Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman on Monday released his operating budget for fiscal year 2016, a $1 billion proposal that fills an anticipated gap in state education funding and funds a new set of mental health initiatives.
The proposal is $19.2 million, or 2 percent, less than last year's approved operating budget, which funds county programs and employee salaries and pensions. Kittleman attributed the decrease to limited revenue growth -- the county's general fund is projected to grow by just $21.2 million next year -- and called the proposal "a prudent, yet comprehensive plan."
"The budget I proposed today will help us ensure a more secure and sustainable future for the county," Kittleman said.
The county executive's budget allocates $544.1 million to the Howard school system, a figure that includes funding to plug an expected $2.8 million shortfall in state aid.
"That was something I wasn't sure I was going to be able to do," Kittleman said. "No one can question education is not our top priority."
The budget also includes $250,000 for three new mental health initiatives announced earlier this month.
Kittleman's budget does not propose any tax increases, furloughs or layoffs.
The county did renegotiate contracts with the police and fire unions to delay a January 2016 pay increase; the increase will go into effect at the start of fiscal year 2017 instead.
Other highlights include $1.4 million for the first phase of downtown Columbia's Symphony Woods park, a new police academy class to replace retiring employees and Department of Corrections initiatives, including video visitation and a re-entry program for prisoners.
Last month, Kitttleman unveiled a separate $342.9 million budget for capital construction projects such as schools, libraries and fire stations.
Both budgets must be approved by the County Council in late May.