Olszewski Releases $5 Billion Budget Providing Education Funding, Record Investments in Recreation and Parks, Other Major Investments

By BJLife Newsroom
Posted on 04/11/24

Towson, MD - Apr. 11, 2024 — Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski today submitted a $5 billion budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2025 that provides billions for public education, historic investments in recreation and parks, and continued funding for key priorities that will move Baltimore County forward, including public safety, housing and community development, sustainability, public works and transportation, libraries, and beyond.

“Building a better Baltimore County requires sustained dedication, innovation, and integrity – all qualities that are reflected in our FY25 budget,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “We are proud to continue making record investments in education, public safety, and recreation and parks while sustaining our commitments to move Baltimore County forward with funding for our roadways, libraries, senior centers, open spaces, and attainable housing so that we can fulfill the promise of a better Baltimore County together.”

BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS

Below are highlights of the FY 2025 budget that County Executive Olszewski submitted to the Baltimore County Council.

Investing in Students and Educators

• Delivers on Baltimore County Public Schools request and provides $41 million above state-required Maintenance of Effort (MOE).
• Provides millions in capital funding towards ongoing school construction projects, including a new Dulaney High School a like-new Towson High School, and a new Scotts Branch Elementary School.
• Raises starting salary for educators to $60,000 — fulfilling our obligation to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future — two years ahead of schedule.
• Provides funding for step increases and a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) consistent with agreement with school system labor organizations.
• Continues to provide near-universal, free community college to any Baltimore County household making less than $150,000 a year for residents seeking a full-time degree, part-time degree, or workforce certification program.
• Freezes in-County tuition at CCBC for all residents for a record sixth year in a row.

Investing in Vibrant Neighborhoods

• Provides $35 million in state and local funding towards major Baltimore County Public Library projects.
• Provides more than $30 million in local, state, and federal funding for parks and open space, including:
  • $4.4 million for park acquisition,
  • $1 million for recreation facility renovations, and
  • $2 million for athletic field and ball diamond renovations and enhancements.
• Provides $22 million towards a new Wilkens Police Precinct.
• Provides over $11 million to complete a new Catonsville Fire Station
• Provides over $6 million — an over 30 percent increase — to begin rightsizing the historical underfunding of the Department of Recreation and Parks.
• Provides $3.3 million for the Housing Opportunities Fund to support attainable housing projects.
• Provides funding to bolster Baltimore County’s immigrant affairs outreach.
• Provides first $1 million towards our Fair Election Fund public financing system set to begin with the 2026 election cycle

Investing in Public Servants

• Provides $500,000 to continue student loan relief fund for employees.
• Provides Cost-Of-Living Adjustments or equivalent increases in addition to full funding of steps and increments for employees.
• Contributes over $121 million to OPEB — the fund that provides health and life insurance benefits for retired County employees.
• Retains a 14 percent fund balance, far exceeding “Rainy Day Fund” requirements.

The County Council is scheduled to vote on the proposed FY 2025 budget on May 23, 2024.

Read the full FY 2025 Budget Details here and view the presentation online here.