At the request of residents of Saunders Point, the Saunders Point Citizens Association has filed an application to participate in the MD. Dept. of Agriculture’s Mosquito Control Program. Saunders Point has been approved for the Adult Mosquito Surveillance and Control program. Surveillance for mosquitoes will begin immediately and weekly spraying for mosquito control will begin shortly on Monday evenings after 7:30PM.

The spraying is accomplished by truck-mounted ultra low volume (ULV) application of insecticides. If you have any questions about the spraying or program, you may contact the MD Dept. of Agriculture at:

If you have any questions or additional information, please contact Patrick Schmitt at: pschmitt@saunderspoint.org

The design work on Phase I of the drainage project is scheduled to be finished by the end of June. The contractor will then have to get another permit from the Maryland Department of the Environment (the original permit was obtained years ago by the Department of Public Works, but was allowed to expire) and this is anticipated to take another 2 to 4 weeks. When these steps have been accomplished, work can begin on the project. The contractor assigned to do the construction work has been used by the county before, and will be available to begin work in August.

Phase II of the drainage project (basically the drainage for the northern part of Carvel Lane) is more problematic. The County's contractor submitted a proposal for the design work in February, but it was rejected by the Department of Public Works. The DPW has still not finally settled on a design and what they will come up with depends on whether they can negotiate the necessary permission from homeowners. The DPW contemplates that it will accomplish this step in August. It will then take the contractor an additional 60 days to complete the necessary drawings. If all goes according the schedule, the DPW contemplates that work will begin on Phase II by the end of October.

As I am sure you all are aware, Anne Arundel County is experiencing a budget squeeze as a result of the downturn in the economy and the reduction in proceeds from real estate transfer taxes. AACPS Superintendent Kevin M. Maxwell has delivered his Fiscal Year 2009 Budget for the School System to the County Executive. The Superintendent has stated in his Budget Address and publicly that, while he is mindful of the County's budget situation, the school system continues to be under funded. The 2009 Fiscal Year Budget includes a reduction of 200 teachers throughout the school system. As part of this planned teacher reduction, Mayo Elementary School will loose 3 teachers next year - 1 in each of the First, Second and Third Grades.

We should all be concerned about this situation. Good teachers and time spent with good teachers are the foundation of a good education. Good teachers equate to good schools and good schools equate to attractive places to live in, work in and own property. I encourage everyone to contact their elected representatives and support full funding for the school system. While we must economize in lean times, we need to economize prudently. Information on how to contact your elected representatives is available on the Contacts page.

If you own residential property in the State of Maryland as your principal residence, you’re entitled to the Homestead Tax Credit. The credit saves you money because it limits the amount of your property tax assessment—lowering your property taxes.

To be eligible, your home must be your principal residence and not a vacation or rental property, which wouldn't qualify for the credit.

In past years, it’s likely that you’ve already received the credit. Beginning this year, you’ll now need to file a one-time application before April 1 of the year of your assessment to continue to receive the credit. If you’re a property owner not currently receiving the credit, you should also apply now in the event that you become eligible in the future.

To apply:

Visit www.dat.state.md.us to submit your application online directly to Maryland’s Department of Assessments and Taxation, or fill out and return the application that was mailed to you with your assessment notice.

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