Mar 16

Mar 16 County Executive Alsobrooks Unveils $5.4 Billion FY24 Proposed Budget

County Executive’s Proposed Budget Includes Disciplined and People-Centered Investments to Help Build a Future Proof Prince George’s

On March 15, Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks unveiled her proposed fiscal year (FY) 2024 budget during a State of the County Budget Address. The proposed budget focuses on people-centered investments to improve critical government services for residents, grow the local economy, and position the County for long-term success.

“The investments we’re making in the FY 2024 budget create a financial foundation that will allow us to meet the immediate needs of residents and ensure our County can prosper in the future,” said Alsobrooks. “We fully support the core tenets of Kirwan that promise to propel Maryland’s children to the top, including early childhood education, high quality diverse teachers and leaders, a focus on college and career readiness, more resources for students, and greater accountability. However, the legally mandated funding requirements charge communities that have more vulnerable children like ours extra.”

“Despite the challenges of this budget, we are still making critical people-centered investments that will improve government services and raise our residents’ quality of life,” continued Alsobrooks. “These investments will also help us build a future proof Prince George’s by growing the commercial tax base and ensuring we can finally stop balancing our budget on the backs of homeowners.”

The FY 2024 proposed budget includes nearly $5.4 billion in operating funds, an increase of $317 million or 6.2% over the FY 2023 budget. The General Fund totals $4.5 billion, an increase of $279.9 million or 6.6% over the FY 2023 budget. County Source revenues are $2.55 billion (57.6% of revenues) and Outside Aid is $1.95 billion (43.3% of revenues). Of the $1.95 billion in Outside Aid, the largest portion (95%) is for the Board of Education.

The FY 2024 proposed budget is tight due to several challenges, including new funding obligations mandated by the funding formula under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future (Kirwan). While the County has $189.6 million in new revenues, the Kirwan funding formula legally mandates that the County spend an additional $88.4 million on education this year. That additional funding requirement represents nearly half of all new spending in the County’s budget.

Even with Kirwan funding mandates, the County Executive is still proposing important people-centered investments that meet the immediate needs of residents while positioning the County for long-term success. Highlights of the County Executive’s FY 2024 proposed budget are below. The FY 2024 Proposed Budget in Brief is available on the County Office of Management and Budget’s website.

Education/Youth Development

Board of Education - $2.79 billion

Increase of $161.9 million, or 6.2%, over FY 2023
County contribution is $953.4 million, an increase of $88.4 million, or 10.4%, over FY 2023
Includes $15 million for the Alternative Construction Finance program

Prince George’s Community College - $131.6 million
Prince George’s County Memorial Library System - $37.6 million
Youth development programs like Summer Youth Enrichment Program - $2.5 million

Safe Neighborhoods

Prince George’s County Police Department - $394.7 million

Increase of 6.2% over last year
Includes four new recruit classes for a total of 120 officers
Continued funding of $640,000 for recruitment incentives for new officers

Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department - $259.7 million

Includes three new recruit classes for a total of 80 firefighters

Vision Zero Prince George’s - $41 million

Supports outreach and various road safety improvements/projects

Environment/Beautification

Stormwater Management Fund - $113.2 million

Increase of $16 million over FY 2023
Programs help combat climate change and mitigate flooding

Stormwater Management Capital Improvement Program - $141.5 million

Funds multiple flood protection projects

Clear the Curb - $135.5 million

Includes continued rollout of countywide curbside composting program, reaching all households with County trash and recycling by end of 2023
Includes improved curbside bulky trash program