Evening star., 1950-12-19
PrinceGeorges
Bill Drawn 10
Spread Fire Tax
Would Give Rebate
To Towns, Put Levy
On Country Areas

Legislation TO give Prince
Georges County incorporated
towns revenue for their police ane
fire protection may be introduced
in the Maryland General AS
sembly next month.
The plan calls for a 10-cent
fire tax on areas without their owr
fire protection facilities and a re.
bate from the county for towns
offering police security within
their own boundaries.
Mayor Caesar L. Aiello told the
Hyattsville City Council last night
that the newly elected legislative
delegation appeared to favor the
fire protection plan at a recent
conference with representatives oi
the towns.
Tax on Rural Areas Proposed.
The towns proposed a tax oi
10 cents for each $100 of real es-
tate valuation on the rural areas
not having fire departments. Pro-
ceeds Of the tax would be divided
among the departments that fur
nish protection.
It is believed the plan would not
add a tax to those unincorporated
areas which already pay special
levy for support of a fire depart
ment
Mayor Aiello said the apparently
tentative approval of the legisla-
tors was coupled with the proviso
that the taxpayers affected be
given a chance to vote on the
matter.
The move to obtain refunds
from the county for police pro-
lection will be discussed with the
county commissioners January
in the County Service Building,
Hyattsville. Mayor Aiello an
nounced.
Under the proposal Hyattsville
which pays about $4,000 a year
toward support of the county po-
lice department, would get back
about two-thirds of this amount
according to the Mayor. Hyatts-
vile has it's own police force.
Orem to Draft Petition.
It was announced that City At
torney Nicholas Orem, jr., would
be requested to draft an annexa:
tion petition to be circulated
among property owners in terri
tory around Hyattsville. The city
seeks territory bounded by Thirty
seventh place. Hamilton street,
Queens Chapel road and the
Northwest Branch.
If a majority of property own
ers sign the petition it is planned
to ask the legislature to authorize
the city to add the area to its
boundaries.
Jesse S. Baggett, chairman of
the councils Legislative Commit
tee, was authorized to have pro-
posed bill prepared giving the city
authority to condemn property
for public parking space.
Other legislation proposed by
the committee would authorize the
city to exempt up to so feet in
assessments for street improve
ments on corner lots where the
owner already has paid the full
assessment on his front or side
property.
Alley Improvement Sought.
Other legislation would empower
the city to improve alleys where
this is sought by at least 81 per
cent of the property owners.
Another bill would enable the
city to install storm drainage on
streets with or without improving
the thoroughfares. The city at
its discretion could pay up to 25
per cent of the cost. Some of the
expense would be paid by abutting
property owners, at least 81 pei
cent of whom would have to petit
tion for the work.
Another bill would authorize
the city to pave certain streets
without the consent of the prop.
erty owners, but the cost could be
charged against them.
1t was announced that a hear
ing will be held by. the county
commissioners at 10 am. tomor.
row in the County Service Build
ing on petition for a special use
permit to allow operation of q
gas station at Fortieth and Ogle-
thorpe streets. The council anC
about 80 residents have opposed
the station.
Charles Di Vincenzo was con.
f1rmed as chief of the fire depart
ment. John L. Sullivan was ap.
proved as assistant chief.
There appears little chance oi
the county's approving bus service
for pupils attending the University
Park School who live between
Oliver street Hyattsville, and the
~ehoa1