With all the talk about funding formulas for Kirwan and other initiatives, it is clear that there is an even greater need for counties to have strong budgeting procedures.

At the 2019 MACo Winter Conference Adacademy Core session, “County Financial Management” attendees learned about the budgeting process; important financial terms; how to implement a multi-year plan; and questions to keep in mind when managing your county’s budget.

It was taught by Carroll County Director of Management & Budget Ted Zaleski and moderated by Anne Arundel Councilmember Jessica Haire. Zaleski walked through county budget timelines, how to plan, and what to expect from other government actors.

The Academy for Excellence in Local Governance is a volunteer certificate program for elected and appointed county and municipal officials. The program provides a strong background of necessary skills and knowledge for local government leaders. It was founded by MACo and MML, and is facilitated by the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy.

The 2019 MACo Winter Conference, “Building for the Future,” was held on December 4-6, 2019, at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Hotel in Cambridge, Maryland.