FY 23 Approved Budget Book

HARFORD COUNTY MARYLAND FISCAL YEAR 2023 BUDGET SUMMARY

While the Administration follows the standardized Annual Budget Process, the development of each fiscal year's budget is unique. Consideration must be given to the current and projected economic conditions, the changing wants and needs of our citizens, and our operational requirements, all of which must be weighed against the fiscal policies and management techniques adopted by the Administration. In developing our Fiscal Year 2023 Operating and Capital Budgets we continued to lead the way forward on our chosen path toward balance and fiscal responsibility for our citizens and employees. We continue to eliminate annual increases in the county's debt burden and reinvest in the people who provide valuable services for our citizens. This budget provides record funding for public safety and education while providing the largest tax cut in Harford's history. The County fully funded the Harford County Public Schools operating budget request an increase of $30,424,673 which is $33,213,018 over the required Maintenance of Effort level. Funding for all county employees as well as employees of the State's Attorney's Office and Circuit Court systems provides for a 3% merit-based increase plus a 7% COLA for those eligible. In addition, sufficient funds were provided to fully fund the Sheriff's Office wage enhancement request for law enforcement deputies, corrections officers, and civilian employees of a 7% COLA and step. Additional operating funds equivalent to a 11% increase is provided to the Harford County Public Library and 10% to Harford Community College. Historic level funding continues for our first responders to include an 8.5% increase to each volunteer fire company, an additional $1,000,000 to the Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS Foundation to provide pay equity with county providers. In addition new funding of $250,000 was provided for staffing incentive programs for our volunteer fire companies as well as $11,000 for recruitment and retention.

76