Carroll legislators told municipal officials last night that they wouldn't support a tax increase even if the money was used to beef up local police protection.
"I can't vote for taxes for the next four years," said Sen.-elect Timothy R. Ferguson, a Republican who will represent District 4.
Del.-elect Nancy R. Stocksdale, a District 5 Republican, said, "I will do what I can to help you -- except raise taxes."
Five of the six members of the Carroll delegation spoke to municipal officials at an annual dinner sponsored by the county chapter of the Maryland Municipal League at the Westminster Fire Hall. About 80 people attended.
Del. Richard N. Dixon, a District 5 Democrat who was elected to a fourth term, announced that he will chair a powerful subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee, the Capital Budget Subcommittee, which reviews bond bills and other financial legislation. He said he would not support any new taxes.
Local officials presented four proposals that municipal officials from around Maryland will support in the 1995 General Assembly session.
Taneytown Councilman James L. McCarron said towns and cities need more money to keep pace with the rising costs of providing police protection. Training and liability insurance costs are high, he said.
The 1994 General Assembly passed two bills that would have increased state money for local police forces by $6 million. Gov. William Donald Schaefer vetoed them.
Municipal officials proposed charging the 5 percent sales tax on certain services, such as automobile repair and other personal and business services.
With a wider tax base, the state could give municipalities double or triple what it does now for police protection, Mr. McCarron said. The state now spends about $52 million on local police services.
Sen. Larry E. Haines, a District 5 Republican who was elected to a second term, said he could not support a sales tax on services.
"I think the voters sent a message this year about new taxes," he said.
Del. Donald B. Elliott, a District 4B Republican, said the state could find money from other sources to help pay for police protection.
Del.-elect Joseph M. Getty, a District 5 Republican, did not attend.