HARRY HUGHES, Governor

4965

Public Advocate

FOR the purpose of urging the Baltimore County Council to
study the possibility of establishing an office of a
public advocate to represent homeowners in assessment
appeals; and requesting a report of the results of the
study.

WHEREAS, The assessment of real property is a difficult
and complicated process; and

WHEREAS, Many homeowners are not able to learn the
methodology of the assessment process sufficiently well to
properly and adequately challenge a higher assessment; and

WHEREAS, As a result, many homeowners are unable to
effectively represent themselves in the appeal of an
assessment which they believe unfair; and

WHEREAS, The Public Advocate could employ certain
consultants and conduct such investigations as deemed
necessary in performing the duties of such an office; and

WHEREAS, The Public. Advocate would have access to all
government records necessary to carry out the function of
such an office; and

WHEREAS, The Public Advocate could advise residents and
taxpayers of Baltimore County of their rights under State
and county laws; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY THE' GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That the
Baltimore County Council is urged to study the possibility
of the creation of the office of Public Advocate in
Baltimore County; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the General Assembly of Maryland
requests that a copy of the findings and recommendations on
the subject be sent to the members of the Baltimore County
Delegation to the General Assembly; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution be sent to:
the Baltimore County Executive; and the Chairman and Council
Members of the Baltimore County Council, County Office
Building, Towson, Maryland 21204.

Signed June 1, 1982.

No. 11
(Senate Joint Resolution No. 18)