The operating budget that has been proposed for Charles County Government’s next fiscal year (FY) includes slight tax rate increases and a 1 percent raise for employees. Almost no protest was raised by John Q. Public Wednesday, May 25 when the $306.8 million spending plan for FY 2012 was presented at a hearing in La Plata. The sparsely attended event was preceded by a legally mandated public hearing on the constant yield tax rate. Due to dropping property assessments, Charles County’s property tax revenues would be 2 percent below last year’s yield.
It was during the constant yield hearing that one county citizen requested more fiscal restraint on the part of the commissioners. “It’s imperative to live within your means,” said Lee Weinberger of Bryantown. “Your means is not in my back pocket. You really need to take a hard look and cut where you can.”
Weinberger admitted his status as a disabled veteran exempts him from having to pay property taxes but he was concerned about other seniors on fixed incomes. He also complimented the board “for keeping your costs minimal.”
During her overview of the proposed FY 2012 budget, County Administrator Dr. Rebecca Bridgett pointed out that last fall Newsweek rated Charles as the 10th richest county in America. Bridgett also asserted county government officials have not spent lavishly during the tough economic times. Capital projects have been delayed, travel and conference expenses cut, county administered and grant matching funds have been slashed along with funding for training and staff development.
Additionally, the state has mandated that county officials provide 90 percent for the funding for the Department of Assessments and Taxation and again cut highway user revenues.
To offset the escalating costs and dwindling revenues, county staff proposed:
· Restructuring $17 million of the county’s road bonds, saving $2.5 million in FY 2012 debt service payments.
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