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Health & Fitness

Bevins: Budget Updates for the Sixth District

Sixth District Councilwoman Cathy Bevins Highlights Several Projects Included in FY 2014 Budget Proposal

On April 15th, County Executive Kamenetz presented to the County Council his proposed Budget for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2014.   I was pleased to see that the proposal continues the Baltimore County tradition of excellent service and responsible fiscal management, without any proposed increases to the property tax or income tax rates, marking the 25th consecutive year without a property tax rate hike, and the 21st year in a row without an increased income tax rate.  Unlike many local governments, Baltimore County’s record of fiscal responsibility, will allow increased efficiency and continued effectiveness, without the need to cut services, or subject County employees to layoffs or furloughs.

Fifty-three cents of every tax dollar goes to public education, and this year I am particularly pleased with the propsed budget as it relates to major school projects and initiatives that will benefit the residents of the Sixth District.  Some highlights include:

  • School technology improvements, including funds to provide WiFi in every public school classroom.  This year’s budget proposes $4 Million for the first phase which will to bring these upgrades to every high school.
  • School safety and security improvements, including a one-card staff and student ID and swipe entry system, upgraded security cameras, and increased public safety presence – This year’s budget will fund six additional police officer assignments to ensure a full-time, designated School Resource Officer (SRO) at all middle and high schools.
  • School construction projects, including a $16.2 Million renovation project, including air conditioning, at Overlea High School, as well as $5.4 Million in Roof Replacement projects that will include Glenmar Elementary and Middleborough Elementary Schools.  The budget also includes $32.5 Million in maintenance and site improvements across the school system.

 

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Additional anticipated air conditioning projects will be announced following the State IAC review process, and I am hopeful that additional sixth district schools will benefit from the designated state funding.

Moreover, the proposed FY 2014 Capital Budget continues to fund and reinvest in infrastructure projects throughout the County, including additional road resurfacing projects and various neighborhood improvements.  In addition to various paving projects, I am particularly pleased that this year’s budget for road projects will include:

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  • $300,000 in funding towards a $1.2 million project to raise portions of Bowley’s Quarters Road by up to three (3) feet to mitigate frequent flooding problems.  The balance of funding will be made up through grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 

 

The low lying portion of this road has been a frequent concern and long awaited project in the surrounding community.  I have worked together with the community leaders and the Administration to get this project moving forward, and on behalf of these communities, I am thrilled that the project will finally be funded. 

Other funded neighborhood improvements will include:

  • $1.3 million for the rehabilitation of Rosedale Park, including funds for expanded parking and environmental stabilization;
  • $880,000 for new and improved walking trails, including the Brady Trail at Marshy Point Park; and
  • An additional $50,000 grant to NeighborSpace to assist with their open space preservation initiatives.

 

Lastly, I have worked with the County Executive, his staff, and the administration at Franklin Square Hospital to initiate a partnership between the County, the State and MedStar Health for the relocation and construction of a new Eastern Resource Center at Franklin Square Hospital.  This year’s budget includes County contributions of $4 million to supplement the contributions of the hospital and the State of Maryland which will be combined to complete the $14 million project.

            A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for Tuesday, April 30th, and following an exhaustive review, and any cuts proposed by the Council, final adoption is scheduled for Thursday, May 23rd.  During the course of the next several weeks, the Council will undertake an exhaustive review of the proposed budget and I fully expect that our adopted budget will carry on the proud tradition of fiscal responsibility and restraint as we continue to weather and emerge from the economic recession.  

I am looking forward to reviewing the proposed Budget with my colleagues and passing a reasonable, balanced budget.

 
Cathy Bevins,
Councilwoman, Sixth District

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