Commissioners approve updated tax differential rates for Chesapeake Beach and North Beach

Calvert County finance staff presented a revised methodology for calculating town tax differentials and the board approved new rates for the FY2027 budget on March 3.

Melaina Burton (speaker 19), finance staff, explained the county’s new calculation ties the differential to current county cost data and itemizes duplicative services. For Chesapeake Beach, Burton said the formula recognizes about $45.5 million in duplicative services and yielded a recommended rate of $0.362 per $100 of assessed value. The board voted to adopt that rate.

For North Beach, staff reported the same data‑driven approach produced only a fractional penny increase; the board voted to set North Beach’s rate at $0.340 per $100 for FY2027. County staff said they will continue annual reviews and will work with the towns to refine methodology and communications.

Several commissioners and the county administrator asked about town notification and whether towns had been consulted; staff said they had communicated the results and would continue collaborative outreach but noted budget‑adoption timing required action at this meeting.

Outcome: motions to adopt the FY2027 tax differential rates passed; the rates will be reflected in the county’s FY2027 budgeting and staff will follow up with the towns to explain calculations and next steps.