Johnson hints at tax hike at closed-door meeting

Prince George's County Executive Jack B. Johnson (D) is reaching out to legislators in hopes of getting the General Assembly to help reconcile an estimated $70 million deficit projected next year.

In a closed-door meeting Nov. 12 with senators, delegates and County Council members, Johnson allegedly said that he may ask for their help in finding new ways to increase the county's taxing authority to make up the projected deficit in next year's budget.

Under county charter amendments, local tax increases are required to go to voters for approval. The charter amendment has effectively stopped the county from raising taxes on residents for about 25 years.