Jenkins’ vote saves tax credits for artists

‘‘This is a tougher one for me than I would have thought,” Jenkins (R) said. ‘‘I’m not convinced that by keeping this, that it’s, in the long term, bad for Frederick County. Sorry, I’m going to abandon my colleague on the end tonight, but I’m going to vote to keep this.”

Jenkins was referring to Commissioner John ‘‘Lennie” Thompson Jr. (R), who along with Commissioner David P. Gray (R) voted to eliminate the tax credit ordinance.

Board President Jan H. Gardner, Commissioner Kai J. Hagen (D) and Jenkins voted in favor.

Thompson proposed to end the tax credits in February because no one had yet applied to use them.

Since 2004, the county has offered tax credits to artists and entertainers who invest in and revitalize older buildings in the Downtown Frederick Arts & Entertainment District. Fifteen communities in Maryland have designated Arts & Entertainment Districts.

Artists argued Tuesday that even though no one has applied for the program, eliminating it could mean an end to downtown arts and entertainment. Because Frederick has an Arts & Entertainment District with special tax credits, the state’s Office of Economic Development spends money advertising its entertainment.

‘‘I understand this legislation is not the end of arts and entertainment in the county, but it would be the nail in the coffin,” said Julian Lazarus, drama teacher at Linganore High School.

Gardner agreed.

‘‘... I think it’s really an important part of our quality of life,” she said. ‘‘We’re very lucky to have this here. The repeal is looking for a cure for a non-existent problem.”

Thompson argued that he would rather give tax relief to all property owners in the county, instead of just artists and entertainers. Thompson has for nine years pushed for broad property tax cuts rather than individual tax breaks.

‘‘It is my steadfast belief that if we’re going to give tax relief, and there is nothing wrong with that, that it should be across the board,” he said.

When Thompson made his proposal in February, Jenkins agreed, voting to move his ordinance to a public hearing.