UPDATE: The Baltimore City Council has just advanced a crucial package of bills aimed at reallocating nearly $113 million to cover year-end deficits across multiple city agencies. The unanimous vote by the council’s Budget and Appropriations Committee occurred on November 7, 2023, signaling urgent action to address financial shortfalls before the fiscal year ends.
The proposed appropriations, totaling $112,974,114, are essential for maintaining budgetary balance as mandated by the city’s charter. Baltimore Budget Director Laura Larsen emphasized that these measures are necessary to ensure “general fund agencies that ended the year with a deficit are in balance.” The city has faced ongoing challenges with overspending, particularly within the police and fire departments, which account for approximately three-quarters of the deficits due to persistent overtime costs driven by staffing shortages.
The agencies receiving allocations include:
– Baltimore Police Department: $47,492,889 for overtime and staffing costs.
– Baltimore City Fire Department: $38,520,093 primarily due to overtime and staffing expenses.
– Baltimore City Public Schools: $12,911,344 linked to the city’s contribution for the development of City Spring Elementary/Middle School.
– Baltimore City Recreation and Parks: $5,630,976 for unbudgeted contractual costs and overtime.
– Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office: $3,425,454 for overtime and various spending.
– Baltimore City Department of Transportation: $4,457,580 due to unexpected snow removal costs.
The council is set to review the full appropriations at its meeting on November 10, 2023. Council Chair Danielle McCray and her colleagues are pushing for swift action as the city grapples with pressing financial pressures.
In a related discussion, Councilman Isaac “Yitzy” Schleifer raised concerns regarding the funding for streetlight services, questioning the effectiveness of the budget in light of ongoing issues with streetlight replacements. He highlighted the lack of progress on a promised citywide replacement initiative, citing difficulties in vendor procurement.
Despite the $21.9 million budget for streetlight services, the Department of Transportation has faced challenges due to material shortages, exacerbated by tariffs imposed during previous administrations. DOT Director Veronica McBeth acknowledged a backlog in ordering necessary materials, including LED lights, which have been delayed due to external factors.
With Baltimore’s financial landscape under scrutiny, these developments underscore the city’s ongoing efforts to stabilize its budget while addressing community needs. As the council prepares for its next meeting, residents and officials alike await further clarity on these critical financial strategies.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops. If you have a news tip, contact Carson Swick at [email protected].
