HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.12.2011 Minutes(Minutes of the FY 2012 Budget Hearing were approved on June 12, 2012 by the Board of
County Commissioners, after it was discovered they were not approved in open session
following the May 12, 2011 hearing.) Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
WASHINGTON COUNTY
Hagerstown, Maryland
May 12, 2011
PUBLIC HEARING - PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2012 BUDGET
A public hearing of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County was held
at 7:00 p.m. at the Hager Hall Conference and Event Center, 901 Dual Highway,
Hagerstown, to consider the proposed Tax Rate for Fiscal Year 2012 and the FY 2012
budget for Washington County. In attendance were President Terry L. Baker, Vice
President John F. Barr, and Commissioners Ruth Anne Callaham, Jeffrey A. Cline, and
William B. McKinley.
County Administrator Gregory Murray announced that the public hearing was being held
pursuant to the requirements of the Constant Yield Tax Rate law, as described in the notice
advertised in the Herald Mail on Friday, April 29, 2012, and to consider and obtain public
comment on the proposed Fiscal Year 2012 budget. He stated that the County's real estate
tax remains at $.948 per $100.00 of full assessed value and would not be raised this year.
Mr. Murray provided details of the proposed $292,609,510.00 budget, which is $2.7
million below last year's approved budget. General Fund revenue is projected to decrease
by 0.5%, including Real Estate Revenue (-1.4%), local Tax Revenue (flat budgeted), and
Investment Income (-50%.) General Fund Operations have been reduced by $895,230.00
for a total of $196.25 million and Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) reduced by $2.86
million for a total $51.4 million. General Fund reductions were made by delaying or
cutting CIP projects, restructuring County departments, and reducing overall operating
costs for 2012. Total reductions are $2.71 million, including Enterprise Funds and Debt
Service. Mr. Murray stated that a workshop would be held during the next County
Commissioners' meeting on May 17 to discuss road infrastructure that is a component of
the CIP.
Greg Murray discussed State revenue cuts that amounted to nearly $34 million. State Real
Estate Taxes are down by approximately $5 million and Highway User Revenue was cut
by $7.8 million. The housing market is expected to improve slowly but property
assessments were lowered during recent reassessments. He indicated that Washington
County has maintained a solid financial position during the recent economic downturn by
adhering to sound financial management and policies.
Commission President Terry L. Baker opened the hearing for public testimony. Forty-four
individuals commented on the proposed budget.
(Minutes of the FY 2012 Budget Hearing were approved on June 12, 2012 by the Board of
County Commissioners, after it was discovered they were not approved in open session
following the May 12, 2011 hearing.) Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk
May 12, 2011
Page 2
After all testimony was given, Commissioner Baker adjourned the hearing at 8:56 p.m.
Gregor. Mu t'
Coun y Administrator
John M. Martirano, Cq my ttorney
Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk