Leggett Releases $5.1 Billion Budget Proposal (VIDEO)
County Executive Ike Leggett today released his recommended FY16 operating budget of $5.1 billion for the year that begins on July 1, 2015 – a budget that increases county government tax-supported spending by 1.1 percent while cutting the county property tax rate by about one cent.
The budget closes an estimated $238 million gap in funding.
Leggett presented the budget at a news conference. You may watch the conference in its entirety here:
“Over the last nine years, I have closed over $3 billion in budget gaps while putting the County’s fiscal house back in order and making the investments necessary to build a better future,” said County Executive Leggett, who was re-elected to a third term last November. “This budget signals that our hard work of fiscal responsibility is not done. We see lower-than-expected income tax revenues, a still fragile national economic recovery and the prospect of less State funding. While my FY16 budget is, essentially, a ‘same-services’ budget, I have strategically looked for opportunities in it to improve job growth and expand our tax base. Although carefully constrained in some areas, this budget continues the County’s significant investments in our schools, the creation of good jobs, transportation, affordable housing, public safety, our Positive Youth Development Initiative, our seniors, and in help for the vulnerable in our midst. We are increasing our investment in biotech, expanding our focus on cybersecurity business and making sure that job-creating projects that are ready to go will receive needed permits within 30 days. This new initiative will get our buildings built, more jobs created, and will make the County’s tax base larger far sooner than before.”
Among the highlights:
- A tax-supported County government budget of $1,405,714,273, a 1.1 percent increase over this year. A total county budget of $5,067,834,958 – a $72.1 million, or 1.4 percent, overall increase.
- Funding for the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) of $2.2 billion – the Maintenance of Effort level required by State law. That represents a $30.7 million increase over last year, or 1.4 percent and is nearly 98 percent of the Board of Education’s request. The County Executive’s budget also includes $27.2 million for future health care and retirement benefits for MCPS that makes that same amount available for funding for MCPS programs in FY16;
- Reduces the property tax rate by 0.9 cents per $100 of assessed valuation (from 99.6 cents to 98.7 cents). The average county residence, valued at $455,600, would pay $3,805 in FY16 — an increase of only $15 for the year;
- Increases staffing at the Department of Permitting Services to guarantee 30-day turnaround for permitting on ready projects, a continuation of the County Executive’s business-friendly streamlining initiative
- Reduces Solid Waste fees by 4 percent across-the-board for families and businesses
- Increases funding for Developmental Disability programs by $1 million
- Provides $43.9 million for affordable housing creation and preservation
- Adds $7 million in funding for senior housing projects in Silver Spring and Glenmont
- Increases funding for the Department of Public Libraries by 5 percent – mostly in increased materials
- Funds body cameras and new bulletproof vests for County Police
- Provides a $3 million increase in the County contribution for Montgomery College, a 2.6 percent increase that represents 98 percent of the College’s request
- Provides a $1.8 million increase for the Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission, a 1.5 percent increase and 96 percent of the agency’s tax-supported request
- Increases funding for County cybersecurity business efforts
- Provides a modest two percent wage increase for County employees, who sacrificed with layoffs, furloughs, a 10 percent reduction in numbers, and changes in health and retirement benefits during the Great Recession – saving County taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars and tens of millions of dollars of ongoing savings each year going forward
- Keeps the County on target to attain a 10 percent County reserve fund by 2020
- Maintains funding for the mandated level of funding to pay for future County retiree health benefits
The full budget and highlights are available on the County’s website at reports.data.montgomerycountymd.gov/omb
Watch video message from County Executive Leggett about the Recommended FY16 Operating Budget.
View the Budget Shortfalls Closed by County Executive chart.
View the County Government Spending (Tax Supported) chart.
County Executive Presents His Recommended FY 2016 Budget (VIDEO)
Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett unveiled his proposed fiscal year 2016 operating budget on March 16. His presentation was broadcast live on local public, education and government television stations and dozens of county employees attended the formal event at the County Executive Office Building. MyMCMedia’s Sonya Burke reports. The Montgomery County Council will hold public […]
BOE President Pat O'Neill's Message to Parents and Students (VIDEO)
In this MyMCMedia Extra video, Board of Education President Patricia O’Neill says parents and staff need to know that local leaders are doing the best they can for students in Montgomery County.
The Proposed Budget's Impact on Arts and Humanities in MoCo (VIDEO)
In this MyMCMedia Extra video, CEO Suzan Jenkins of the Arts and Humanities Council says she is pleased with the County Executive’s recommended fiscal year 2016 budget. Watch her reaction here:
Leggett's Proposed Budget and MCPS (VIDEO)
In this MyMCMedia Extra video, County Executive Isiah Leggett highlights the impact of his recommended budget on Montgomery County Public Schools. Related:
Acting Fire Chief Pleased with Recommended Budget (VIDEO)
Acting Fire Chief Scott Goldstein shares his reaction to the County Executive’s recommended operating budget and what it means for the department in this MyMCMedia Extra video.
BOE President Pat O'Neill on MoCo Budget: "There's Still a Gap"
In this MyMCMedia Extra video, Board of Education President Pat O’Neill reacts to the County Executive’s proposed budget and talks about some of the measures Montgomery County Public Schools officials are proactively taking to try and close the gap.
Police Chief Tom Manger on 9-1-1 Call Center Changes (VIDEO)
In this MyMCMedia Extra video, Montgomery County Police Chief Tom Manger said the police department is looking at some changes and enhancements at the county’s 9-1-1 center in order to reduce emergency response time. The money for these changes are included in County Executive Ike Leggett’s recommended fiscal year 2016 operating budget.
Montgomery College's Budget Needs (VIDEO)
Dr. DeRionne Pollard, the president of Montgomery College, explains how much money Montgomery College still needs following the presentation of the County Executive’s recommended fiscal year 2016 operating budget on March 16. Find out more in this MyMCMedia Extra video: Related:
Leggett Thinks County Council is Generally Pleased with Budget (VIDEO)
In this MyMCMedia Extra, County Executive Isiah Leggett said the County Council seems to be generally pleased with his recommended fiscal year 2016 operating budget. Take a look: Related:
Dr. DeRionne Pollard on Budget Proposal and Montgomery College (VIDEO)
In this MyMCMedia Extra video, Dr. DeRionne Pollard, the president of Montgomery College, shares her reaction to County Executive Isiah Leggett’s recommended fiscal year 2016 operating budget. Related:
Engage us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Tweets by @mymcmedia