Four for Four
County’s Operating Budget Tops $4 Billion in FY2019. Here Are Four of the Top Areas Monies Will Be Directed Toward
Last week, Prince George’s County Council approved the county’s biggest budget ever. Here’s how much of the money is being spent:
Education
PGCPS - $2.1 Billion // PGCC - $116.8 Million
More than $2 billion will be spent on education throughout the county. This amount will fully fund the budget request from the Prince George's County Board of Education. County officials say spending in public schools has increased by over $133 million since FY 2015
The additional funds will also beef up security at libraries and expand the Prince George's Community College COAST program, which provides academic counselors in high schools for students who need remedial help after they graduate.
Public Safety - $736.4 Million
Prince George’s continues to invest in more classes of public safety officers. This includes five new recruit classes for police, three new recruit classes for fire and emergency medical services, two new recruit classes for the Office of the Sheriff, and two new recruit classes for the Department of Corrections.
Public Works & Transportation - $31.2 Million
Pedestrians and drivers alike can look forward to better sidewalks and roads. The upcoming improvements are being made to reverse the impact of steep funding cuts imposed during the recession. More funding will also be allocated to improve the maintenance of county-owned vacant lots and to trim trees. Additionally, a large storm water management project is set to begin in Berwyn Heights, Riverdale Park, and College Park.
Housing, Redevelopment & Revitalization
Housing & Community Development - $103 Million
The county council continued to increase dollars directed to the Housing Investment Trust Fund. The budget calls for $2.5 million in financing for new workforce housing and senior housing projects. Also, additional funds will be allocated to the Redevelopment Authority to cover the cost of new public spaces in proximity to transit oriented development projects.
Businesses that are poorly affected by construction of the Purple Line will receive up to $200,000 in financial support to ensure that they remain open and are able to reposition for future growth when the light rail opens.
Other notable budget allocations include:
Prince George’s Health Department - $74 Million
Prince George’s Conference & Visitors Bureau - $1.7 Million
County Executive Rushern L. Baker III
Office of Community Relations - $5.2 Million
Says County Executive Rushern L. Baker III: “As the 8th and final budget under my Administration, the FY 2019 budget will continue the County’s commitment to being sound fiscal stewards as evident by our AAA-rating by the three major bond rating agencies. The $4.10 billion operating budget contains investments geared towards protecting our communities, expanding our economy, improving our public-school system, increasing opportunities for higher education, enhancing our library system, growing the housing options for our workforce, increasing access to healthcare and human services, creating clean and sustainable communities, and enhancing the efficiency of our government operations.
County Council Chair Danielle Glaros with Maryland Senate President V. Mike Miller (left) and Prince George's County Council Vice Chair Todd Turner (right). PHOTO: AMIR STOUDAMIRE // PGS MAGAZINE & MEDIA
Says County Council Chair Danielle Glaros: “I was proud to join with my colleagues to pass the $4.09 Billion Fiscal Year 2019 County Operating Budget; the Bi-County portion of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission budget; and the FY 19 Operating and Capital budgets for the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission budgets. (Click here for more.)
President Obama said, "A budget is more than a series of numbers on a page. It is an embodiment of our values." With this budget, we celebrate the County's growth, and our commitment to sound and responsible fiscal management. We can be proud of the collaborative and progressive work we have achieved together; we can look forward to a sustainable financial future. We are committing to a strong, better Prince George's County where people choose to build, live, raise families, work, worship, start businesses, and play.”
