Harford Executive Vetoes Tax & Spend Charter Amendment

Harford Executive Bob Cassilly today vetoed Bill 24-016 because it will inevitably lead to higher taxes by expanding the spending powers of the County Council.

Currently the council has a limited role in developing the budget, the same role as in all except two of Maryland’s major counties. This bill would instead align Harford with those two outliers, the suburban D.C. counties of Montgomery and Prince George’s, which allow the council to increase spending toward favored budget line items.

Joining County Executive Cassilly in opposing Bill 24-016 were council members Guthrie, Giangiordano, and Reilly.

Council President Vincenti and council members Penman, Boyle-Tsottles and Bennett voted to approve the bill.

The county executive’s veto message is attached.