FY 23 Approved Budget Book

COUNTY BUDGET POLICIES AND PROCESS

Financial Support and Future Growth

The Office of Economic Development also houses financial support for business development and works closely with the community to obtain financing and assistance in venturing capital, local, state and federal loans. Specific financing programs include the Industrial Revenue Bonds for Manufacturers; the Economic Development Opportunity Fund; the Community Development Block Grant for Economic Development; and the Workforce Technical Training Grants program, a competitive investment grant program designed for accelerating technical training. All of these opportunities, both new and existing are stimulating economic growth and advancing Harford County to become more productive and competitive in the ever evolving small business community. In January, 2015 Bill 14-035 was passed by the County Council, allowing revenue collection from overnight hotel stays. Half of the revenue generated will go directly to Harford County Government for reinvestment in tourism related activities, through a competitive grant process. The other half of the revenue will go back to the three Harford County municipalities where the hotels are located (Aberdeen, Bel Air, Havre de Grace). This revenue coincides with the privatization of tourism (Executive Order 14-10), with the anticipation that a destination marketing organization will boost tourism and businesses that flourish with visitors. Capitalizing on this type of revenue opportunity is imperative to improving the County’s economy. Enriching the Economy While the overall economy makes some improvements, it is critical for Harford County to streamline operations and defer large amounts of additional future debt. This balanced, sustainable approach was recognized by the three major investor bond rating services by giving Harford County the highest possible Triple-A ratings. In order to maintain this level of rating the County plans to focus on existing capital projects rather than new ones, to outsource services and consolidate office space where possible, and to use technology to improve resources to our citizens. This can be viable with leveraging other funding opportunities instead of burdening County citizens with unfair fees such as the rain tax. With the help of the County Council this tax was repealed with Bill 14-036 and the Administration was able to redirect a portion of existing recordation tax to fund stormwater remediation projects. Through resourceful actions such as redirecting funding opportunities the Administration is laying the groundwork for future endeavors that will bring technological and agricultural prospects to the County, both of which are essential to its growing local economy. Harford County has fully implemented the Harford Metro Area Network (HMAN) allowing government agencies, fire companies, law enforcement, schools and municipalities to connect on a common platform. The County is now poised to provide this dark fiber connectivity to private industries and residents, formulating a potential business plan for a sustainable and scalable project. The Administration with funding support from the Redirecting the Focus and Leveraging Opportunities

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