May 26, 2004

The Honorable Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr.
President of the Senate
State House
Annapolis, MD 21401

Dear Mr. President:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the Maryland Constitution, I have today vetoed Senate Bill 836 - Dorchester County - County Council - Building Excise Tax.

This bill authorizes the County Council of Dorchester County to fix and impose, by ordinance, a building excise tax on all types of building construction. It requires the County Council to specify in the ordinance the types of building construction subject to the tax, the criteria, and formulas used to assess the tax, and the tax rates. It also requires the revenues from the building excise tax to be deposited in a special fund, and only be used for specified capital costs of specified public works, improvements, and facilities.

House Bill 1161, which was passed by the General Assembly and signed by me on May 11, 2004, accomplishes the same purpose. Therefore, it is not necessary for me to sign Senate Bill 836.

Very truly yours,
Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.
Governor