May 1, 2023

Ready Report: County Budget Hearing & Local News

First, I wanted to make you aware of important opportunities to make your voice heard on the proposed Carroll County government budget. The information on hearings is below – two have already taken place but there are several others still on schedule:

Public Hearing on FY2024 Proposed Budget for Carroll County

The Board of County Commissioners unveiled its proposed budget for fiscal year 2024, which begins July 1, 2023. The $546.7 million General Fund, which authorizes day-to-day expenses, sees an increase of $45.4M or 9.1% from FY2023. The budget proposes no property tax rate increase for FY2024. The budget does include proposed revenue increases with the Recordation Rate fee increasing from $5.00/$500 to $6.25/$500 in addition to fee increases for solid waste and utilities. The proposed FY2024 Budget is available on the county’s website for public viewing.

The County will be hosting five community meetings at library branches to review and explain the budget. All interested residents are encouraged to attend. See below for the hearing schedule:

Eldersburg Library – Wednesday, April 26th – 7 PM

Mount Airy Library – Thursday, April 27th – 7 PM

Westminster Library – Monday, May 1st – 7 PM

Taneytown Library – Tuesday, May 2nd – 7 PM

North Carroll Library – Wednesday, May 3rd – 7 PM

A Budget Public Hearing is scheduled to be held in person at Carroll Community College Scott Center located at 1601 Washington Road in Westminster on Tuesday, May 9th at 7:00 pm. The meeting will be live streamed for viewing purposes on the county’s YouTube channel, but participation must be in person. Those unable to attend the public hearing but wish to comment may submit any questions or concerns directly to Director Zaleski at [email protected].

The commissioners may hold additional budget work sessions to make any modifications to the proposed budget based on the information received during the Budget Public Hearing. Formal adoption of the FY2024 budget is scheduled for Tuesday, May 23, 2023.

Carroll County 2nd Annual Veterans Celebration

The Carroll County Board of Commissioners has invited everyone to the 2nd Annual Veterans Celebration of Carroll County.  This family-friendly event will be held Sunday, May 7, 2023 from noon – 4:00 PM at the Carroll County Farm Museum in Westminster. Celebrating all Veterans, Military, and their families, all Carroll County residents are invited to attend the free celebration. Veterans will receive complimentary gifts while supplies last.

National Take Back Day is Every Day in Maryland

While National Take Back Day has passed, Marylanders are fortunate to have resources available for year-round prescription drug disposal. The state’s 211 Maryland website has comprehensive links to hundreds of year-round disposal sites, as well as information on how to safely dispose of prescription drugs at home. You can find this information by clicking here.

Additionally, CODE 3 Association is an excellent resource for families who want to investigate the warning signs of drug misuse in their homes. The site includes helpful information and seminars. You can access this site by clicking here.

Free Shredding & Medication Disposal Events at Senior & Community Centers

The Carroll County Bureau of Aging & Disabilities is sponsoring shredding events at the Senior & Community Centers. The events are free and open to older adults 60+ years of age and adults with disabilities 18+ years of age. In partnership with the Carroll County Health Department and the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department, medication disposal will also be available at each of the shredding events. They will not be accepting liquids, sharp objects, or needles. See below for event locations and times:

Mt. Airy Senior & Community Center – Tuesday, May 9th 9 AM to 11 AM

South Carroll Senior & Community Center – Tuesday, May 16th 9 AM to 11 AM

Taneytown Senior & Community Center – Tuesday, May 25th 9AM to 11AM

Westminster Senior & Community Center – Friday, May 12th 9 AM to 11 AM

North Carroll Senior & Community Center – Friday, May 19th 9AM to 11 AM

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