County Budget On Track to Wrap Wednesday

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, 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 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.