Kent County Public Works Director Wayne Morris announced at the commissioners meeting on Tuesday that the state flush tax will double beginning July 1 from $7.50 to $15 quarterly–$60 a year–and the new charge will first appear on the September bill.
Households facing financial hardship can apply for a waiver.
“There is a process for waiver for residential users who can demonstrate hardship,” Morris said. “You’re going to have to meet certain criteria…then you will be exempt.”
He said he was working with the county finance office to establish a waiver process that will need approval from the Commissioners and the Maryland Department of the Environment. Morris said he would have a proposal for the waiver process in about two weeks.
KC Commissioner Alex Rasin asked Morris what the income threshold was for a waiver but Morris could not offer specifics.
“There are certain criteria you would have to meet, and we’re using other guidelines that have been used in the past, instead of reinventing the wheel,” Morris said. He said criteria used by social services for heating oil assistance could be used to determine eligibility for the flush tax waiver.
Morris said those on waivers will have to notify the county in the event their financial situation improves.
“It’s good until your status changes,” Morris said. “Then you have to come back and pay [the full amount].”
Commissioner William Pickrum asked how the county would verify if a household’s financial situation improves.
“I guess it’s an honor system,” Morris replied. “It may be something we put in [the waiver application] that you have to notify us every two years…we’re still working on that.”
Rasin expressed concern that notification of the waiver should be on the July bill so households have enough time to apply and get approved by the time the September bill becomes due.
“It will be advertised and sent out with the individual bills,”Morris said.
rds1955 says
Pretty Bad you have to get a Hardship waiver in order to be able to afford to use your own crapper.