Port of Baltimore Announces $1.8 Million Grant to Reduce Diesel Emissions
Environment / Finance and Procurement / News You Can Use
Port of Baltimore Announces $1.8 Million Grant to Reduce Diesel Emissions

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently awarded the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore $1.8 million in Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) funds to replace older diesel-powered equipment with newer, cleaner machinery. The grant will cover about 44 dray trucks, commonly used for transporting shipping containers to and from the Port, and four pieces of cargo-handling equipment such as forklifts, yard tractors, and other heavy cargo machinery. “This EPA grant will help us continue…

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January 7, 2020
New Report Details Local Government Finances in Maryland
County Budgets / County News / Finance and Procurement / Taxes and Revenues
New Report Details Local Government Finances in Maryland

The Department of Legislative Services (DLS) this week released its seventieth annual financial report of Maryland counties, incorporated municipalities, and certain special districts for the fiscal year 2018. The report reflects the general financial condition of local governments in Maryland. The data reflected in this report represents extracts from uniform financial reports submitted by counties, incorporated municipalities, and special districts. The report also includes information submitted by the State Highway Administration, Maryland Department of Health,…

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December 16, 2019
County News / Finance and Procurement / NACo and Federal Issues
Fed Holds Steady on Interest Rates

The Federal Reserve today agreed to hold its benchmark interest rate steady and hinted that rates will remain on hold through next year amid persistently low inflation. Following three consecutive cuts earlier this year, the central bank will keep interest rates in a target range of 1.5%-1.75%. The Fed noted that the U.S. labor market remains strong and that economic activity has been rising at a moderate rate. Job gains have been solid, on average, in…

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December 11, 2019
MACo OPEB Investment Trust: Strong Returns, Top-Notch Advisors
Employee Benefits and Relations / Finance and Procurement / Winter Conference
MACo OPEB Investment Trust: Strong Returns, Top-Notch Advisors

The MACo OPEB Investment Trust - designed to help counties put current assets to work toward long-term health care liabilities - is performing well, delivering healthy returns, and serving member needs. The Board of Trustees of the MACo OPEB Investment Trust convened a quarterly meeting at the Hyatt during the MACo Winter Conference. In addition to reviewing investment strategy and performance, and discussing the landscape for long-term public investing, the Trustees fielded comments from conference…

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December 10, 2019
Smart Growth Subcabinet Answers County Questions at #MACoCon
Agriculture / Economic Development / Energy / Environment / Finance and Procurement / Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development / Intergovernmental Relations / Parks and Recreation / Planning and Zoning / Transportation and Public Works / Winter Conference
Smart Growth Subcabinet Answers County Questions at #MACoCon

Counties received updates on a wide array of key policy issues at the MACo 2019 December Winter Conference during the "A Chat with the Smart Growth Subcabinet" panel on December 4. The Smart Growth Subcabinet oversees and advises on Maryland’s growth policies and laws. During the panel, its members provided updates on land use, environmental, housing, economic development, and transportation issues chosen by county elected officials and staff.   Issues covered by the Subcabinet included:…

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December 10, 2019
Budgeting Best Practices at #MACoCon
County Budgets / Finance and Procurement / MACo Events / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Taxes and Revenues / Winter Conference
Budgeting Best Practices at #MACoCon

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…

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December 10, 2019
Preview the 2020 Session “Big Picture”
Business Affairs / County Budgets / County News / Education / Elections / Emergency Management / Employee Benefits and Relations / Environment / Finance and Procurement / General Assembly News / Government Liability and Courts / Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development / Human Resources / Information Technology / Parks and Recreation / Pensions & Public Funds / Planning and Zoning / Public Information and Ethics / Public Safety and Corrections / School Construction and Capital Budgets / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Taxes and Revenues / Transportation and Public Works
Preview the 2020 Session “Big Picture”

A compilation of Issue Papers previews major fiscal and policy issues facing the General Assembly in the year ahead. This resource is a handy guide to the top issues that your legislators will be tackling in 2020 – a great preparation document for county officials in advance of meetings with their local Delegations. Developed by the Department of Legislative Services (DLS), the 2020 Issue Papers are an annual staple for the Annapolis policy-inclined population. They are also…

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December 6, 2019
Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s Reaffirm Cecil Bond Ratings
County Budgets / County News / Finance and Procurement / News You Can Use
Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s Reaffirm Cecil Bond Ratings

Standard & Poor's Global Rating Services and Moody’s Investors Service this week reaffirmed Cecil County's 'AA+' and 'Aa2' respective bond ratings. Both agencies cite "strong management, strong fiscal policies and practices, and maintenance of structurally balanced operations" as primary factors in determining the ratings. "We work very hard to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars and those conservative practices have been identified and clearly recognized by the rating agencies," said County Executive Alan McCarthy. "Our…

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November 21, 2019
Charles Retains Three AAA Bond Ratings
County Budgets / County News / Finance and Procurement
Charles Retains Three AAA Bond Ratings

Charles County last week announced that the three major bond rating agencies have reaffirmed the County's AAA bond rating. The ratings from Fitch, Moody’s, and Standard & Poor’s reflect the County’s strong financial position and economic stability. “This achievement demonstrates the Board of Commissioners is delivering on its commitment to prudent financial management, which earns not only the confidence of the bond market, but of our citizens,” said Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins, ll, Esq. The…

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October 31, 2019
Finance and Procurement / NACo and Federal Issues
Fed Cuts Interest Rate for Third Time This Year

The Federal Reserve today lowered its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points, the third time this year the central bank has cut rates in an attempt to insulate the United States economy from a potential global slowdown. The new interest rate is now 1.50 percent to 1.75 percent, according to a press release. The Fed said it continues to see a continuation of economic growth, a robust labor market, and inflation near 2% as “the most…

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October 30, 2019
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