Garrett County has adopted its Fiscal Year 2026 budget—and with it, the first Real Property Tax rate decrease in over a decade. The new rate, approved by the Board of County Commissioners, will drop from $1.056 to $1.02 per $100 of assessed value.
This decrease provides direct relief to property owners while maintaining a fully balanced $116.8 million budget—achieved without new General Fund debt or the use of reserve funds. It’s a move that reflects responsible fiscal management and a commitment to keeping local tax burdens low.
As Chairman Paul Edwards noted, “Thanks to the diligent work of our finance team, we were able to implement this tax reduction while maintaining a strong financial position.”
In addition to the countywide property tax cut, the Town of Oakland has approved a targeted measure to support its business community. Beginning July 1, 2025, businesses operating in Oakland will benefit from a $10,000 exemption on the assessed value of business personal property. This means the first $10,000 in value—on items like equipment and furnishings—will be fully exempt from local taxation.
Mayor Sauder emphasized the impact: “This exemption reduces the tax burden for all businesses operating in Oakland and strategically delivers targeted relief to our smallest businesses. About 90 businesses will no longer receive a personal property bill at all.”
These changes are the fruition of local government efforts to ease tax burdens, promote economic vitality, and support both residents and business owners—while maintaining sound, balanced budgets.
