Are they going to lower the rates of current owner occupied houses? Sounds like another scheme by our beloved city council. Wasn't it ironic that not one of the members of our illustrious city council didn't speak out about Sheila Dixon and her conviction? Says a lot about their character.

hopefully they will use this to actually lower other property taxes so we can be competitive with the county. otherwise it is just putting more money in the governments pockets without helping other home owners.

Amanda,

I originally suggested increasing the tax rate for vacant and uninhabitable properties along with cracking down on non-owner occupants who cheat on the Homestead Tax Credit as ways that the city could reduce the tax burden for owner-occupants. While I hope that the city will actually lower the overall property tax rate in conjunction with raising the tax rate for uninhabitable homes, I also hope that this new tax will encourage these property owners to either renovate their properties or sell them to people who will.

That a man Della. Let's also go after those landlords whose buildings do not follow codes. I have rental property in frederick, and if I have so much as a weed growing from the sidewalk, I get a fine..I have only had one fine in over 25 years, as I am responsible and also I do not want to pay fines

I think if the bill encourages property owners of vacant or abandoned properties to renovate or sell these properties, instead of sit on them, it's a good idea.