Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman sent a fiscal 2023 supplemental budget to the County Council, including $2 million in one-time funding for pay equity at Anne Arundel Community College and more than $2.2 million in American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funding for hiring and retention bonuses for school bus drivers and crossing guards.
“Providing school bus driver and crossing guard bonuses gives our school system the edge it needs to recruit for these critical positions,” County Executive Steuart Pittman said. “The pay equity funding for Anne Arundel Community College will help it retain the talented staff who make it the best community college in the nation.”
As previously reported on Conduit Street, County Executive Pittman announced tax savings and other key taxpayer benefits in his fiscal 2023 budget.
The County Executive’s supplemental budget also enhances public safety by adding four new Fire Communication Officers to add a shift of 9-1-1 dispatchers and five new vehicles for Sheriff’s Office deputies. In addition, in response to community use and feedback, it also adds a Facility Superintendent position at the North Arundel Aquatic Center and a cyber security position with the Anne Arundel County Public Library.
Through ARPA money, the supplemental adds grant funding to continue the Brooklyn Park Food Pantry and six additional grants in the Community Support Grant Program.
“This is a fiscally responsible budget that meets the County’s priority needs, and we are pleased to be able to add several additional positions and initiatives in the supplemental budget,” said Chris Trumbauer, budget officer. “This is the most collaborative budget process I have been a part of throughout the 12 county budgets I have been involved in. I’d like to thank the budget team, the auditor’s office, our department directors, and members of the County Council, and I look forward to the final passage of the budget next week.”
