Annapolis, MD (June 14, 2024) - The Anne Arundel County Council passed Anne Arundel County’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget today by a 4-3 vote. Councilmembers Allison Pickard, Julie Hummer, Lisa Rodvien, and Pete Smith voted in favor of the budget.
“What has impressed me most about this year’s budget is the process,” said County Executive Steuart Pittman. “All seven members of the County Council have different priorities, and sometimes they disagree with one another or with my administration, but we’ve established a process that respects all voices.”
County Executive Steuart Pittman introduced the budget on May 1st with a theme of “Staying Strong.” The FY25 budget, now officially adopted, makes several key investments in county priorities while maintaining the lowest tax rates in the region. Budget highlights include:
Protecting Our Communities
County Executive Pittman’s FY25 budget reinforces the county's dedication to public safety by raising the starting salary for police officers to the highest level in Maryland today and offering a substantial pay package to retain current officers. The budget also allocates funds to train 70 new firefighter recruits and provides hiring bonuses for detention officers to help reduce vacancies. Additionally, it finances an innovative program to ensure a Sheriff’s Deputy is present in every courtroom.
Investing in Tomorrow’s Leaders
To invest in our future leaders, the budget prioritizes education by fully funding Dr. Bedell’s compensation request with a step increase, a 3% cost-of-living adjustment. This year’s budget meets all the current year Maryland Blueprint for Education requirements, solidifying the county’s commitment to a strong school system. It also includes critical funding for the Anne Arundel County Public Library system, increases funding for Anne Arundel Community College, supports pre-K provider programs, starts a new middle school Athletics Program, and implements a virtual tutoring and homework after-school program.
Improving Quality of Life
The budget bolsters the well-being of county communities by maintaining investments in successful pandemic-era programs. It allocates $1.5 million to the Anne Arundel County Food Bank and funds the Department of Social Services’ SNAP program, benefiting over 36,000 children across the county. Additionally, the budget supports the Mental Health Agency’s Crisis Response Team and adds a position in the Department of Health to oversee the Cure Violence program.
Safeguarding Our Environment
County Executive Pittman recently announced the formation of the county’s first environmental subcabinet to spearhead sustainability efforts and further the administration’s progress in protecting natural resources. This year’s budget includes funding for staff at the soon-to-open Jug Bay Emory Waters Nature Preserve and expands the popular River Days Festival series to five locations, offering free public water access for families.
Critical Services/Fiscal Responsibility
This year, Anne Arundel County upheld its Triple-A bond rating from all three major rating agencies for the second consecutive year. The agencies acknowledged the county’s robust economic indicators and fiscally responsible enhancements to governmental institutions that serve residents. The budget includes nearly a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for both union and non-represented employees and allocates funds to cover rising information technology expenses for the new Police Real Time Information Center, the Land Use Navigator, and other tools aimed at improving operations and enhancing security protocols.
While the budget remained largely unchanged from introduction, the County Council reallocated funding from the delayed New Village Academy opening to other priorities, including elementary school classroom teaching positions, support for teacher planning time, and Pre-Kindergarten programs. County Executive Pittman also added funding for several capital budget programs and an additional position for the library system at the County Council’s request.
“The FY25 budget reflects our commitment to investing in our community’s future. With increased funding for education, public safety, and infrastructure, we are laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and improved quality of life for all residents,” said County Council Chair Allison Pickard.
“A budget that supports our recruiting and retention of our public safety workers, provides vital funding for our schools, maintains our commitment to violence interruption and community health, expands our support for food distribution, and provides long-needed benefits to our school health staff - what’s not to like? Today is my birthday, and this well-crafted budget that meets the needs and priorities of our residents is the best present I could ask for,” said Council Vice-Chair Julie Hummer.
“I am thrilled that in FY25 we are continuing steady investment in our public schools and public safety. We have responded to our constituents by continuing to make improvements in everything from fire department equipment to park maintenance, roads, bridges, and sidewalks,” said Councilmember Lisa Rodvien.
“I am proud to support this budget and want to thank everyone who came out during the process to speak about the priorities that are important to them. The result is a budget that reflects our values in Anne Arundel County. By strengthening public safety, prioritizing public education, supporting the well-being of our residents and communities, investing in protecting and promoting our natural environment, and maintaining our fiscal discipline with the lowest taxes in the region, this budget builds upon the strides we have made in Anne Arundel County while meeting the needs that are so important to our residents,” said Councilmember Pete Smith.
For more information on the County’s FY25 budget, visit aacounty.org/fy25budget.