Highlights Of Baltimore County's Proposed $4.2 Billion Budget

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. submitted his $4.2 billion operating budget proposal Thursday. Of that, more than $2.05 billion will go to education.

It also includes an effort to fund the county's recovery amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This budget is an investment in our shared future and a better Baltimore County – with stronger schools, vibrant communities and a thriving economy,” Olszewski said.

“Together we have an opportunity to build on the historic progress we have already made, take bold steps to address longstanding disparities in our communities, and plan a thoughtful recovery that will not just rebuild our way of life, but improve it," the county executive said in a statement.

The budget proposes mid-year cost-of-living increases for all employees, fully funds steps and increments and puts $70 million toward health and life insurance benefits for retired county employees.

Here are some other highlights, according to the county executive:

• Education — More than $40 million over the Maintenance of Effort, the single-largest dollar increase for Baltimore County Public Schools, including restoring 122 teaching positions slated to be cut due to declining enrollment in the current school year; $67 million toward new Lansdowne High School; and 35 new positions, including counselors and pupil personnel workers
• Public safety — $16 million for new Sparrows Point fire station and police substation; $7 million for new Wilkens Precinct; $1 million for new Catonsville career fire station land acquisition; completion of body camera program for law enforcement; community fire outreach, medical director and equity officer positions
• Housing — $850,000 for the county’s first Department of Housing and Community Development
• Over $12 million for senior center projects, including $4.6 million expansion of the Woodlawn Senior Center and $3 million for northern Baltimore County senior center
• $75 million in state and local funding for parks and open space, including $7 million in state and local funding for Greens Lane park development in Randallstown; $14.5 million to finish the Sparrows Point Park project; and $5.3 million for land preservation
• Funding to support operation of Towson Circulator, expected to begin service this fall

The budget also proposes adding six code enforcement inspectors, based on recommendations by the Code Enforcement Work Group; funds the restoration of bulk trash pickup for early 2022; and includes $2.4 million for tree planting and maintenance across the county.

"These investments are the bread and butter of local government, and they are fundamental to a neighborhood's quality of life," Olszewski said.

The County Council is slated to vote May 27 on the proposed FY22 budget.

Watch the Baltimore County executive's news conference on the budget: