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County Budget On Track to Wrap Wednesday

A property tax rate hike is included in the 2013 fiscal year's proposed budget.

 

Anne Arundel County's $1.2 billion budget for fiscal year 2013 is set to be approved at 9 a.m. Wednesday, when councilmen are also scheduled to raise the property tax rate.

The next budget year begins on July 1 and includes a property tax hike that increases the rate by 3.1 cents—from 91 to 94.1 cents per $100 of assessed value. Under that tax rate, the owner of a $200,000 home would pay $1,882 in property taxes per year, up $62 from last year's rate.

On Thursday, the County Council met to amend the proposed budget. After a 10-hour recess, the council reconvened and was able to shave $3.9 million from Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold's proposed budget, bringing the total to $1,230,650,400.

The council also cut $4.8 million from Leopold's capital budget, which includes construction projects.

Among the items changed to save money this year were a variety of school projects, whose schedules were swapped around on Thursday, resulting in some schools coming sooner, and others later.

The county's fire department would keep its fourth shift under the council's budget. Leopold's budget had intended to cut it as a cost-saving measure. The library will be getting about $200,000 in additional funding for technology improvements. And with the schools budget, more than 60 new teachers will be hired.

The budget would also put an end to furlough days for county employees. For the past two years, employees have had to take mandatory days off in order to help balance the county's budget.

The 9 a.m. Wednesday meeting is open to the public. The council will meet in their chambers at 44 Calvert St. in downtown Annapolis.

Related Topics: Anne Arundel County Budget and Anne Arundel County Council

Patrick Mondor

10:15 am on Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Wow...cut back on trash collection and increase the property tax. And the hits keep on coming!

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G-Man

3:08 pm on Wednesday, May 30, 2012

We pay more taxes and fees and we get less service. Sometimes I think it is better off being dirt poor than middle class average American who is not living a dream but just tryingto get by.

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hawkeye

6:26 pm on Wednesday, May 30, 2012

I for one would rather see the fire department keep it's 4th shift than have twice a week trash pick -up. It's about priorities, in my book. And when the schools refuse to have furlough days while county employees are required to take them…that too is a problem.

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John Smith

7:36 pm on Wednesday, May 30, 2012

The trash pickup fee is separate and distinct from property taxes, and it can't be used to pay firefighters. The trash pickup fee was reduced because of the reduction to once a week pickup.

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Richard Hertz

11:20 pm on Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Do you know how much the fee was reduced? I have not been able to find that info.

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