In May 2024, the County Council approved a balanced budget of $5.46 billion for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. Like many jurisdictions across the country, we faced a significant budget shortfall due to less tax revenue, the end of pandemic relief funds, and inflation. While we had to close a projected $171 million shortfall that left little room for budget adjustments, we did not compromise environmental concerns, public safety, or education.
I want to thank those who participated in the budget adoption process, from the County Executive’s proposal to the County Council’s public hearings. Your experiences are crucial to shaping our spending plan and positively enhanced our discussions and negotiations with the County Executive.
Here are the highlights:
This budget funds the Prince George’s County Public Schools at $2.83 billion, representing 62% of the County Budget General Fund and an increase of $29.3 million over last year’s budget.
The Department of Permitting Inspections and Enforcement received $32.3 million, an increase of $1.4 million or 4.7% over the FY24 approved budget. This includes $4.2 million to continue the rollout of the new e-permit system for homeowners and small businesses, and $2.7 million for the Clean Lots program in collaboration with the Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPWT).
The DPWT budget was relatively the same as FY24, totaling $54.9 million for FY25. While I had hoped to increase funding for more sidewalks and to redesign more urban streets, that was not possible in this year’s budget. Highlights for DPWT include $1.7 million to support a new street sweeping initiative (purchase of more street sweepers and more frequent street sweeping), as well as funds for sidewalk trip hazard mitigation and sidewalk network survey and analysis.
The Fire/EMS Department was approved for $279.6 million in FY25, an increase of $18.6 million or 7.1% over the FY24 budget. This includes funding to increase staffing by 50 new positions and support for 100 new recruits (between fire and police).
The Prince George’s County Police Department was approved for $410.2 million, an increase of $9.1 million or 2.3% over the FY24 approved budget. This includes $200,000 to fund signing bonuses for 100 new police officer recruits and two new crime scene investigator positions.
The Climate Action Plan, led by the Department of Environment, will count on $55.1 million in FY25 for climate action plan investments such as electric buses, bike share expansion, tree planting, technical assistance, and more. Additionally, there is $174.8 million for the Stormwater Management Fund.
The Department of the Environment’s Animal Services Division received a $100,000 increase. Employees, activists, and advocates expressed clear concerns about the division’s functions, specifically its shelter. While this increase will not address every problem, we have heard the public’s concern. We will continue to work towards improving animal services to benefit our animals, the environment, and the community.
We have approved $5 million in non-departmental grants to support our nonprofits.
We have successfully closed out another budget season with collaboration and compromise. As we move into this next fiscal year, the Council will continue to work with stakeholders and community members to improve our economic development, strategize toward our climate and development goals, and, most importantly, prioritize the needs of our constituents.
Flood Preparedness
As we are in hurricane season, severe weather conditions can cause flooding, threaten lives, and damage property. The Prince George’s County Department of the Environment (DoE) wants to help County residents and business owners protect their homes, buildings, and personal belongings if flooding occurs and to be flood-ready, flood-smart, and flood-safe. Visit DoE’s Flood Management page at (https://bit.ly/PGCFloodManagement) or contact PGC311 for more information.
The best time to make a flood plan is now. DoE offers flood prevention tips and information, as well as a Flood Awareness poster that provides information on what causes flooding and how to prevent and protect homes and businesses in the case of a flood.
Flood management resources are available on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website to help residents prepare and provide guidance on making a flood plan. The website also includes information on flood insurance premiums, which County residents can save up to 25 percent on. Another resource, Alert Prince George’s, is a text message notification service that advises subscribers in the event of significant flooding (https://bit.ly/AlertPG).
Having flood insurance is one way to prepare for flooding, as coverage helps pay for damage to your home’s structure and/or contents. For insurance rates and tips, visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Flood Risks and Costs webpage (https://bit.ly/FEMAFloodInfo).
The County also participates in FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS) Program. CRS stresses the importance of informing residents of flood hazards and reducing flood risks. The County recently updated its Hazard Mitigation Plan, which FEMA approved in November 2023. This plan covers the Prince George’s County and the City of Laurel jurisdictions and provides current flood risk information and measures to mitigate the risk.
Stay in Touch
Join our biweekly District 1 eNewsletter here: https://bit.ly/D1eNewsletterOptIn, and our monthly District 1 Senior Living eNewsletter. Don’t miss out on resources, local activities, and events for seniors: https://bit.ly/D1SeniorNewsletterOptIn. You can also contact our office by emailing us at councildistrict1@co.pg.md.us or calling 301-952-3887. Se habla español. On parle français. Follow us on Facebook, X, Threads, and Instagram @TomDernogaD1.
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