Anne Arundel County Council Seeks Transparency in Special Tax Districts
Annapolis, MD – This week, Anne Arundel County Council member Lisa Rodvien introduced Bill 32-25, aimed at increasing accountability and transparency in Special Community Benefit Districts (SCBDs) and other special tax districts. With over 90 such districts in Anne Arundel County, these entities provide public benefits to waterfront properties including maintenance of pools and marinas.
Currently, SCBDs are not governed by the Maryland Open Meetings Act, allowing potential malfeasance and opaque financial practices. Rodvien emphasized the need for transparency, stating, “It’s a mini government…so people can participate and there’s nothing going on behind closed doors.”
Recent controversies, such as the sentencing of Eric Epstein, former president of the Oyster Harbor Citizens Association, for embezzling nearly $20,000, highlight the urgent necessity for oversight. The bill would mandate compliance with public meeting laws and require training for board members on these regulations.
The legislation addresses ongoing concerns among residents, particularly regarding alleged mismanagement of funds and lack of community involvement. Flora Korbelak from Epping Forest endorsed the move, highlighting that while some communities are effectively managed, others face significant accountability issues.
The proposed bill also includes a financial provision, imposing a 5% administrative charge to be allocated into the county’s general fund, given that SCBDs have not updated their fee structures in nearly two decades.
The bill will be discussed at the County Council meeting set for May 19, with the possibility of implementation 45 days later if passed. Rodvien and community advocates see this legislation as a crucial step toward ensuring residents can hold their boards accountable and enhance community engagement.
For further information, contact James Matheson at jmatheson@baltsun.com or 443-842-2344.
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