The Budget Process: Slicing the Pie

By Carole Barth

Important Dates

First Week in April — The Executive’s recommended performance measures for County programs are submitted to the County Council
April 9, 10, 11 and 16 — Council budget hearings
May 24 — County Council approves the final budget
July 1 — New fiscal year begins

Operating Budget

The County Executive has proposed an operating budget of $4.14 billion for fiscal year 2008 (a 6.7 percent increase). Leggett recommended increased spending in a number of areas: schools, affordable housing, seniors, gang prevention, public safety, and libraries. Unlike recent operating budgets, there would be no tax increase needed to support the FY2008 budget.

In his press release announcing the new budget, Leggett said, “I have been very concerned that increases in the last several years’ budgets were, quite simply, at levels that are unsustainable. Last year’s overall increase was nine percent.” Council President Praisner agreed, saying, “But the Executive’s proposed budget also recognizes that since both county and state revenue growth is slowing, the pace of budget growth must slow as well.”

The budget includes a tax credit of $613 per owner-occupied residential household. A new 311 call center would give citizens access to county services with a single phone number. The Executive wants to hire 38 new police officers, including six centralized gang task force officers. The county would assume maintenance responsibilities for MCPS stormwater management structures and the budget fully implements the new cross-lot drainage program. Seniors could ride Metrobus and Ride-On for free at all times. Park and Planning would get a 5.8 percent increase.

Of course, budget increases do not automatically translate into improved services. How the money is spent and how programs are implemented make the difference. For example, even though the public schools account for about half of the budget, a student participating in the budget forum held at Northwood High School complained that there are not enough text books to go around.

For more details on the budget, see the County’s website at www.montgomerycounty md.gov and click on the “FY’08 Budget” button. ■

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