Posted on 07.20.17

Q: What can you tell us about the property tax bills being sent out this month?

Just like you can expect soaring temperatures this month, if you’re a property owner you can also count on a tax bill in your mailbox from the Frederick County Treasury Department. Fox says that 95,849 bills are sent out this month with the county expecting net revenue of $293,247,983.

“July is definitely the busiest time of the year,” Fox says. “We receive over 5,300 calls and process over 74,000 tax payments in July alone.” The 10-person staff also processes most of the other revenue the county receives, including recordation taxes, permit fees and the like, plus managing the investment of county funds.

Property taxes are based on assessments done by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation with some properties exempt from paying. Fox says exempt properties include churches and government properties, as well as property owned by disabled military veterans.

Although most will pay their bills with a check, Fox says every couple of years someone comes in with sacks of coins or stacks of small denomination bills—generally as a protest at having to pay. “They have to stay here while we count it,” she says.

Why should people shop at a farmers market?

Rachel Allen, Pineline Poultry And Meats And Frederick City Market Vendor

• You’re supporting local farmers and growers.
• You know where your food is coming from.
• It’s fresh.
• You can actually talk to the producer.
• You can get information on how to prepare your food right from the source.

What are your plans for the summer?

Emily Lowry, 5, Of Frederick

• Go to the pool and stay there forever and ever.
• Play in the park with my friends.
• Go to the beach—Ocean City.
• Ride on a Ferris wheel.