Chairman Bobo , Senator Robey and members of the Howard County Delegation:

The Howard County League of Women Voters supports the simple statement of this legislation "the rate of the tax authorized under this section may not exceed 7 percent. "

The League bases its support for the increase to the current hotel Rental Tax Rate on the Maryland league position on fiscal structure principles of adequate and timely yield, cost effective administration, simplicity the revenue source is easy to understand, elasticity/natural growth and public acceptance.

Although we support the tax rate change we want to express our support for no specific designation or dedication of the revenue. The League Board supports the revenue going to the County's General Fund for annual use by the County Executive based on County Council approval. The League does not support a portion of the funds to be dedicated to particular purposes.

The league urges the delegations support of Ho.Co.06-2011.

Alison Carney,
Co-Chair Action

CC: Grace Kubofcik, President