St. Mary's County commissioners adopt $199.3 million FY2010 budget, hold tax rates steady; approve series of grants and agreements

The Board of County Commissioners for St. Mary’s County on May 26 approved the county’s fiscal year 2010 budget and related revenue and appropriation ordinances, keeping property and income tax rates at 2009 levels.

"The end result is the $199,300,000 budget," County Chief Financial Officer Elaine Kramer said during the presentation, summarizing staff recommendations that rely on $195.2 million in revenues and $4.1 million in fund balance.

The budget keeps property tax and energy tax rates unchanged from FY2009, retains funding priorities for schools and public safety, and uses targeted fund-balance draws to smooth a projected revenue shortfall. Kramer told the board the FY2010 plan includes $3.0 million labeled as revenue replacement, $500,000 for pay-as-you-go capital, and a $600,000 final subsidy; after those uses the county still retains an available fund balance for future years.

Why it matters

The county’s budget sets the operating and capital spending plans for the coming year, and the 2009–10 package reflects adjustments for state revenue reductions and lower near-term income-tax distributions. Keeping the tax rate level preserves predictability for homeowners while using reserve funds to cover lower revenues.

What the board approved

- Revenue ordinance for FY2010 (sets tax rates unchanged from 2009). Motion…