Harford County Council Stands Against Toll Increases

The unanimously Tuesday in opposition to proposed toll increases across the state.

Council President Billy Boniface, Councilwoman Mary Ann Lisanti and Councilman Chad Shrodes spoke out against the increases at a in late June. Afterward, Boniface said the trio decided to take further action.

“The three of us sat down and said, You know what? We should do something officially as a council,'” Boniface told Patch on Tuesday morning. “All three of us expressed our concerns and sent our comments down to the MDTA.”

The resolution outlines the negative impact the increases would have on Harford County.

"The proposed fee increases to these three [local] facilities would ... produce regional disparity and create a significant local burden," the resolution states. "The proposed fee schedule would disproportionately harm the residents and businesses in both Harford and Cecil counties."

During discussion of the resolution, several council members spoke out against the proposed increases from the Maryland Transportation Authority.

"I think that the for the rejection of has been unprecedented," Councilwoman Mary Ann Lisanti said. "Clearly the two public hearings that were held ... demonstrated not only a local issue but a regional issue."

Councilman Chad Shrodes added that it would bring more tractor trailers into rural northern Harford County communities as their drivers attempt to avoid tolls.

The council president emphasized the resolution was intended to benefit all affected residents.

“The council recognized that this resolution also takes into consideration [everyone] in Harford County,” Boniface said at the meeting.

The resolution was presented jointly by the council and Harford County Executive David Craig.