(5/2021) Flowers are blooming and Frederick County’s beautiful vistas look lush and green. The month of May is a wonderful time to explore our fabulous county parks and trails. If you are looking for ideas, stop by the Frederick Visitor Center during National Tourism Week. On May 8th, they will be celebrating "love local" day with special displays, as well as scavenger hunts for children to complete throughout the day. It’s a great way to spend a Saturday, while staying safely physically distanced.

We are seeing a light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, thanks to the widespread access to vaccinations against the coronavirus. Already, more than 84% of county residents over age 65 have been vaccinated. More than half of all adults in Frederick County have received at least one dose to help slow the spread. Last month we were excited to open a fourth location for vaccination clinics run by the Frederick County Health Department and County employees. The high-volume clinic is located just off Route 15. The Health Department also helped to coordinate a FEMA pop-up vaccination clinic in Emmitsburg recently, and many pharmacies and private physicians are also offering vaccines now.

Vaccines work! Since our nursing home residents were vaccinated, we have seen a steep reduction in the numbers who have fallen ill. We need as many people as possible to be vaccinated so we can stop the spread of COVID-19. The disease is still with us, and Frederick Health Hospital continues to see a high number of patients every day with the virus, and they are trending younger. Sadly, more than 300 of our neighbors have lost their lives to COVID-19 already. Do your part to slow the spread. Be smart and do your part. Wear your mask, wash your hands, watch your distance, and get vaccinated! You can make an appointment by calling 301-600-7900 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Budgeting for Recovery

I recently unveiled my proposed budget for the upcoming year, which features a record investment in education. I believe that the budget should reflect our community’s values, so I have focused on what matters most: education, good health, economic prosperity, and equity. The budget I’ve proposed will help Frederick County to rise, recover and renew. It does so in a fiscally responsive manner. For the seventh straight year, the budget does not include any tax rate increases.

The proposed budget creates a healthier, stronger, and even better Frederick County. It is like our shot in the arm – to lift us up and help us overcome, to ensure the delivery of important services both now and into the future, and to make life better for people.

Good news deserves good headlines, so here are the headlines from this year's budget:

Making a Record Investment in Education – The budget funds $21.5 million over the legally required Maintenance of Effort for public education, plus $50 million in school construction and renovation in the first year of the Capital Improvement Program. There is $1.5 million for Frederick Community College to help keep tuition affordable, and $475,000 for our fabulous Frederick County Public Libraries.

Jump-Starting the Economy – By investing $1 million in rural broadband, we can help bring high-speed internet to the rural crescent that is currently underserved or not served at all, including a wide swath of North County. The budget funds a feasibility study for an agriculture innovation center to help keep agriculture financially viable for our community. There are also funds to support job seekers and employers through our Workforce Services.

Restoring Good Health – The budget funds an expansion of our Mobile Crisis Unit to make the service available 24 hours a day seven days a week. This critical service is supported by the Sheriff and is already saving lives in Frederick County. There are also funds to create a permanent satellite office for the Health Department on the Golden Mile.

Advancing Equity – Improving equity within Frederick County Government will help us to reflect the community we serve, and this budget will help us to achieve that goal. It also includes $83,000 for the Heritage Center being built by AARCH (African American Resources Culture Heritage), the County’s Black historical society. The budget also funds economic empowerment programs.

Taking Care of People – We can ensure safe communities by funding contracts for law enforcement, correctional officers and firefighters. The proposed budget also provides $1 million for Community Partnership Grants for non-profits that serve Frederick County residents.

Valuing County Workers – County employees deliver effective and efficient services every day. The budget begins a multi-year phase-in of a new pay scale for employees. It also sets a minimum full-time salary for County workers at $15 an hour.

Building a Better Future – The proposed budget includes construction of new schools, libraries, bridges, and parks in every area of the county. The map I’ve included shows all the projects in Council District 5. It includes a limited renovation of Thurmont Elementary School, and several bridges. Development of the Kanode Farm Park, a new North County Regional Park near Emmitsburg, and historic and interpretive programs related to the homestead at Utica District Park are also included in the budget.

Protecting taxpayers – We live within our means in Frederick County. For the seventh straight year, my proposed budget does not raise taxes. It fully funds pensions and protects our coveted AAA bond rating.

Fiscal Year 2022 begins July 1, 2021. The County Council will vote on the budget later this month.

I am proud that Frederick County lives within our means while providing outstanding services. You can find the proposed FY22 budget at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/budget.