Prince Frederick, MD – Calvert County’s proposed fiscal year (FY) 2020 budget totals nearly $310.4 million, significantly higher than the current fiscal year’s spending plan. Still, there was testimony presented at the Tuesday, March 19 budget hearing that indicated it needs to be a bit higher. The hearing was held at Calvert Pines Senior Center.
County Administrator Terry Shannon presented an overview of the proposed budget, pointing out that it was balanced and did not use any reserves. Giving the budget its balance and heft is a $60 million payment from Dominion Cove Point. The upcoming fiscal year is the third in which Calvert County Government receives a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) as a result of the operation of Dominion’s liquefied natural gas export operation at the local plant. Shannon stated that beginning in FY 2020 the commissioners are urged “not to increase recurring costs” and to place a substantial portion in reserve for “non-recurring, one-time items.” Shannon pointed out that Calvert currently has the seventh-lowest property tax rate in Maryland. There are no proposed changes to Calvert’s property or income tax rates at this time. Department of Finance and Budget Director Tim Hayden stated that in addition to the $9.29 million increase in the Dominion PILOT, $2.8 million in additional property tax revenues is expected in the upcoming fiscal year. The additional $12.85 million will provide increased funding for Calvert County Public Schools (an additional $4.8 million), over $2.9 million for career Emergency Medical Services, $2 million for government staff salary increases and a $3.8 million general fund transfer for capital projects.
Hayden stated that the proposed budget had “no new positions recommended.” However, during public comment, several advocates for certain agencies urged the county leaders to find the funds for some needed positions. Elizabeth Foster of the Calvert Commission on Aging asked county officials to hire a “long-term case manager.” Foster said Calvert’s growing 60-plus population creates a need for additional case management services so older county residents receive assistance “to age gracefully in their own homes.” Three speakers requested the county budget a salary for a watershed protection and maintenance specialist. The position was requested in the local University of Maryland Extension’s proposed budget. Calvert Board of Library Trustees President Carolyn McHugh asked county officials to consider finding funds to hire a financial business manager for the local system. Additionally, library officials are seeking operational funds for their new bookmobile, McHugh stated.
The evening’s final speaker, Fire and Rescue Commission Chairman Bob Hall, thanked the county staff and commissioners for providing funds to hire a grant writer for the panel. He stated all budget requests were “scrutinized” by the commission and requested “full funding.” While Hall and other commission members laud the previous board of county commissioners’ decision to hire a career emergency medical services specialist, he conceded that one person “won’t make a dent” on the county’s rapidly growing number of emergency medical services calls.
Calvert Superintendent of Schools Dr. Daniel Curry also spoke at the hearing, noting that the added funding to the Board of Education (BOE) will be used for employee pay increases and added technology. Curry also stated that the BOE is waiting to see if the Maryland General Assembly will do anything about the recommendations of the Kirwan Commission before the current session adjourns next month.
Hayden stated the county commissioners will now make decisions on the proposed FY 2020 budget, which will be the subject of another public hearing in May. According to Hayden, there are $9.4 million in “unresolved issues” to be considered.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com