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Charter Amendments - Ballot 2022
Charter Amendments on 2022 Election Ballot
Question A Charter Amendment - Clarification of the Binding Arbitration process with career firefighters
Question B Charter Amendment - Allowing Council Members to receive fringe benefits
Details Below. The County Council discussed which Charter Amendments to include on the ballot at their July 12, July 21, and July 26, which can be viewed here: July 12 meeting; July 21 meeting, and July 26 meeting.
Question A - Clarification of the Binding Arbitration process with career firefighters
This Charter Amendment would amend the Frederick County Charter to clarify language to make it clear that the County Council maintains sole authority to approve and disapprove the use of taxpayer funding in the County budget concerning binding arbitration awards.
Background
Currently, the Frederick County Charter provides that a binding arbitration decision is “to be implemented as a part of the following year’s budget process.” This language raises the question as to whether the decision is binding on the County Executive, the County Council, or both. The Council believes that they should retain the authority granted it in Charter section 506.
Question B - Allowing Council Members to receive fringe benefits
This Charter Amendment would amend the Frederick County Charter to permit County Council Members to receive allowances and fringe benefits in addition to a salary
Background
Currently, the Frederick County Charter provides that a Council member receives a salary of $22,500 per year, plus reasonable allowances, and receives no further compensation. Pursuant to the recommendation of the Charter Review Commission and an affirmative vote of the Council, the Council member’s salary will increase to $37,000 per year beginning December 2022.