FREDERICK, MD –County Executive Jan Gardner today shared highlights of major construction projects included in the preliminary capital budget, reviewed operating budget requests, and announced plans to hold a virtual public hearing on the upcoming fiscal year. The budget is based on no property or income tax rate increases. Highlights of the six-year Capital Improvement Program include two new schools in the Oakdale/Linganore area to alleviate crowded schools, renovation of Thurmont Elementary School, new libraries in Middletown and Oakdale/Linganore, and expansions of the Old National Pike District Park and Othello Regional Park. Executive Gardner encouraged the community to share their priorities at her March 22 public hearing.
“Preparing the county budget is the most important responsibility I have as County Executive and the most significant task we do together as a community,” said Executive Gardner. “I want to hear from the public to make sure the County’s budget reflects our community’s priorities.”
In the draft capital budget, priority school projects remain on track. These include the construction of the new Rock Creek School, Blue Heron Elementary School, a larger Waverley Elementary, a new Brunswick Elementary School with a community gymnasium, and a 300-seat addition to Crestwood Middle School. Other projects in the six-year Capital Improvement Program include new fire stations in Green Valley, Carroll Manor and Jefferson Tech, an expansion of the Animal Control center, trails, and new park development and expansion.
Fiscal Year 2022 begins July 1, 2021. A full list of budget appeals is available for review at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/budget. The public hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, March 22. The public can watch the hearing live on cable channels 19 and 1085, online at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/FCGTV, and at https://publicinput.com/FY22FCBudget.
- To listen to the discussion or to speak live during the public hearing, call toll-free 855-925-2801. Enter meeting code 9391. Enter *1 to listen, *2 to leave a voice message that can be replayed during the public hearing; or *3 to join a speakers queue to comment live.
- To send written comments, email CountyExecutive@FrederickCountyMD.gov, now through close of business on Monday, March 22;
The deadline to submit funding priorities through the new Balancing Act tool is 4 p.m. on Friday, March 19. To participate, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/budget and click on Balancing Act. For more information, contact Budget Director Kelly Weaver at 301-600-1185 or via e-mail at kweaver@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
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