Schools, roads, projects cost a lot. County officials disagree over how to pay for them

A recent progress report on the county’s new budget draft led to a spirited discussion among the Washington County Commissioners over tax rates and finances. Bottom line, don’t look for a change in your local income tax rate this year. Here’s the background: Each year, the state of Maryland distributes “disparity grants” to jurisdictions whose per-capita tax revenues are less than 75% of the statewide average. And every year, Washington County seems to qualify.