County seeks OK to tax rental cars : Money would be used to shore up budget

County officials want permission to levy a tax on rental cars, in hopes that the money could help them cope with Anne Arundel's looming financial crisis.

Described by officials as a "precautionary measure," a bill is expected to be introduced today by Del. Mary Ann Love, D-Glen Burnie. It would give the county authority to impose the tax countywide, including the 900,000 cars rented at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport each year.

"I'm hoping that the revenue picture will brighten," County Executive John R. Leopold said this morning. "At the same time, I must be pragmatic."

Though he has no precise estimate, he said he...