County Council Repeals Pension Bill After Backlash

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — The Baltimore County Council unanimously voted Monday night to repeal a 2024 law that would match members' pensions to any future pay increases approved for the council.

The repeal legislation was introduced by Council member Izzy Patoka, who represents 2nd District residents and is vying for a county executive post in the 2026 election cycle.

It came as the council faced backlash for what many critics deemed an effort to build a golden parachute.

The measure was originally introduced by retiring Council member Wade Kach in 2024 and came into play for any council members retiring after Jan. 1, 2025.

Also at issue is an approved charter amendment that allows council members to be paid at a full-time salary. This, combined with an advisory board's January recommendation for pay increases, would have seen annual salaries double.

The board recommended salaries to increase from the current $69,000 to $140,000 once the council became full-time.

Council member Julian Jones, who is running for county executive along with Patoka, is proposing reverting council positions to part-time status. A vote on the proposal is expected next month.