Anne Arundel Reduces Taxes, Invests More in Education & Public Safety

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  • Post category:County Budgets

The Anne Arundel County Council recently approved the FY 2017 budget which includes reducing taxes and fees while investing more in education and strengthening public safety.

According to Anne Arundel County’s website,

“Last year, we set out an agenda to help our county reach its full potential. We began working to change the policies and culture of Anne Arundel County,” said [County Executive Steve] Schuh.  “With this enacted budget, we are one step closer to making our county the best place to live, work, and start a business in Maryland. I thank the County Council and Auditor for the most cooperative budget effort in recent history.”

The enacted budget delivers on the County’s Executive’s five point strategic plan for a stronger Anne Arundel County including:

  • Reducing Taxes and Fees: The FY 2017 budget fully funds both an $11 million tax cut and $75 million reduction in water and sewer connection fees. Through the property tax cap, citizens will also see a 1 percent, $5.5 million reduction in property taxes.
  • Strengthening Education: The FY 2017 budget fully funds a $15.5 million teacher salary step increase and the largest school construction effort in County history.
  • Investing in Public Safety: The FY 2017 budget includes general funds for 25 new public safety personnel and continues to fund the planning of a new police academy and central booking facility.
  • Reforming County Government: The FY 2017 reorganizes various operating units within Inspections and Permits and Planning and Zoning to ensure greater efficiency and a smoother work flow.
  • Cleaning Up Our Waterways: In the largest investment in waterway cleanup in county history, the FY 2017 budget calls for $253 million in 6 year program spending to support more than 300 waterway cleanup projects throughout the County.

The FY 2017 budget also works to improve resident’s overall quality of life by making strategic investments in every corner of our county through the JumpStart Anne Arundel Capital Funding program.