Inflation is at a 40-year high, driving up costs for capital projects and routine service delivery. In addition, the tight labor market means county governments are boosting salaries, which puts upward pressure on pension costs. And the looming potential of a recession only adds to the uncertainty.

At the MACo Summer Conference, an expert panel will present a detailed economic outlook, share best practices for planning, budgeting, and forecasting, and discuss strategies for how counties can best prepare for future fiscal uncertainties.

Sticker Shock! Adjusting for Inflation 

Description: Inflation is at a 40-year high, driving up costs for capital projects and routine service delivery. The tight labor market means county governments are increasing salaries, which puts upward pressure on pension costs. Supply chain issues driven by geopolitical unrest and the global pandemic threaten to delay priority projects. And the looming potential of a recession only adds fuel to the fire. In this session, an expert panel will present a detailed economic outlook, share best practices for planning, budgeting, and forecasting, and discuss strategies for how counties can best prepare for future fiscal uncertainties. 

Speakers: 

• Robert Rehrmann, Director, Bureau of Revenue Estimates
• Ted Zaleski, Director, Office of Management and Budget, Carroll County
• Holly Sun, Budget Administrator, Howard County
• Robert Sandlass, Treasurer, Harford County

Date/Time: Thursday, August 18, 2022; 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm