FY 23 Approved Budget Book

WATERSHED MANAGEMENT

ORIGIN/PURPOSE: House Bill 987, which requires that certain Maryland counties, including Harford County, must collect a stormwater remediation fee from taxpayers to fund the implementation of local watershed protection and restoration program. Harford County is required to adopt and implement local laws necessary to establish a watershed protection and restoration program, including a stormwater remediation fee and a local watershed protection and restoration fund. Bill No. 13-12 was introduced to the Harford County Council on February 19, 2013. Bill No. 13-12 as Amended became law on April 23, 2013. A Stormwater Remediation Fee was established to implement the State mandate. Collection of the fee will commence on July 1, 2013. Revenue resulting from this fee can only be used for Watershed Protection and Restoration Programs. The Stormwater Remediation Fee was repealed by Bill 14-036 effective July 1, 2015. This fund is a special account for deposit of a certain portion of the recordation tax, $0.55 for each $500 of the sale price (or lien amount) for each property deed recorded. The proceeds of this fund are used for the County's watershed protection and restoration program as mandated under State of Maryland law. The State requires a separate fund be established for this purpose.

204