(10/2021) County Facilities to Remain Open by Appointment Only until Nov. 1

Cases of COVID-19 remain high in Frederick County, leading to 11 deaths in the past month and stressing local healthcare systems. Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner called on residents to stay diligent by getting vaccinated against the coronavirus and wearing masks in indoor public places upon CDC Guidelines.

"We are at risk of overwhelming our healthcare system," Executive Gardner said. "All of us need to do our part to protect our loved ones and the most vulnerable members of our community. Please get vaccinated and wear a mask when you are inside with others."

There are 31 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized at Frederick Health Hospital. Six patients are in the intensive care unit. Outbreaks have been recorded at local nursing homes, public and private schools, and at the Adult Detention Center. Frederick County has a higher positivity rate than the state as a whole. As of this morning, the local positivity rate stands at 4.6%. The seven-day average of new cases is 17.45 cases per 100,000 people. For comparison, Maryland’s positivity is 4.38% and its case rate is 20.09. Local statistics are updated each weekday at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/CovidStats.

Because Frederick County is experiencing high rates of community transmission, County facilities will remain closed to the public, except by appointment, until Nov. 1. Masks must continue to be worn in all County buildings, including Frederick County Public Libraries.

County Earns Three AAA Bond Ratings

Frederick County has earned AAA bond ratings from all three major bond rating agencies, County Executive Jan Gardner announced today. Fitch, Moody, and Standard & Poor’s each reaffirmed the county at the highest possible ratings based on the county’s very strong fiscal government.

"This is great news for Frederick County residents. Taxpayers will save millions of dollars as a result of our AAA ratings," Executive Gardner said. "Frederick County can be proud that our bond rating reflects the strength of our economy and excellent management of our county government and finances. With outstanding services, exceptional schools, safe communities, a diversity of jobs and a healthy environment, we are well poised for the future."

Frederick County is one of only 49 counties in the nation to earn AAA bond ratings from all three bond-rating agencies. The county joined these elite ranks for the first time in June 2016. Top ratings allow Frederick County to pay lower interest rates on the construction of schools, roads, libraries, parks, and more. Additionally, the county plans to refinance old bonds at a lower rate, which will save an estimated $500,000.

During virtual meetings last week, credit analysts from all three rating agencies met with Executive Gardner and other county leaders to review the county’s financial reserve policies, fiscal management, and plans to address climate change and infrastructure needs.

In their reports, the rating agencies highlighted Frederick County’s "vibrant economy," noting that the County Government had "performed extremely well through the pandemic." They described the county as being in a "strong financial position." Analysts also commented on the County’s "exceptional" risk mitigation efforts and financial resilience, low overall debt, and its "strong financial position."

Executive Gardner expressed her appreciation to county employees who work hard every day to ensure taxpayer dollars are well managed. "We have a great team of employees who serve the people of Frederick County well, and they deserve our thanks," she added.

For additional information, contact Division of Finance Director Erin White at 301-600-1193 or via e-mail at EWhite@FrederickCountyMD.gov.

One-Time Funds Create Opportunity for Homeowners’ Tax Credit

Conservative budgeting, strong fiscal management and better-than-expected revenues has created a one-time opportunity to use fund balance for two initiatives to assist taxpayers and secure a bright future for Frederick County. County Council Vice President Michael Blue has proposed a one-time property tax credit to owner-occupied houses that are assessed at or below the County’s median home value. County Executive Jan Garden proposed seizing the opportunity to purchase a large commercial property on Oak Street in the City of Frederick to consolidate county services. Potential uses for the site include a Next Generation 9-1-1 call center, a library, a senior center, and a warehouse.

The property tax credit proposed by Vice President Blue would return $175 to each residential or dual-use property valued at $328,512 or less. The refund generates twice the savings for homeowners than if the tax rate had been set at the constant yield amount, which for the average-price house would have meant a savings of only $88. If approved by the County Council, checks will be mailed to all eligible homeowners. State law does not permit a one-time property tax credit to be issued to business properties.

"I am proud to introduce a resolution to use $7.5 million to put back in the pockets of homeowners who need it most," Vice President Blue said. "Frederick County has provided assistance to renters, and $17 million in grants to businesses during the pandemic. This tax rebate will help homeowners and put money back into our local economy."

Bond Sale Brings Historic Low Interest Rate

Frederick County secured the lowest interest rate in the County’s history in a live bond sale. The AAA bond ratings Frederick County received from the three major financial rating agencies have already provided significant savings for taxpayers in debt service to pay for the construction of needed schools, roads, and more. The interest rate on non-taxable bonds was 1.57 percent, which is considered an extremely low cost of capital. Previously, the lowest interest rate the County had received was 2.16 percent.

"Today’s interest rate is a historic low," Executive Gardner said. "The savings give us money to build another fire station or branch library or to improve a road. Frederick County can be proud that investors appreciate the strength of our economy and excellent management of our county government and finances. The New York rating agencies spoke of our excellent management and expressed their confidence in us, and that has paid off with today’s incredibly low interest rate."

At today’s bond sale, the county sold $154.5 million of new tax-exempt bonds and $30.9 million refinancing of 2013 and 2016A taxable bonds. Seven bids were received for tax-exempt bonds, with B of A Securities, the successful bidder at a true interest rate of 1.57 percent. Twelve bids also were received for the taxable bonds, with Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC the successful bidder with an interest rate of 1.82 percent. This rate means taxpayers will save $680,313 over the remaining term of the taxable bonds.

Frederick County Expedited Residential Permitting Process

The Frederick County Division of Planning & Permitting offers an expedited permit application and plan review process for qualified residential projects. In most cases permits are issued in less than 24 hours. Expedited permitting services are offered for residential use applications that meet the established criteria for projects such as minor interior alterations, basement finishes, small additions, decks, porches, sheds, swimming pools/hot tubs, solar panels and more.

Applicants can access the citizen permitting portal electronically 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to submit applications and upload plans. For more information or to view the application submittal process, please visit the website: www.frederickcountymd.gov/8001/Expedited-Permits

FCSO Looking for New Community Assistance Volunteers

The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) is looking for new Community Assistance Volunteers (CAV’s), formerly known as the Community Assistance Patrol, to enhance the services provided by the FCSO to all Frederick County communities.

The FCSO CAV program uses volunteers to handle assignments and events that do not require a trained, sworn deputy. Members of the CAV program wear a uniform that identifies them as volunteers for the Sheriff's Office. CAV volunteers are not sworn, are not armed, and do not have arrest powers.

The duties of a CAV officer include traffic direction and control at incidents and special events, representing FCSO at community special events, Crime Prevention and Neighborhood Watch programs, and escorts for parades and funerals.

In order to be a CAV officer, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• • Minimum age of 21-years-old
• • Must be a United States citizen and Frederick County resident
• • Possess a valid driver's license and have a good driving record
• • Be capable of providing a minimum of:
• • Attendance of four monthly CAV meetings in a calendar year
• • Participation in six details in a calendar year
• • Participation in Project Life Saver
• • Be in good physical condition (age considered) as witnessed by a doctor's certificate
• • Must agree to submit to records and background investigations, a fingerprint check through the FBI, drug test, and an oral interview conducted by the FCSO
• • Must successfully complete required training within six months of appointment.

"Our volunteers are a vital part of the FCSO team as they not only assist us but at some events are the only representation of this office," said Lt. Jason Deater, FCSO Patrol Operations assistant commander and CAV commander. "These community members give of their time, which allows our deputies and correctional officer’s time to focus on their fulltime jobs and duties. We are truly appreciative of their continued contributions."

"I have always considered this program an important part of operations and I appreciate everything these volunteers do," said FCSO Sheriff Chuck Jenkins. "There is a real dollar value in the services and support they provide our citizens."

o find more information about the program, visit www.frederickcosheriff.com/community-assistance-volunteers, or call Sgt. Marc Linehan directly at 301-600-6488.