Residents to get a break on construction taxes

SMITHSBURG - Smithsburg residents starting new construction projects in town will get an exemption on the excise tax, according to Town Manager Betsy Martin.

Smithsburg Town Council members agreed during a regular council meeting Tuesday night the exemption would run through February, Martin said Wednesday.

The action comes after the Washington County Commissioners recently passed a short-term stimulus program that combines an excise tax credit, a permit fee reduction and a recordation tax break to encourage residential construction and make homes more affordable.