Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott unveils preliminary budget

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott held a town hall to unveil his preliminary budget on Tuesday.

This provided an opportunity for locals to engage in conversation with municipal officials and gain a more precise comprehension of the mayor's proposed budget.

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"Regarding this budget, we managed to close the $85 million shortfall without reducing any services. We have not increased and will not increase income or property taxes as part of this budget, even though we're enhancing certain essential areas," Scott stated.

The budget allocates nearly $625 million in services focused on prioritizing youth, Scott said.

That includes funds to support YouthWorks, funding for recreation centers and the BMORE Healthy Babies Program.

It also allocates $1.2 billion for services aimed at enhancing public safety, including the Group Violence Reduction Strategy and parking and traffic safety.

This allocation also encompasses $346 million dedicated to equitable neighborhood growth. This funding will support initiatives such as BMORE F.A.S.T., address issues with vacant properties, sustain Baltimore’s arts and cultural landscape, and set up the Mayor's Office of Art, Culture, and Entertainment.

The residents split up into smaller groups and discussed various elements of the budget with local government representatives.

"I believe the mayor’s strategy strikes a balance. While there are additional initiatives we wish to undertake, considering the budget constraints, our focus should be on implementing what will yield the greatest benefit," stated Clyde Barrett, who lives in the city.

Veronica Johnson is a previous government worker who has been let go lately.

“I am passionate about public safety and our young people. We require funding for both the youth programs and public safety initiatives,” Johnson stated.

She approves certain elements of the budget but feels additional measures should be taken to assist federal employees who have been let go, helping them either secure new jobs or generate their own chances for work.

The proposed budgets encompass approximately $202 million sourced from federal grants.

"Right now, we have to go for what we know, and we know right now that many of those grants seem to be solid based on what's happening now," Scott said. "But, if not, just like at the state level and even at the federal level, we'll have to come back and make adjustments as needed with the uncertainty that's coming out of ."

A portion of his plan involves revising obsolete fee systems, particularly those related to landfill tipping charges, emergency medical services transportation costs, and taxi rates.

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