Possible property tax increase in Frederick County has county leaders, residents divided

FREDERICK COUNTY, Md. ( DC News Now ) — Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater announced her proposed budget for 2025. In that announcement, she included a proposal to increase the property tax by 4.7%.

The proposal states the tax rate will increase from $1.06 per $100 to $1.11 per $100. Fitzwater says the extra funds will be used to fund school construction projects.

“We heard loud and clear throughout our budget listening sessions that the state of our schools matters,” Fitzwater said.

However, some county council members like Jerry Donald feel it is not the right time for residents financially.

“I’m not sure that many residents can afford to do that right now with their increasing assessments,” Frederick County Councilman, Jerry Donald said. “We are going to give the Board of Education in the CIP about $680 million over six years to rehab schools and to build schools.”

But some people I talked to say improving public schools and education needs to remain a top priority.

“I’m actually in favor of the county being able to raise the property taxes to fund the improvement of public schools,” William Jones said. “I think it’s the entire community’s responsibility to improve the education of our young people.”

Councilman Donald says he and the other members of the council are open to suggestions that could satisfy both issues.

“I will listen to arguments in favor of it and I want to be open-minded about this,” Councilman Donald explained. “I want to see what residents in my district have to say.”

A public hearing about the proposed budget is scheduled for April 23.

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