As reported in the Baltimore Sun, Prince George’s County’s 2014 budget proposal reflects hard decisions necessary to keep the deficit down.  The budget proposal from Prince George’s County’s Executive Rushern Baker follows the theme, “Thinking Anew: Building a More Effective and Efficient Government.”  As described in the Sun, the budget is composed of $3.24 billion in funds, a 0.6 percent increase compared to the fiscal year 2013 budget.  In his press release, the County Executive stated,

“Despite the challenging effects of the recession that continue to impact revenues and place tremendous pressure on our budget, we feel confident that these strategic investments will provide positive outcomes and measurable results for our citizens.”

Investments include funding for education, public safety and neighborhood programs.  As reported in the Sun, 

• The budget’s education funding surpasses the “maintenance of effort” requirements by $11 million. In addition, operating hours will be maintained at all 19 branches of the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System.
• Increased funds will be given to the State’s Attorney Office, which will be used to hire two new investigators and further support the Gun and Drug Unit.
• The Prince George’s County Police Department will add 80 new officers through two recruit classes, and funds have been allotted for 35 new fire/EMS recruits and 20 new correctional officers.
• Under the proposed budget, the county will invest $16 million in its Transforming Neighborhoods Initiative, which focuses on public safety and education in six designated areas of the county.

For more information, see the full coverage in the Baltimore Sun or the Prince George’s County press release.