourism for Allegany County, said Western Maryland has much to offer the sector.

“Allegany and Garrett counties are gateway communities, home to 31% of the state’s public land,” she said. “With over 600 miles of developed trail systems, one national park, three state forests and 12 state parks, our region’s outdoor recreation economy and access to natural resources offers the opportunity for sustainable economic and community development.”

Greg Larry is a reporter at the Cumberland Times-News. To reach him, call 304-639-4951, email glarry@times-news.com and follow him on Twitter @GregLarryCTN.