Baltimore County executive warns budget cuts could jeopardize services, urges state partnership

County Executive Klaus Meyer told members of the Baltimore County House Delegation on Feb. 7 that the governor—s proposed budget would remove $19,000,000 from county funding and could jeopardize services, particularly education and public safety. "The governor's budget, as introduced, takes $19,000,000 away from Baltimore County," Meyer said.

Meyer spoke during an introductory visit before the delegation—s scheduled bill hearings and framed the immediate fiscal outlook in one word: "uncertainty." He cited state budget actions, a new federal administration and rising construction and labor costs as factors creating pressure on county finances. "Everything is up in the air due to the state budget," Meyer said.

Meyer urged local and state partners to work together to avoid additional cuts. He mentioned the Maryland Time to Care Act and told the delegation that a related mandate "would potentially save Baltimore County 20 Million Dollars." He also noted the county has maintained its bond rating for the last 48 years and said administration staff were available to answer delegates' questions.

Delegates welcomed Meyer—s visit and praised county staff who are assigned to work with the delegation in Annapolis. Several delegates thanked county staffers by name and encouraged colleagues to use the county government affairs team as a resource during session.

Meyer concluded by saying he looked forward to working with the delegation and to ongoing coordination between county and state officials as budget negotiations continue.