More Wobbling on the Property Tax

While the great debate between David Lublin and myself over the property tax is now over, the great tumult over the issue on the County Council is just getting started.

The Gazette reveals that Council President Mike Knapp is now uncertain about his vote on the County Executive's property tax proposal. This follows votes against the tax in the Management and Fiscal Policy Committee by Council Members Duchy Trachtenberg and Phil Andrews and an abstention by Valerie Ervin. Council Member Nancy Floreen has also expressed doubts about the tax.

Because the District 4 council seat will not be filled until after the budget is decided, seven of the remaining eight Council Members must vote to break the charter limit to pass the property tax hike. So far, we count two votes against, two votes not committed and four votes with no expressed position. That's a bad sign for passage of the tax hike.

Do any of our readers know if it's possible for the County Council to turn down the property tax hike and not re-open the public employee contracts?