(3/20/2024) Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater featured schools, roads, and fire stations in an overview of her proposed budget at Winchester Hall on Monday, according to Communications Director Vivian Laxton.

Based on the news release, the county executive highlighted major construction projects for schools, libraries, and fire stations. Fitzwater said there is moderate but steady growth in revenues and recordation tax income is lower due to fewer housing permits. More than $84 million in new requests were received for the 2025 fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2024, according to the press release.

"I personally met with every division director to make sure existing programs were re-evaluated and any new requests aligned with the goals set in Livable Frederick," Fitzwater said. "The budget will be tighter than in past years. Frederick county’s diverse economy has helped position us better than many of our neighboring counties, but we must continue to be fiscally responsible."

Livable Frederick highlights master plans released by officials that includes but not limited to priority funding areas, capital improvements, and functional operations such as water and sewage, explained by the county government website.

The public has two more opportunities to weigh in on their funding priorities before Fitzwater submits her proposed budget, according to the news release. Laxton said a public hearing will be held Wednesday, March 20 at 7 p.m. at Winchester Hall, 12 E. Church St.

Government officials said the public has access to the Balancing Act, an online tool to organize requests included in Frederick county’s budget. To take the survey, go to FrederickCountyMD.gov/BudgetSurvey. The survey will remain open through 4 p.m. on March 25, according to the press release.