They also approved a property tax rate for the next fiscal year.
Frederick, Md (KM) A fiscal year 2024 budget was adopted by the Frederick Board of Aldermen Thursday night. The vote was unanimous.
The spending plan totals $173-million, and includes a budget amendment of $2.25-million. This measure was introduced last Friday by Mayor Michael O’Connor. It provides additional funding for park facilities, including $500,000 to renovate Hill Street Park, including the aging skate park. There’s $100,000 for a capital improvement project at Mullinix Park, and another $100,000 for other city parks located in “equity emphasis areas.”
There’s also $300,000 for the City’s Department of Housing and Human Services: $200,000 of that amount will go toward a permanent supportive housing renovation project; and $100,000 was set aside for a Westside Health Center. The City says it’s currently looking for a site for that facility.
The amended budget also accounts for a $400,000 state grant the City’s traffic calming initiatives.
“Again, I’d like to thank the Mayor for listening to the Board of Aldermen, especially last week when we had very long discussions on some changes that various members of this board would like to see,” said Alderwoman Donna Kumzemchak.
In a separate motion, the Aldermen also set the property tax rate for fiscal year 2024. “The tax rates are proposed to remain unchanged at $0.7305 per $100 of assessed real property, and $1.55 per $100 of assessable business personal property,” said Katie Barkdoll, the City’s Director of Budget and Administration. The business personal property tax is being phased out over a ten-year period, and the City is in the ninth year of that process.
The Board also approved an ordinance establishing a Master Schedule of Administrative and Regulatory Fees for fiscal year 2024. The Aldermen also adopted another ordinance to set the employee. positions, grades and civilian pay scale for the next fiscal year.
Fiscal year 2024 begins on July 1st, 2023.
By Kevin McManus