The St. Mary’s County Board of Commissioners approved the 2009 county budget Tuesday, setting spending levels near a 5 percent increase in the overall budget.

The General Fund, where the highest level of discretionary spending occurs, was increased by 4.6 percent, or near $8.5 million, over the 2008 approved budget.

The total county budget amount was set at $327 million. That total budget figure encompasses the income and expense estimates for all county-level agencies, including groups such as the Board of Education, libraries and the College of Southern Maryland – which collectively take more than $122 million from the total.

The General Fund was set at $194 million for 2009, a increase of $8 million, or 4.6 percent compared to 2008 numbers.

Chief finance officer for St. Mary’s County, Elaine Kramer, told Commissioners on Tuesday that the bulk of the increases are due to a $3.4 million increase in the Sheriff’s Office and $6.1 million for the newly created Human Services department.

The Human Services department is a new department that will fold together Marcey House, Community Services and other various county services, according to county officials. This year $6 million of the required expense is being covered by grant funding.

Also included in the General Fund:

– 20 full time positions ( including seven positions in Human Services, two positions each for public works and public safety, and six in under the Sheriff)

– $1 million in improvements to the retirement plan for sworn deputies and corrections officers;

– 20 replacement vehicles in the Sheriff’s Office, three new

– Three percent cost-of-living raise for all county employees, except deputies at 2 percent.

Property tax and income tax rates were not increased, but county financial planners forecast a revenue increase from property taxes of $14. million. Income tax revenues on the other hand, are projected to decrease by 2.2 percent, or $1.4 million.

Property taxes for sections of the county will increase relatively small amounts due to approved increases to the fire an emergency services tax.

For more details on the fire service taxes see an earlier article from The Bay Net, or read the 155-page budget here.

Commissioner Larry Jarboe (R-Charlotte Hall) was the only commissioner of five to vote against the budget. Commissioner Kenny Dement (R-Piney Point) expressed displeasure, but ultimately voted to approve the budget.

“I have big concerns about property taxes, we’re facing some great challenges and I think the commission knows that,” Jarboe told the board before voting Tuesday.

Commissioner Tom Mattingly (D- Leonardtown) said St. Mary’s County is lucky to be insulated from the extent of the economic downturn.

“We’re pretty lucky, we’re doing a lot better than a lot of people,” Mattingly said.

Commissioner Dan Raley (D- Great Mills) pointed out that the county’s property tax rate remains the fifth lowest in the state, six percent of the budget is set aside for an emergency, and the county’s “bond rating” remains very st