UPDATED 05/20/10 08:30 AM with media coverage of the tax

Well, everyone's bills in Montgomery County (Maryland) are going up. Way up. It's official.

Because I was not able to be there today, I'll let Ginanne M. Italiano, president of the Greater Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce (an EA Affinity Partner), describe what happened (the bolding in this message is ours, except for the very last paragraph):

The County Council approved two items – the first which was changing the shift of the total energy tax burden to be split 50/50 between residents and non-residents. The second item was the proposal to increase the total amount of energy taxes by 85% rather than 100%, which was proposed by County Executive (Ike) Leggett.

Because the shift of the burden of the total tax increase is now fairly shared by the residents, the final estimated increase in energy taxes for non-residential customers will be approximately 60%; and 155% increase for residential.

It was also agreed that this energy tax increase would sunset by June 30, 2012 and revert back to the same rates and same shift of burden as it is now (2 2/3 for non-residents; 1/3 for residents).

For the remaining 40 days of (fiscal year) '10, the energy tax increase for everyone will be 100%, so the rates will be much higher for May 20-June 30, 2010. The votes for this ended up being 8-1 in favor of the 85% increase and shift of burden.

The one councilmember who voted against this was Phil Andrews.

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Council Votes for 150% Increase in Energy Taxes - Washington Examiner

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Montgomery County Raises Various Taxes - Washington Post (free registration required)

Montgomery County Council Supports Carbon, Energy Tax - Washington Business Journal