The Calvert County Commissioners took the recommendation of County Attorney John Norris and approved a fourth special taxing district (STD) for the Drum Point subdivision of Lusby. The commissioners’ action came during their June 26 meeting. Norris had recommended the STD levy be set at $150 per year, per lot for the next two fiscal years. The petition requesting the two-year STD was submitted by the Drum Point Property Owners Association (DPPOA) Board of Directors. Their request had been for a $166 levy. In approving the two-year STD with the annual levy of $150, the commissioners stipulated that the revenues should be used solely for road and infrastructure improvements and maintenance.
“We needed to be realistic and give the community enough money but not overtax the people,” said Commissioner Susan Shaw [R].
During a recent public hearing on the Drum Point STD petition, the commissioners heard a few residents question the DPPOA Board of Director’s leadership. However, many more residents affirmed their satisfaction with the way the private community’s roadways have improved since the first STD was enacted.
“There have been some strong personality disagreements,” Commissioner Evan K. Slaughenhoupt Jr. [R] noted, adding that he hoped some “bridges would be built” to close the personality gap.
“This is hopefully a resolution that all members of the community can unite behind,” said Commissioner Steven R. Weems [R].
“A lot of thought went into this [STD],” said Commissioner Pat Nutter [R]. “I feel it’s justified, what was asked.”
“This one [STD petition] has been somewhat less contentious,” said Commissioner Gerald W. “Jerry” Clark [R], who has observed the acrimony within Drum Point as a commissioner and former resident of the community. Clark agreed the STD revenue needed to be solely dedicated to roads and infrastructure and not amenities.
“The amount was hard for me,” said Shaw. “But for a few dollars a month people’s property values are maintained.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
