Baltimore City Council reviews proposed increases to landfill and EMS fees

On April 8, 2025, the Baltimore City Council's Budget and Appropriations Committee convened to discuss significant adjustments to the city's budget, focusing on revenue generation through increased fees and fines. The meeting highlighted the city's efforts to align its financial strategies with neighboring jurisdictions while addressing a projected $85 million budget shortfall.

A key proposal discussed was the increase in landfill tipping fees from $100 to $135 per ton, marking the first adjustment since 1993. This change aims to ensure full cost recovery for waste management services. Additionally, the committee proposed a 20% increase in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) transport fee, which is expected to generate approximately $5.5 million annually. This adjustment would align Baltimore's fees with those of other large urban fire departments.

The committee also reviewed various citywide fines and fees, estimating that increases could yield an additional $6.5 million annually. This includes a proposed hike in the taxi tax from 25 cents to 38 cents per ride, which would apply to traditional taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. The grocery bag tax is also under review, with a proposal to shift the revenue share to generate nearly $250,000 for the city.

Council members expressed concerns about the potential impact of these fee increases on Baltimore residents, particularly during a time of economic volatility. Council President Cohen emphasized the need for caution, arguing that broad-based fees could disproportionately affect vulnerable populations and deter businesses from investing in the city. The committee acknowledged these concerns, noting that the proposed increases are targeted and aim to address long-standing discrepancies in fee structures rather than impose blanket increases.

The city administration defended the proposed adjustments as necessary steps to balance the budget without resorting to more general tax increases. They emphasized that many of the fees have not been updated in years and that the adjustments are designed to reflect the actual costs of services provided.

As the council prepares to finalize the budget, the discussions from this meeting underscore the delicate balance between generating revenue and supporting the economic well-being of Baltimore's residents and businesses. The anticipated changes will be further evaluated, with recommendations expected to be presented in the coming months.