The Harford County Council introduced Harford County Executive David Craig's bill Tuesday night to repeal the state's storm water remediation fee, known as the "rain tax," in Harford County.

 Craig announced earlier this month he wanted to repeal the state bill and has regularly challenged the state to prove the fee would actually improve the Chesapeake Bay, as well as accused the government of needing to clean up its own house, environmentally speaking.

The bill would return any fees of $50 or less to taxpayers and would provide that no storm water remediation fees will be charged or collected in Harford County.

A public hearing on the bill is set for 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 5.

As has been typical, the council did not discuss the bill on the night of its introduction.

Many council members, most notably Dion Guthrie and Joe Woods, have been outspoken in opposition of the "rain tax."

The bill would also refund any payments made within 30 days of its passage.

Teachers speak out

Harford County Public Schools teachers once again came to the county council meeting to urge council members to fully fund the Harford County Board of Education budget.

Roughly 20 teachers came to the meeting and a handful spoke out at the urging of Harford County Education Association leader Ryan Burbey.

Guthrie also got a round of applause for saying that "at some point, we've got to stop worrying about bricks and mortar and start thinking about people."

Nevertheless, Guthrie also said the council has its hands tied and he hopes help comes from Annapolis or the board itself.

He told the teachers he knows they are frustrated and that it seems like government officials can always "move the funds" when they want to do something.