Kittleman sets $1 billion budget for Howard

Plan is 2 percent below last year, holds line on property and income tax rates

Allan H. Kittleman unveiled his first budget as Howard County executive Monday, proposing a $1 billion spending plan he called “prudent, yet comprehensive” that holds the line on property and income tax rates.

Kittleman, a Republican who won the executive post in the fall after serving 10 years in the Maryland Senate, noted that his proposal is a 2 percent reduction from the county’s approved budget last year. Kittleman said caution was warranted because the county is anticipating “limited revenue growth” in the coming year through taxes and other sources.

In presenting the budget to the County Council, Kittleman said the plan would “help us ensure a more secure and sustainable future for the county.”

Between county and state resources, the budget fully funds a $776.3 million request made by the Howard County school board, and includes 101 additional positions the school system says it needs to accommodate a growing student enrollment.

School Superintendent Renee Foose had initially sought more; in January she proposed a $780.8 million request. But school officials trimmed it after being told full funding at that level would be unlikely.

Kittleman’s budget does not call for tax increases, furloughs or layoffs. The county did renegotiate contracts with police and fire unions to delay a January 2016 pay increase; the increase will go into effect in summer 2016 instead, placing it in the next budget.

The budget increases spending for public safety, and includes $250,000 for new mental health initiatives Kittleman announced earlier this month: hiring a behavioral specialist for the county Health Department’s community care teams, creating a pilot program to offer outpatient crisis services at Howard General Hospital and updating the Howard County Mental Health Authority’s online provider directory.

The plan also includes $1.4 million for the first phase of downtown Columbia’s Symphony Woods park.

Early this month Kittleman unveiled a separate $342.9 million capital budget for construction projects such as schools, libraries and fire stations.

Following a series of work sessions and hearings, both budgets will face a vote by the County Council scheduled for May 20.