MEMORANDUM

TO: City Council

FROM: David J. Deutsch, City Manager

SUBJECT: Status Report/Council Poll

DATE: April 3, 2008

Status Report

1. Homestead Tax Credit Application Deadline Extended

When Bowie residents received their property reassessment notices in December 2007, they also received information about the need to reapply to continue receiving the Homestead Tax Credit. Since this credit can mean a reduction of several hundred dollars on the average tax bill, the subject has generated a lot of interest, but also some confusion. The notice stated that if a homeowner wanted to electronically file for the credit, it had to be done by April 1, 2008. Only paper applications or telephone filings would be accepted after that date.

Several residents have called City Hall asking questions because they cannot get through on the information lines set up by the State. The State has been inundated with calls because of the April 1st deadline. Many did not understand that only the one third of the State that received a reassessment notice in December 2007 were required to file an application at this point. Residents from all over the State heard about an April 1st deadline and were concerned that they had not received notice about the reapplication requirement.

In an effort to assist our residents, staff contacted the office administering the program this week. The electronic filing deadline has been extended until further notice, but only those who received the December 2007 notice have been given the access code needed to file electronically. Any homeowner in the State can file a paper application for their primary residence, although at this point the State is focused on those areas, such as Bowie, that have been most recently reassessed. There is no deadline for a paper application.

We have provided information about this program on the web and in the Bowie Spotlight, and both local papers have done stories on the need to file. Our website includes the latest information extending the April 1st deadline, a printable copy of the application form and a link to the State Department of Assessments and Taxation website.

2. Dedication of Parks Maintenance Facility

The dedication for the new Parks Maintenance Facility on Mitchellville Road has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 29th at 8:00 a.m.

3. FY 2009-2014 County Capital Improvement Program

Attached is a summary of projects in the Bowie area. There are no new projects this year. Several major projects have been moved back or delayed in the CIP, including the Bowie Area High School and Church Road Improvements. The South Bowie Branch library on Hall Road is included; however, all funding shown in the CIP is expected to be used in FY 2008. The Northview Fire/EMS Station is fully funded with an estimated completion date of February 2009. No additional funding for improvements at Green Branch Park is currently proposed; however, the Planning Board has requested supplemental funding for the remaining phases. The South Bowie Community Center renovations are programmed for completion by December 2008. The majority of construction funding for the Mount Oak/
Church Road/Woodmore intersection improvements are programmed in Year 1. Some other Year 1 improvements include construction of two (2) soccer fields at Fairwood East Community Park, a 30-car parking lot expansion at Enfield Chase Neighborhood Park, Queen Anne Bridge Fishing Area, recreation facilities and parking at Sandy Hill Neighborhood Park, and tree planting and trail paving for the WB&A Trail. Saddlebrook East Community Park is programmed for completion in July 2008. The County Council’s public hearing dates are May 7th and May 13th. Staff will prepare a draft City position letter for the May 5th City Council Agenda.

4. Nominations for 2008-2009 MML Board of Directors

Attached is the memorandum and form asking for nominations for the MML Board of Directors. Currently, there is no one from Bowie serving on the Board of Directors. Mayor Robinson asks if you are interested in being nominated. If so, please let the Mayor and City Clerk know so that the information can be forwarded to MML.

5. Staff Reponses -- District 1 Town Hall Meeting Comments

Enclosed in your package is a partial response from staff to the comments made during the Town Hall Meeting held on March 10th.

DJD/JLF/asf

Attachments:

Prince George's County CIP Summary
Response to comments made during Town Hall Meeting