Page 34 The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch October 4, 2013 RACETRACK AUTO SALES We Buy Like-New And Used Cars, Trucks, Trailers . . Report: County In ‘Difficult Position’ FROM PAGE 32 capital formation and community appearance.” Improved aesthetics and quality of life would not only help residents but would appeal to new businesses as well. An influx of fresh private investment is the only solution Sage could find to bring much-needed revenue into Wicomico without cutting spending or raising taxes. “The ultimate solution is to radically increase the level of private sector investment and grow the local economy and associated tax base,” they reported. “Of course, this will require a regional approach, including partnerships with regional and state economic development agencies, such as the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, among others.” Making the county more attractive to business won’t be an overnight fix. Sage suggested that a good early step would be to begin to reduce subsidized housing in Salisbury, particularly downtown. “For downtown Salisbury to be successful, it will need to have a more targeted focus. Community leaders should emphasis arts and entertainment, and should focus on keeping people downtown after work. Participants cited Berlin, Md. and Harrisonburg, Va., as examples worthy of emulation,” the report read. Increases in crime and political infighting were two more things that Sage found troubled residents. The increase in recent years of subsidized housing was one perceived cause of the uptick in crime, according to the report. The occasionally hostile political climate was blamed for a “lack of transparency in respect to spending,” in Wicomico. Other recommendations made by Sage include eliminating the inventory tax for businesses that relocate to Wicomico and phasing the tax out over the next five years for all existing business as well. Wicomico’s infamous revenue cap could also use some tweaking, according to the report. In order to keep up with inflation it should increase by either 2 percent or by the Implicit Price Deflator (IPD) for state and local consumption expenditures. The study reinforced the need to make Salisbury more accessible and attractive and suggested a small businesses incubator downtown as well as more staff for local economic development agencies. The elimination of duplicated services between county and municipalities was also advised. The council plans to use the findings of the study in the future as part of long-term development in Wicomico County. WE PAY CASH! (410) 641-4600 ✮✕✡✔¤✧✘✌✡¤ ✼✆✗✘❜✠✆✜¤❂¤✼✘✔✠✆✜❆¤s❛❘¤✕❉❉ 11513 MANKLIN CREEK, THE PARKE IN OCEAN PINES $218,500 Just reduced over $11K!! This lovely move-in ready home at The Parke (55+ Community) in Ocean Pines is your home near the beach! The spacious 3 bedroom 2 bath home has many great features inside and out. True one-level living with an open flowing floor plan, ceiling fans throughout, a pass through fireplace and a spacious master suite. Home is conveniently located within walking distance to shops, restaurants, parks, tennis courts and a community clubhouse but is pleasingly situated with a non-buildable space across the street so your view won't change! There's also a sitting porch on the front and a lovely deck in the back. You'll have access to all the amenities plus the Ocean Pines Beach Club in Ocean City!! All this only minutes from the beaches of Ocean City, Md....Enjoy the lifestyle you deserve. Directions: Route 589 (Racetrack Road) to South Gate Ocean Pines. At 4-way stop continue straight. Home on left. Donna Harrington, Realtor Cell:443-783-3521 Dual Licensed Serving Clients In MD & DE Relocation Specialist • Multi-Million Dollar Producer Email:dharrington@cbmove.com Website:www.cbmove.com/Donna.Harrington 1131 South Salisbury Blvd. | 410-543-4545 | Toll Free: 1-855-620-2272 | www.cbmove.com Owned and Operated by NRT, LLC