Howard County Executive Ken Ulman released the final budget of his second term in office this week.  The $1.7 billion fiscal 2015 operating budget, of which $1.026 billion is general funds, funds new education and mental health initiatives, and new police units to patrol surrounding neighborhoods and target human trafficking.

From the county press release:

Of the $1.026 billion proposed general fund budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1, 74 percent would go to education and public safety. The budget freezes property and income tax rates at their current levels.

“This budget reflects the priorities of our community, and the progress we have made over the past eight years,” County Executive Ulman said. “Howard County residents rightly place a high value on education and public safety, and we are able to make important investments in those areas because of responsible management and a healthy local economy.”

The budget also provides a 3% cost of living adjustment for general county employees.

The County Council will now begin its review of the budget with adoption expected by June 1, 2014.

Additional information on the proposed fiscal year 2015 budget can be found on the county administration page on the website.