Stormwater Fee Another Reason To Wave At Kamenetz

County Executive Kevin Kamenetz may not be looking forward to walking in July 4 parades around the county because of the recently passed storm water fee.

Kamenetz, speaking on WBAL TV, said the new fees will appear on county property tax bills this July 1.

"It's really a great time," Kamenetz joked during the April 21 interview. "I do all the Fourth of July parades and people are getting their tax bills. They're very happy and waving."

We're assuming he meant that the audience used all five fingers.

Earlier this month the Council approved the fees, which add a flat $21 fee to townhouses and $39 for single-family detached homes. The fee was increased by $3 after the Council cut rates for nonprofits. Businesses will pay a fee based on the amount of impervious surface on their properties.

Kamenetz pointed out in the interview that the county has not increased property taxes in 25 years. The fee, while not a property tax, will be collected on the annual bills.

If the hecklers do turn out on the parade routes it won't be the first time the county executive has faced public scorn. Last week, Kamenetz was involved in a heated exchange with senior citizens protesting the groundbreaking of Mays Chapel Elementary School.