Read more about the article State Archives Plan to Charge For Land Records Access – County Effects Unclear
County News / Finance and Procurement / Housing and Community Development / Planning and Zoning
State Archives Plan to Charge For Land Records Access – County Effects Unclear

The Maryland State Archives, who house voluminous and essential land records on Maryland properties, announced a plan to charge 20 cents per page to view those records online, coinciding with a new website and service, beginning this May. Announcement from the Maryland State Archives: Maryland Land Records Website Update The Maryland State Archives plans to launch a new version of the Maryland Land Records website, https://mdlandrec.net, in May 2025. Updated features will include all search criteria…

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March 27, 2025
Read more about the article Treasury Moves to Reclaim Unused ARPA Funds, Launches Compliance Actions
Coronavirus / County Budgets / Finance and Procurement / NACo and Federal Issues
Treasury Moves to Reclaim Unused ARPA Funds, Launches Compliance Actions

The US Department of the Treasury has issued a formal alert to Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) recipients, signaling a more aggressive posture on compliance reviews and recoupment efforts tied to the December 31, 2024, obligation deadline. Counties that received SLFRF allocations under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) are now subject to heightened scrutiny. Treasury has clarified that it will recoup any funds not properly obligated by the deadline and recover funds…

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March 27, 2025
Read more about the article Fed Stays Put on Rates, Signals Cuts Ahead
Finance and Procurement / News You Can Use
Fed Stays Put on Rates, Signals Cuts Ahead

The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged, while signaling that two rate cuts remain likely this year as policymakers assess economic conditions. The decision keeps the benchmark federal funds rate in the 4.25% to 4.5% range, where it has remained since December. The Fed remains cautious, waiting to see if inflation cools enough to warrant rate cuts without reigniting price pressures. Economic Outlook and Policy Adjustments The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) lowered its economic…

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March 20, 2025
Read more about the article Baltimore County Retains AAA Bond Ratings
County Budgets / County News / Finance and Procurement
Baltimore County Retains AAA Bond Ratings

Baltimore County has announced that it has maintained triple-A bond ratings from all three major rating agencies. This allows the County to continue issuing bonds at the lowest possible interest rate and saves millions of dollars for County taxpayers. "Baltimore County boasts a strong financial foundation and top bond ratings as a result of our focus on stability, resilience, and fiscal responsibility,” said Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier. “We are thrilled to have earned this…

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March 13, 2025
Read more about the article Conduit Street Podcast: The Year of the Impossible County Budget
County Budgets / County News / Education / Emergency Management / Finance and Procurement / Health and Human Services / Intergovernmental Relations / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Taxes and Revenues
Conduit Street Podcast: The Year of the Impossible County Budget

As Maryland counties build their budgets, uncertainty from both Washington and Annapolis creates major challenges. In this episode, Kevin Kinnally, Michael Sanderson, and Sarah Sample break down the key fiscal debates shaping the future of local government funding.   Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street Blog and stay in the know!

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February 27, 2025
Read more about the article MACo on iGaming: Protect Community Grants, Ensure Fair Revenue Sharing
Finance and Procurement / MACo Testimony
MACo on iGaming: Protect Community Grants, Ensure Fair Revenue Sharing

On February 10, Legislative Director Kevin Kinnally testified before the Ways and Means Committee to support HB 17 - Internet Gaming - Authorization and Implementation with amendments.  If passed and the resulting ballot question approved through a statewide referendum in the 2026 general election, this bill would authorize the State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission (SLGCC) to license video lottery operators to conduct and operate internet gaming in Maryland. From MACo Testimony:  HB 17 presents…

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February 12, 2025
Read more about the article NACo’s Expanding Procurement Opportunities for Counties
County Budgets / County News / Finance and Procurement / NACo and Federal Issues
NACo’s Expanding Procurement Opportunities for Counties

The National Association of Counties (NACo) Public Promise Procurement (PPP) program offers a powerful solution by providing counties with cooperative purchasing contracts tailored to their needs. What is Public Promise Procurement? The PPP is a collaborative initiative that streamlines local government purchasing. The program leverages NACo’s vast national network. Through this channel, counties can access and competitively bid for contracts that ensure cost savings, efficiency, and compliance with procurement regulations. How Counties Benefit Through the…

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February 5, 2025
Read more about the article Howard Launches New Enterprise Zone for Business Growth
County Budgets / County News / Economic Development / Finance and Procurement
Howard Launches New Enterprise Zone for Business Growth

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today unveiled the county’s transformative, first-ever Enterprise Zone. An economic gamechanger, the Eastern Howard County Enterprise Zone is a massive incentive program for businesses along Route 1 and in Columbia Gateway, offering tax credits to businesses looking to reinvest in their properties and tax benefits to those looking to grow their employment base. "The new Eastern Howard County Enterprise Zone – and first ever in our jurisdiction – will generate capital investment and…

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January 30, 2025
Read more about the article Inflation Cools as Fed Signals Cautious Approach to Rate Cuts
County News / Finance and Procurement / News You Can Use / School Construction and Capital Budgets / State Budget and Fiscal Issues
Inflation Cools as Fed Signals Cautious Approach to Rate Cuts

Inflation cooled slightly in November, with the Federal Reserve delivering another rate cut amid lingering price pressures. Borrowing costs remain high as the Fed signals a measured approach to future rate adjustments. The Federal Reserve continues its effort to navigate a cooling economy and persistent inflation, delivering a 25-basis-point rate cut this week. The cut brings the Fed’s target range for its benchmark interest rate to 4.25 to 4.5 percent, returning to December 2022 levels.…

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December 20, 2024
Read more about the article Risk Management Ensuring Service Continuity and Protecting Public Resources
County Budgets / County News / Finance and Procurement / Human Resources / Risk Management / Winter Conference
Risk Management Ensuring Service Continuity and Protecting Public Resources

In today's fast-paced world, public entities face numerous challenges in maintaining the services that citizens rely on every day.  From property damage and work-related injuries to liability claims and automobile accidents, every dollar spent on managing these issues is a dollar diverted away from crucial public services.  This is where effective risk management becomes essential. Risk management is not just about reacting to problems as they arise; it's a structured, proactive process that helps public…

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December 19, 2024
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