Deadline Extended for Homeowners Property Tax Credit

The State of Maryland has extended the deadline to apply for a Homeowner’s Property Tax Credit to November 1, 2010.

The Maryland Homeowners Property Tax Credit Program credits a homeowner’s property tax bill if the property taxes exceed a fixed percentage of the household income.  Residents of Gaithersburg who qualify for this Maryland property tax credit are also eligible to receive an additional City property tax credit.  The Gaithersburg program allows for a 50% supplement of the State credit. 

Qualification guidelines are set by the State of Maryland.  A homeowner may be eligible for a property tax credit if:

§         Annual household income does not exceed $60,000;

§         The homeowner owns or has legal interest in the property;

§         The homeowner has lived in the home for at least six months or will live in the home for the next six to twelve months;

§         The combined net worth of everyone in the household does not exceed $200,000 (not including the value of the principal residence or the cash value of any qualified retirement savings or individual retirement accounts).

Note that only the first $300,000 of the home’s assessed value counts towards the property tax credit.  The total amount of the tax credit cannot exceed the amount of property tax owed.

Application for this credit must be filed with the State of Maryland annually, so even if a homeowner has applied for a credit in previous years, it must be done again.  The deadline to apply has been extended to November 1, 2010. 

To apply for the credit, call the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) at 1-800-944-7403 or download the form and instructions from the agency’s website at SDAT.  Questions may also be directed to the City of Gaithersburg Department of Finance and Administration at 301-258-6320.

Gaithersburg Upgrades Fuel Distribution System
Efficiencies, Reporting Improved

The use of new technologies will allow the City of Gaithersburg to better track fuel usage across its fleet and improve maintenance operations as well.  The new system, using Fuel Master software, was installed in mid-June, and is now operational.  The project was budgeted at $72,000.

All City vehicles have been outfitted with automotive information modules (AIM).  As refueling is taking place, the AIM transmits vehicle data, including the vehicle identification number, the type of fuel required for the vehicle and odometer readings.  A data tracking device on the fuel nozzle records the time of day, type of fuel, and number of gallons being used.  The new system fully automates the transfer of fuel usage data, allowing for more accurate reporting and budgeting.  The additional vehicle data will be monitored to improve fleet maintenance efforts. 

 “Already there is less staff time being spent on manual reporting,” said Director of Public Works Jim Arnoult.  “And with the AIM data we can do a better job at being proactive in fleet maintenance, thus reducing vehicle replacement costs over the long term.”

The City spends approximately $330,000 annually on fuel for 260 pieces of motorized equipment, including buses, vans, cars, SUVs, trucks, lawn mowers, and other maintenance equipment. 

City Crews Mobilize in Aftermath of Morning Storm

 The City of Gaithersburg experienced tremendous damage as severe thunderstorms with high winds ripped through the area at approximately 7:00 the morning of August 12.  Thousands of homes and businesses are without power as numerous trees toppled during the storm.  Extreme caution is urged when traveling about the City.  Intersections without working traffic signals should be treated as four-way stops. 

City police are being joined by Montgomery County police in conducting traffic control operations at key intersections with traffic light outages.  Public Works crews are working to clear debris and assist Pepco in accessing downed power lines.

To report power outages and downed power lines, call Pepco at 877-737-2662.  “Hot" or sparking wires, especially those across roadways, should be immediately reported to 911.  Extreme caution is urged around all downed lines because they could become “live” as power is restored.

“While there is extensive damage throughout the City, it seems that Olde Towne was the area worst hit by this storm,” said City Manager Angel Jones following an assessment tour conducted with local and county officials this morning.  “We have received offers of assistance from the State and County, and will be coordinating our clean-up efforts using all available resources.”

Code inspectors are canvassing communities to assess the safety of structures damaged during the storm.  Four residential properties and two commercial properties have been condemned thus far.  At least 90 additional residences experienced damage that was not deemed significant enough for condemnation.  Additional inspections will take place as trees are cleared from roofs. 

The Flowers Apartments on South Frederick Avenue were heavily damaged when a tree fell through the building.  41 units have been condemned.  Coordination efforts with the Red Cross are being conducted to provide relief to all those in need of emergency shelter.

Many City facilities are without power, forcing the cancellation of summer camps and recreational programs.  Limited services are available at City Hall, while the Activity Center at Bohrer Park, Water Park, Skate Park, Miniature Golf Course, Casey Community Center, Community Museum, Gaithersburg Aquatic Center and Olde Towne Youth Center are closed.  Closure and cancellation information is posted on the City’s website at City.

Enjoy Lively Entertainment, Festival Food, Interactive Exhibits, Family Amusements at Celebrate Gaithersburg Festival

Several blocks around the intersection of Summit and Diamond Avenues will be closed to traffic as the entire community comes out for a day of music, food, arts, crafts, amusements, and a whole lot more at the 29^th Annual Celebrate Gaithersburg in Olde Towne street festival.  It all happens on Sunday, September 19, 2010 from Noon to 5 p.m.

Seven stages of live entertainment showcase a wide range of musical styles.  The entertainment kicks off on Stage I, the City Hall Concert Pavilion, with Cartoon Johnny at 12:45 p.m., followed by the Fabulous Mary Ann Redmond Band at 3 p.m.  On Stage II near the Train Station, enjoy the sounds of the Swingin’ Swamis at Noon, followed by popular hits of the 80’s as performed by The Reagan Years at 3 pm.

Latin rhythms can be found on Stage III, located on Summit Avenue near Bank of America.  The sounds of the Sin Fronteras Mariachi Band performing at Noon and Sol y Rumba taking the stage at 3 p.m. are sure to get you moving to the beat.  Stage IV, located near the intersection of East Diamond and Park Avenues, is the site of this year’s community performances, featuring such crowd favorites as Strive Martial Arts, Concepts in Motivation, the Dawn Crafton Dance Center, Miss Chianti’s Dance School of Maryland, Kick’s Karate, the Duffy School, and Commotion Dancers.

Our educational Green Zone is full of environmental information and family fun.  Explore the undersea world with the Virginia Mobile Aquarium or enjoy a touch tank from Under the Sea.  Learn interesting facts about animals from the Wildlife Ambassador.  Or discover the world of science with hands-on experiences at the Mad Science Activity Center.  The Green Zone, located in the City Hall parking lot, is also home to Stage V, with presentations by Reptiles Alive!, including boa constrictors, iguanas, turtles and more, every hour on the hour throughout the day.

Can’t get enough of the animal world?  Stop by Stage VI to watch the amazing dogs featured in “Jessie and James and Mutts Gone Nuts.”  Show times are at 12:30, 2 and 3:30 p.m.  There will be Frisbee dogs, too!  Stage VI is located in the grassy field adjacent to City Hall.

Youngsters are in for a special treat with activities galore, including Paul Belanger’s balloon sculptures and a juggling school taking place throughout the day.  Little ones will enjoy pony rides, a petting farm, and model railroad displays in the Gaithersburg Community Museum.  Check out the 30 foot rope spider climb, an inflatable obstacle course, and moon bounces on Summit Avenue.  Also keep your eye out for our strolling entertainers, including magicians, ribbon dancers, the Unicycle Lady, and other costumed characters.  Please note that some amusements have a nominal fee.

What’s a festival without shopping and eating?  The Celebrate Gaithersburg in Olde Towne Festival will feature two food courts, with such crowd favorites as funnel cakes, Kettle Corn, crab cakes, ice cream, hot dogs, BBQ, fresh lemonade, and much, much more.  When you’re done eating, do a little shopping in the City World Market.  Artisans and importers from around the globe will display their jewelry, textiles, and other one-of-a-kind hand crafted treasures.  You can also enjoy the international sounds of Mystic Warriors, performing Andean pipe music throughout the day on Stage VII.

The City of Gaithersburg will recognize its newest citizens during a naturalization ceremony conducted at noon at the City Hall Concert Pavilion.  Immediately following the swearing in, the Mayor and City Council will present awards for the Distinguished Citizen, Outstanding Organization and Friend of Gaithersburg.

Free shuttle service is available to and from satellite parking at Lakeforest Shopping Center.  A bike valet parking service will be available behind the Victor Litz Music Center off of Summit Avenue.  Limited free parking is also available at the public garage on the corner of South Summit and Olde Towne Avenues.  Additional parking is available at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park, less than a quarter mile from the festival area.  Please note that no alcohol, skateboards, rollerblades, bicycles, or pets are allowed at the event.

Celebrate Gaithersburg in Olde Towne is sponsored by MIX 107.3 FM, 105.9 FM The Edge, and Washington Parent.  It is also supported by Washingtonian Center, Bank of America, the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce, and GEICO.   For a complete festival schedule visit the City’s website at Celebrate or call 301-258-6350.