(8/1) Real Property Tax Bills Mailed - July Discount Rate Available Through August 7th
Changes to the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation’s billing process led to delays in the processing of property tax bills for Frederick County property owners. The mailing of bills began a few days later than usual, with the first items being sent July 7 and the last bills mailed July 11.
As a result of the delay, an extension has been granted for the 1% discount rate typically offered to taxpayers who pay their bills by the end of July. The extension will be applied to tax bills that are paid no later than Monday, Aug. 7. Payments made in person must be delivered by 4 p.m. that day. Online payments will be accepted at the discounted rate until 11:59 p.m. Payments mailed via U.S. Postal Service must be postmarked no later than Aug. 7 to receive the discount.
Anyone with questions about their property tax bill can call the Treasury Department at 301-600-1111.
County Workforce Plan for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater announced the creation of the workforce plan on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. The DEIB plan was developed along with an employee survey conducted last year. The survey revealed the need to be more inclusive and create a culture that values the idea of diversity and the talents and contributions of employees.
"This administration is committed to ensuring Frederick County is a place where all people can live, work, and thrive while feeling a strong sense of belonging," said County Executive Fitzwater. "By making this vision a reality in the workplace, we convey to our residents that our community is people-centered and committed to promoting a high quality of life."
Over the past 10 years, Frederick County has significantly grown, revealing a shift in racial and ethnic demographics. 2020 census data showed that overall, minority populations are growing. The demographic shift offers a crucial opportunity for connectivity and greater social and cultural enrichment. Efforts to advance equity in the County over the past three years have included the creation and codification of an Office of Equity and Inclusion, creation of an Equity and Inclusion Commission and an Immigrant Affairs Commission to serve as ongoing community voices, evaluation of the workplace environment to begin designing efforts to attract and retain a diverse workforce, expansion of minority business outreach, and launch of a disparity study.
While DEIB is an ongoing journey of empathy, learning, and unlearning, deep-rooted biases manifested for centuries, improving the County’s DEIB posture and establishing an environment that will educate and promote a diverse and equitable workforce brings the community together.
"The move toward this level of inclusion could be labeled a ‘heavy lift’ for Frederick County," said Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer Michael Hughes. "The DEIB Workforce Plan positions us to serve the public in a culturally competent and responsive way that will pay off not only for individual residents, but for the County as a whole."
The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Workforce Plan is targeted to achieve progress and implement public engagement within the first year. Employee information sessions will be underway starting this month to identify areas of improvement and steps towards progress.
For more information on the workforce plan, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/Equity or contact the Office of Equity and Inclusion at 301-600-1063.
Data Centers Workgroup Sets First Meeting
Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater’s Data Centers Workgroup will hold its first meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, August 2, in the 3r d floor hearing room of Winchester Hall.
The workgroup is charged with examining existing laws and other issues related to this relatively new and rapidly changing industry. County Executive Fitzwater formed the group in response to recommendations from two Transition Team committees – Economic Development; and Sustainability, Infrastructure and Transportation – to convene stakeholders to develop a model for critical data infrastructure that leverages the benefits data centers can provide while protecting the environment and Frederick County’s quality of life. Information about the workgroup, including its membership, can be found at FrederickCountyMD.gov/DataCenters.
Meetings of the workgroup are open to the public. They will be recorded and made available to watch online the following day at FrederickCountyMD.gov/FCGtv.
Council Confirms Goetz to Oversee Family Services, Carpenter to Lead Planning & Permitting
Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater announces the appointment of two division directors. Kelli Goetz will serve as Director of the Division of Family Services, where she has worked for over five years. Deborah Carpenter will take the reins as Director of the Division of Planning & Permitting. Both appointments were confirmed by the Frederick County Council this evening.
Ms. Goetz has led Family Services as Acting Director since April 8. The division, which was previously known as Citizens Services, includes the Child Advocacy Center, Family Partnership, and the Office for Children and Families. Ms. Goetz began her career with Frederick County in 2012 as a grant coordinator in Workforce Services. She rose to manage youth programs and career services in that office before moving to the Division of Citizens Services in 2017. Ms. Goetz served in progressively higher positions, from Fiscal Manager in the Office for Children and Families to Director of Operations for the Division. She continued to work as Director of Operations while serving as Acting Deputy Director and then Acting Director of the division.
"Kelli understands the Division’s mission of improving residents’ lives," County Executive Fitzwater said. "She has strong relationships with staff and routinely goes above and beyond to serve our community. Her appointment will provide steady leadership while the Division undergoes change."
Ms. Goetz earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Maryland University College. She holds a Certificate in Leading Diverse Teams & Organizations from the University of Michigan and a Graduate Certificate in Sustainability Leadership from Ithaca College. Her appointment takes effect July 29.
Ms. Carpenter currently serves as Director of Planning & Growth Management in Charles County, where she leads five divisions, including managing over 80 full-time employees and over 130 contractual employees. Prior to her time in Charles County, she spent 25 years in Garrett County’s Department of Planning & Land Management, rising from GIS Specialist to Director.
"Deborah has the experience, expertise, and energy necessary to make Livable Frederick a part of the culture of County government," County Executive Fitzwater said. "Deborah brings her experience from Charles County, a rapidly growing jurisdiction facing an affordable housing crisis they are balancing against the challenges of preserving agricultural land and infrastructure demands, making her particularly well suited to help us address the issues facing Frederick County."
Ms. Carpenter holds a master’s degree in geography with a concentration in Geographic Information Systems from West Virginia University, and a bachelor’s degree in environmental analysis & planning from Frostburg State University. Her appointment takes effect August 14.
