Kamenetz Named Vice Chair of Baltimore Metropolitan Council

April 21, 2011

Baltimore County Executive and MACo Board Member, Kevin Kamenetz has been appointed the Vice Chair of the Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC), a regional group that facilitates collaboration on regional strategies, plans and programs to improve the quality of life and economic vitality in Baltimore City, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, and Howard counties.  The Council provide  assistance to member jurisdictions on an array of  issues including air and water quality, economic and demographic research and transportation. The Baltimore Sun reports:

“There are more similarities than differences in the issues we all face in our communities and I am an enthusiastic supporter of the BMC as the venue where local officials can compare notes, explore opportunities and work together on joint solutions,” Kamenetz said.

Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, the council’s chairwoman, said the county executive’s “strong collaborative spirit” will help the group move forward.

“He also understands the importance of good working relationships between city and county governments to make the Baltimore region better, safer and stronger,” she said.

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Posted by Emily Hollis

Baltimore County Presents FY12 Budget

April 14, 2011

Today, Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz presented the proposed operating budget for FY 2012. The $1.6 billion spending plan will not raise property or income taxes, maintains current services and represents a less than 1 percent increase over last year’s plan. The budget includes drawing an estimated $61 million from the county’s reserves and asking county public school officials to reexamine spending on top-level administrators.  The Baltimore Sun reports:

Council members said they were pleased with the budget, given the circumstances.

“The money’s not there,” said Council Chairman John Olszewski Sr., an Edgemere Democrat, adding that it makes that sense that the county is not filling vacant jobs, while consolidating agencies and keeping workers in existing positions.

Councilman Todd Huff, a Republican who represents northern Baltimore County, said he was excited to hear that Kamenetz’s proposal includes no tax hikes.

“I don’t see us making a lot of changes, he said.

Kamenetz described the county’s reserves — approximately $150 million, about 10 percent of the county’s budget — as healthy, saying, “The good news is that’s why the money is there.”

He struck an optimistic tone as he concluded his address

“I assure you that Baltimore County will weather the difficulties that we will undoubtedly face in the future,” he said.

A press release issued by Baltimore County provides an overview of the FY 12 budget:

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Posted by Emily Hollis

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