(2/2023) It’s hard to believe that it’s already February! The Maryland General Assembly is in full swing, with many new faces representing Frederick County in Annapolis, thanks to new district lines. I was honored to be in Annapolis to witness the historic moment when Governor Wes Moore took his oath of office. One of his first acts was to propose his budget, with increased levels of funding for education and transportation among other initiatives.

We are working on a budget here in Frederick County, as well. I say "we" because hundreds of residents have shared their priorities for the coming fiscal year, which starts July 1. We kicked off the new year with a series of listening sessions. I hosted meetings in all five council districts, from Thurmont to Brunswick, and was joined by the local County Council member and at-large members.

Scores of people turned out at each event, many speaking at a public meeting for the very first time. Parents asked for our oldest schools to be renovated or replaced. Farmers spoke about the importance of preserving agriculture. Residents spoke passionately about the difference a library would make in their community. Seniors advocated for additional staff to support the 60,000 people over age 60 who live in Frederick County. Some speakers asked for trails to connect towns and neighborhoods so people could get places without a car. A few homeowners requested lower property taxes, while others said they would pay more in taxes if it meant more funding for education. Some complained that new houses are being built so fast that schools are overcrowded.

If you came to the town hall at Catoctin High School, or another location, thank you for taking time to share your priorities with me. If you chose to submit your thoughts through our online portal, please know that I will read all the comments as I begin the difficult task of drafting the County’s budget. If you would still like to share your ideas and priorities, you can do so at FrederickCountyMD.gov/BudgetPublicHearing.

There are more opportunities to be heard before the budget is adopted. In March, you will have a chance to use an interactive tool to decide which budget requests you would, or would not, fund. There will also be another public hearing in March. Then in April, I’ll present my budget to the County Council. The Council will hold its own public meetings, including another public hearing on the proposed spending plan.

Mental Health

One item that I am pleased to include in the next budget is continued funding for a new Crisis Stabilization Center. The center will allow people who are struggling with substance use disorder or mental health challenges to access treatment 24 hours a day, and in many cases prevent them from needing expensive emergency room care. One out of every five admissions at Frederick Health Hospital relate to behavioral or substance use issues. Statistics show that 47% of all the 9-1-1 calls for behavioral health could be diverted from the emergency department when the Crisis Stabilization Center opens.

Frederick County’s in-house construction crew in the Division of Public Works will begin work on the center this month. and should be ready to open late this summer. The Frederick County Health Department will oversee the center. Staffing will be provided by the Mental Health Association of Frederick County.

Our Federal delegation, which includes U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, as well as Congressman David Trone, came to Winchester Hall in late January to learn more about the Crisis Stabilization Center. They presented a check for $699,000, which will allow Frederick County to purchase the equipment needed to open the center. The funds were approved as part of the most recent Congressionally Directed Spending package. Frederick County received a second federal grant of $850,000 last fall to help stand up the Crisis Stabilization Center.

Day-to-day operational costs will be supported in part by the County’s share of legal settlement payments from opioid manufacturers and distributors. Those payments will total nearly $12 million over the next 17 years.

Design Our County Flag

Are you an artist or graphic designer? Have you ever imagined your design flying from flag poles? Frederick County’s 275th anniversary planning committee is holding a contest to pick a new design for the official county flag.

Residents of any age are invited to submit original designs that illustrate a message of unity. Former residents are also eligible to compete. Designers are limited to a single entry per person. A selection committee will score each design. The top three submissions will be announced in April, and the public will vote on which of the three designs will become the official flag of Frederick County.

The winning design will be unfurled at the county’s 275th Anniversary Jubilee on June 10. You can find entry forms and contest instructions at FrederickCountyMD.gov/275flagcontest.