Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman released his proposed county budget for FY 2017 — with a 3.7% increase in core spending, and no increases in tax rates.
From the county’s press release:
“This budget supports our residents’ priorities by funding critical new initiatives and improving ongoing services without raising taxes,” Kittleman said. “Projected revenue increases are still modest, but show a recovery from last year, which allows us to further support our priorities.”
The proposed FY 2017 General Fund Operating Budget, excluding PAYGO for one-time expenses, represents a 3.7 percent increase over FY 2016. PAYGO is the prior fund balance carried over from previous budget years.
The budget includes $562.2 million in county funds for the Howard County Public School System, $7.2 million above the required Maintenance of Effort level, and supports negotiated teacher pay raises, special education and 56 new teacher positions. The County also funds debt service payments for HCPSS capital projects and teacher retiree health benefits. Total county support to the school system makes up nearly 59 percent of the General Fund budget.
