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MoCo moves to shrink government
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County Executive Ike Leggett has been working to decrease tax-supported spending within the Montgomery County government.
According to an online newsletter produced by the county, “In his first year (FY08), Leggett brought County government tax-supported spending down from a 14.1 percent increase in the year before he took office to 6.7 percent. In FY09, he reduced it further to a 1.5 percent increase. In FY 10 he reduced it yet again to MINUS 2.2 percent and this year he proposed another minus 7 percent DECREASE below the previous year."
Related article:
Paperless Airplane: Approved County Budget Continues Leggett's Four-Year Priority |
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Prince George’s County Council adds funds to budget
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The Prince George’s County Council has decided to increase the funds available to nonprofits delivering critical health and human services to county residents.
County departments such as Family Services, Health and Social Services will all receive more funds in FY2011, thanks to a last-minute budget adjustment by the County Council.
Click here to view the list. |
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DC Council protects child care programs
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The DC Council has restored funds for some youth-based programs and services in FY2011.
Specifically, more than $6.5 million originally part of Mayor Adrian Fenty’s proposed reductions were returned to programs such as the Year Round Youth Employment Program and subsidies for child care grandparent caregivers.
Although advocates applauded the move, some still spoke about the effects of the cuts that were approved.
According to Judith Sandalow, executive director of the Children's Law Center, "We clawed back most, but not all, of the cuts the mayor made. But that's in the context of having lost dramatically over the past several years. We went in with the safety net frayed, and we didn't succeed in mending it."
Related article:
Washington Examiner: D.C. budget lauded by children's advocates |
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Budget concerns not over in Montgomery County
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Although the FY2011 budget has been finalized, Montgomery County officials continue to fear what’s next.
For the first time since 1968, the Montgomery County Council approved a budget that was less than the previous year. To add to concerns, County Executive Ike Leggett predicts that the county faces a $200 million shortfall in FY 2012…and that number will probably increase.
As quoted in a Washington Examiner article, some officials are bracing for the worst.
"I think we're going to be in the same situation next year," said Councilman Mike Knapp, D-Germantown. "The best strategy this year was to reduce well below what [Leggett] proposed. We didn't do that."
Related article:
Washington Examiner: Budget pain not over for Montgomery |
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Counties take different approaches to budget decisions
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A recent article in the Washington Examiner detailed how Fairfax and Montgomery counties worked on their FY2011 budgets.
According to the article, Montgomery County’s strong union contingent is the major difference between the two budget processes. The remnants of powerful political plays served as a backdrop to Montgomery County’s massive budget deficit.
“When money was flowing freely, Montgomery unions pushed on county leaders to deliver exorbitant salaries and benefits in exchange for political backing needed to survive in a county government dominated by one-party Democrat rule, critics say. County officials running for reelection routinely donated money to unions, who in turn showered them with money and endorsements. When Montgomery coffers emptied, the county was still bound by the agreements.”
Unions in Fairfax County are attempting to become more active in budget discussions.
Related article:
Washington Examiner: Powerful unions drive Montgomery's huge spending |
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Maryland counties pass FY2011 budget
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Leaders in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties approved FY2011 budgets yesterday.
In Montgomery County, the County Council passed a $4.27 billion budget for FY2011. The budget comes in at $203 million, or 4.5 percent, less than FY2010. Next year, programs in health and human services will receive $178 million ($-16 million/-8.4 percent less than FY2010).
As part of its balanced approach, the council adopted revenue increases such as:
- Energy tax increase: $110 million
- Cellphone tax increase: $2 to $3.50 per line
- Ambulance fee: $400 for basic emergency life support
- Carbon tax: $5 per ton tax on carbon dioxide emissions
In Prince George’s County, things are not as clear.
The County Council adopted a $2.6 million operating budget. Its plan includes a mixture of funding re-allocations, cuts and increased water and sewage fees. Because of last minute negotiations within individual committees, specific reduction details are still not available.
Property tax increases were not an option for the county, as explained in an article posted on Gazette.net.
“Unlike other areas, Prince George's County is limited on how it can raise its revenues. Under a charter change voters passed last decade, the county is barred from raising property taxes without voter approval. The move has effectively stopped any tax increase from passing.”
Related articles:
Montgomery County
Washington Post: Montgomery cuts budget by $203 million
WTOP: Montgomery County cuts have everyone wincing
Gazette.Net: Montgomery County passes $4.27 billion budget
Prince George's County
Washington Post: With some 'sleight of hand,' Pr. George's Council approves budget
Gazette.Net: Prince George's approves $2.6B budget
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MoCo prepare for life under lean FY2011 budget
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Across Montgomery County, local officials await the final vote on the FY2011. But, in some instances, nonprofits can see the writing on the wall.
For the first time since 1968, the Montgomery County Council will present a budget that spends less than the previous year. In a straw vote May 20, county leaders passed a $4.3-billion operating budget for FY2011 — a 4.5 percent cut from FY2010.
An article posted on Gazette.Net details the budget’s effects across the county.
“But as the County Council finalizes its budget this week, one thing is certain: Everyone is hurting. Some districts were cut deeper than others, and there were some pleasant surprises, but this year an entire county will have to adjust to more austere times.”
Related article:
Gazette.Net: Wheaton braces for cuts to budget |
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Last-minute budget maneuvering set in District
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DC council members are introducing last-minute measures to handle its FY2011 budget woes.
While some members are sticking to the cuts-only approach to budget plans, others are supporting other means, including a commuter tax, furloughs and tax increases. As expected, with this being an election year, some believe that politics are affecting the discourse.
According to the Washington Post, “With Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray challenging Mayor Adrian M. Fenty's reelection bid this year, neither wants to be perceived as the bad guy, causing some to fear that District finances could collapse next year when the shadow of politics lifts from the city budget.”
As cuts to social services continue to be a main discussion point, the DC Council voted late Tuesday to extend its 6 percent sales tax to sodas and reduce the summer jobs program. The hope is that these new funds would reduce the cuts for social services.
Related articles:
Washington Post: Highlights of the D.C. Budget
Washington Post: Shadow of politics hangs over D.C. budget as Fenty tangles with council members
NewsChannel 8: D.C. Council to Vote on City's 2011 Budget
WTOP: D.C. dredges up idea of commuter tax
Washington Examiner: D.C. Council says no to $3-an-hour parking rates
City Paper: Breakfast Slam: Loose Lips Daily
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Article details nonprofit’s work in the District
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A Washington Post article highlights a medical-legal partnership that could be the victim of proposed cuts to the District’s FY2011 budget.
Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Children’s Law Center and the Children’s National Medical Center, families are able to seek legal support for health/medical care issues.
According to the article, the benefits are far-reaching.
“The doctors who work in the clinics say they welcome the lawyers' help. More than ever, they say, the pediatric patients going through their doors complain of symptoms that stem from social and legal problems. Catching them early can prevent full-blown emergencies that are more difficult and costly to treat, say supporters of such partnerships.”
The program could be less effective if the DC Council decides to reduce funding available in its FY2011 budget. The piece, posted on WashingtonPost.com, also includes “Widening the safety net,” an interactive slideshow worth checking out.
Related article:
Washington Post: From rats to heaters, doctor-lawyer team fights barriers to family health care |
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Montgomery County restores funding to human services
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The Montgomery County Council approved its FY2011 budget, totaling $4.3 billion.
According to the official press release, county officials changed their minds on how much to cut from human services.
“At today’s meeting, the Council voted to restore a number of significant items to the budget, including key additions that address health and human services needs. Items added today include additional funding for the Montgomery Cares, the Patient Navigator program, MCPS school health room aides, residential treatment providers, the Community Vision program, Parent Resource Centers, residential treatment provider supplements and the Mental Health Association suicide hotline. Funds also were restored so that contracts for health services would be reduced by 5 percent, instead of the 7 percent recommended by the Executive.”
The FY2011 budget is 4.5 percent less than the approved budget for FY2010.
Related articles:
Press release: Montgomery County Council Agrees to $4.3 Billion Total Operating Budget for FY11
Gazette.Net: Montgomery council gives $4.27 billion budget preliminary approval |
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