Prince George’s County Budget
The County Council recently adopted a balanced $5.4 billion Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2024. Of the $4.5 billion of General Funds expenditures, 62% supports the Board of Education, almost 20% supports public safety, and the remaining 18% supports the rest of County Government operations. The Council also adopted budgets for the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) FY 24 Operating Budget is $913 million, and the Capital Improvement Budget is $683 million. Additional budgets that the Council is responsible for approving include the Revenue Authority budget of $46.33 million and the Redevelopment Authority budget of $534,500.
This was a challenging budget year because, in the Spring, some revenue projections for next year changed for the worse. Still, the longstanding conservative fiscal posture of the County has prepared us well to withstand such challenges. We will keep a close eye on County finances throughout the fiscal year, but for now, I want to accentuate some positive aspects.
A few key Operating Budget enhancements directed by the County Council include increased funding for:
· Library system - Increase in the County's contribution to support Sunday hours and the Books from Birth program
· Senior Meals Program
· Senior Housing Assistance
· Emergency Rental Assistance Program
· More Firefighters/EMS Personnel
· Recruitment funds for the Sheriff
· More Neighborhood traffic safety studies
· Staffing to support the Nuisance Abatement Board
In the Capital Budget, the Council increased the proposed funding for street repaving by $4.5 million to $40.5 million. $2.1 million is being added to Street Lights and Traffic Signals bringing the amount to $4.95 million.
In addition, I arranged some improvements in the scheduling for the long-planned (and continually delayed) replacement for High Point High School. Because of overcrowding, the school system has been pushing to build a new North Adelphi High School first (at 2,600 seats) and then rebuild High Point (also 2,600 seats). However, due to escalating construction costs, High Point will likely continue getting delayed due to the lack of funding. I demonstrated that both schools only need to be built at 2,000 seats, reducing construction costs by nearly $100 million and making it feasible to build both schools. Also, $8.57 million has been added to this year's capital budget to start the High Point Project. Making this progress would not have been possible without the assistance of our District 21 Legislative team.
I also have good news about the M-NCPPC budget. We approved the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) Operating Budget at $444.95 million and its Capital Budget at $135.79 million.
· M-NCPPC is discussing with the Cross Creek HOA to purchase the former Cross Creek golf course and convert it into an arboretum and walking trails. $2 million of M-NCPPC and State funds have been allocated.
· The Beltsville-Laurel Area Sports Park has been allocated $3.1 million.
With regard to M-NCPPC funds for municipalities and sports and recreation groups, we have obtained the following:
· Beltsville-Adelphi Boys and Girls Club - $30,000
If you have any questions regarding the budget, please contact the District 1 office.
Contact Us
Please keep in touch. Email us at councildistrict1@co.pg.md.us or call 301.952.3887. Se habla Español. On parle Francais. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @TomDernogaD1