Politics & Government

Council Reaches Tentative $4.6 Billion Budget Agreement

Operating budget for fiscal 2013 set to be formally adopted Thursday.

The Montgomery County Council tentatively agreed on a $4.6 billion county operating budget for fiscal 2013. The budget, along with a construction spending plan through fiscal year 2018, is set for formal approval Thursday.

 “Our priorities have been, and will continue to be, our world-class school system, public safety, safety net service and growing our economy. This budget reflects that,” Council President Roger Berliner (D-Dist 1) said in a statement.

The plan is based on a which included a $200 million spending boost and increased funding for police, firefighters, libraries and youth programs.

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Council members reached the budget agreement unanimously.

The operating budget funds the county school system and Montgomery College at state-mandated maintenance of effort levels, The Gazette reports. It also grants county employees a one-time bonus and restores positions, including 58 in the county police department and 15 in the library system, according to The Gazette.

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The plan bolsters spending for county's Health and Human Services programs and increases library funding by $2.9 million, The Gazette reports. It would also, however, increase parking rates and property taxes, The Washington Post reports. Under the plan, the owner of a $250,000 property would see their tax bill jump by about $18 a year, according to The Post. The cost of a monthly Ride On bus pass would increase from $40 to $45, the Post reports.

The plan includes revenue from a controversial energy tax and ambulance fees. Under the energy tax, residents would pay about $140 more a year, while businesses would pay about $1,360 more annually, the Post reports. The energy tax, however, would be decreased by 10 percent from the levels proposed by Leggett.

The budget increases county spending 5.6 percent over the fiscal 2012 budget, according to a county statement.


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