Last month, the Baltimore County Council passed a $5 billion budget for the next fiscal year that includes no tax increases. The budget will go into effect July 1.
In November, voters will be asked to approve nearly $600 million in borrowing to cover capital improvement projects, like $22 million toward the new Sparrows Point Fire Station.
“I thank the County Council for their continued partnership as we work towards building a better Baltimore County,” Olszewski said in a statement. “This budget makes historic investments in our people, our infrastructure, and our communities while sustaining our commitment to move us forward in transportation, public safety, education, and more.”
About half of the budget — $2.58 billion — would go toward funding Baltimore County Public Schools, including $41 million more than what’s required under Maryland’s Blueprint legislation. A total of $331 million is set aside for school infrastructure improvements, including additions to Patapsco High School.
The starting salary for teachers would be raised to $60,000, and community college tuition would be frozen for county residents for the sixth year in a row. The proposed budget would continue offering free tuition at CCBC schools to families earning $150,000 or less.
The budget also includes cost-of-living increases for all county employees.
Baltimore County’s public libraries would receive $35 million in state and local funds for projects, and $30 million of local, state and federal funding would be set aside for parks and open space.
The Department of Recreation and Parks would see its budget raised by more than $6 million, which will create new positions in the department aimed at improving safety and access to parks and recreational facilities.
“As a result, our administration is delivering seven major new parks across Baltimore County within the next year — including finally cutting the ribbon for our newest skatepark at Hazelwood and the new Sparrows Point Park,” Olszewski said.
To cover all of the planned capital improvement projects, the county will be asking voters to approve $600 million in new borrowing through a ballot referendum this November. This is nearly $250 million more borrowing than was expected because inflationary pressures have driven up costs, Olszewski said.
The council unanimously approved the budget at its meeting on May 23, after adopting one amendment to County Executive Johnny Olszewski’s original proposal.
When the budget was first proposed in April, Olszewski requested that $1.2 million be set aside to expand the county’s offices if new members are added to the council. In the final version of the budget, that amount was cut in half to $600,000.
Olszewski and others want to amend the Baltimore County charter to add more members to the county council. Council Chairman Izzy Patoka introduced a bill on June 3 that, if approved by the council, would put the issue on the November ballot for voters to decide.
“I applaud Councilmembers for finally introducing legislation to expand the County Council — helping ensure our government is more responsive and equitable for all our residents,” Olszewski said.
A group called Vote4More is also circulating a petition that would put the issue on the ballot if at least 10,000 signatures are collected.
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