Free Tax Preparation Services Available for Eligible Residents
Senior Information and Assistance staff are scheduling appointments for Charles County residents who wish to participate in the annual AARP Income Tax Preparation program. The AARP-Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest free volunteer-run tax assistance and tax preparation service. AARP Tax-Aide is a program of the AARP Foundation offered in conjunction with the IRS. Tax-Aide helps taxpayers with low- and middle-income, with special attention to those ages 60 and older.
-- Persons aged 60 and older who earned $70,000 or less in tax year 2013 may call 301-609-5712 to schedule an appointment.
-- Adults younger than age 60 who earned $40,000 or less in tax year 2013 may schedule an appointment by calling 301-609-5704.
Everyone must bring the following items to the scheduled tax appointment:
-- Photo Identification and Social Security card for each tax payer and all dependents
-- Copy of 2012 completed tax return forms
-- All 1099 and W-2 forms
In addition to the above required documents, persons planning to itemize, must also bring:
-- Documentation of medical, mortgage & donation expenses
-- 2012-2013 property tax bill
This year's income tax preparation program will begin on Monday, Feb. 3, and continue each Monday and Friday through April 14. All appointments will be held at the Richard R Clark Senior Center ( 1210 East Charles Street, La Plata). This is a free service for persons who meet the eligibility guidelines.
Persons who wish to show their appreciation for this free service may make a voluntary donation to the Client Services Fund, which provides assistance to needy seniors in Charles County throughout the year and is administered by the Senior Information & Assistance program.
Eicholtz Promoted to Director of Fiscal and Administrative Services
The Charles County Commissioners are pleased to announce the promotion of Mr. David Eicholtz to Director of the Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services. Mr. Eicholtz served as acting director of the department since August 2013. His promotion is effective as of Tuesday, Jan. 21.
Mr. Eicholtz began his career with Charles County Government in September 1981. During his more than 30 years of tenure with county government, Mr. Eicholtz held progressively responsible positions, including staff accountant, financial analyst, deputy director, and budget chief. Mr. Eicholtz was instrumental in guiding the budget team to earn the Government Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA) Excellence in Budget Presentation award for 16 consecutive years.
Commissioner President Candice Quinn Kelly said, “Dave, and his years of experience with Charles County Government,, make him the perfect fit for this position. He has demonstrated great leadership and skills working with all departments countywide. He is a pleasure to work with, and I am pleased to endorse him for this position.”
“I've had the pleasure of working with Dave Eicholtz for more than seven years. He has served the citizens of Charles County well with enviable budgetary skills. He is highly respected for his acumen and ability to work to accomplish the goals of the County Commissioners. I know that he will continue his exemplary service as Director of the Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services, and I look forward to continuing to work with him,” said Commissioner Vice President Reuben B. Collins, II (District 3).
Commissioner Ken Robinson (District 1) said, "The most important job a Commissioner has is being fiscally responsible for our citizens, and we cannot do that without the expertise of staff. I have counted on and have respected the guidance of Mr. Eicholtz’s long experience with county government. He has been an invaluable tool, and is the perfect choice to be the Director of Fiscal and Administrative Services. I am looking forward to continuing to rely on his impartial approach to help us fund the county efficiently.”
Commissioner Debra M. Davis, Esq. (District 2) said, “I've enjoyed working with Dave Eicholtz for the past three years. His comprehension of the budget, which can be like a jigsaw puzzle, is a wonder to behold. The citizens of Charles County are the beneficiaries of his experience and knowledge."
“I have always respected Dave Eicholtz for his knowledge in matters concerning the budget and his ability to work with everyone. His many years of county government service with different boards of commissioners speaks volumes for the esteem in which he is held. He has my sincere congratulations on his appointment as Director of the Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services,” said Commissioner Bobby Rucci (District 4).
Mr. Eicholtz has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and has trained extensively with the Government Finance Officers Association and Charles County Government.
“I am honored and appreciative of the faith the County Commissioners and County Administrator Mark Belton have placed in me. This is truly a most challenging position and one that I look forward to serving in for the citizens of Charles County. Fortunately, I am inheriting an excellent professional team from my predecessors, Richard Winkler and Deborah Hall. I look forward to the teamwork that will be needed from all levels of government services to meet the challenges that will arise,” said Mr. Eicholtz.
Historic Preservation Commission to Host Awards Ceremony on Feb. 15
The Charles County Historic Preservation Commission will host a Preservation Reception and Awards Ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the Port Tobacco Courthouse (Chapel Point Rd, Port Tobacco). The winner(s) of the Charles County Preservation Award for 2014 will be announced at this time. The Historic Preservation Award is presented annually to an eligible individual, business, organization, or project that deserves recognition for outstanding achievements in historic preservation. Awards are presented in two categories: Preservation Projects and Preservation Service. A reception at the recently acquired Stagg Hall will follow the Awards Ceremony.
Dr. Julie M. Schablitsky, chief archaeologist at the Maryland State Highway Administration and adjunct professor at the University of Maryland, will be the guest speaker for this event. She will share her work in recent years near the historic Village of Benedict.
Light refreshments will be provided at the event. A donation of $5 per person to the Society for the Restoration of Port Tobacco is encouraged. For more information or to RSVP for the event, please contact Beth Groth at 301-645-0684 or GrothB@CharlesCountyMD.gov. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.
The inclement weather date for the Preservation Reception and Awards Ceremony is Saturday, February 22, 2013.
Charles County Commissioners' February Town Hall Meeting Schedule
The Charles County Commissioners invite the public to attend February town hall meetings as scheduled below. The purpose of the Commissioners’ town hall meetings is to take questions from those in attendance and to discuss items of importance to the citizens and the community.
Reuben B. Collins, II, Commissioner Vice President (District 3)
Monday, Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m.
Capital Clubhouse (3033 Waldorf Market Place, Waldorf)
Ken Robinson (District 1)
“Coffee with the Commissioner: The Valentine/Birthday Edition" (Meeting will be videotaped for online viewing)
Saturday, Feb. 15, 11 a.m.
Starbucks (6675 Crain Highway, La Plata)
Bobby Rucci (District 4)
Commissioner Bobby Rucci will meet with any citizen at any available time or through email, text messaging, or telephone to discuss issues of concern. He may be reached at RucciB@CharlesCountyMD.gov or by calling 301-645-0550.
Future town hall meeting dates are available at http://www.CharlesCountyMD.gov.
For more information, contact Ms. Crystal Hunt at 301-645-0580 or HuntC@CharlesCountyMD.gov. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.