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| On Wednesday, the Department of Finance presented the Preliminary Budget for Fiscal Year 2011. Mr. Edward Gallagher, the Finance Director for the City, who is at the beginning his 28th Budget process, said that is the worst fiscal crisis he has ever seen. There is no question in my mind that the current budget crisis is among the worst in the City's history. The projected budget deficit is $121 million. It is the gap between the cost of maintaining services and our current expected revenue. We did not create this problem but we have to solve it.
In the national media, budgets are discussed in terms of billions and trillions. The $121 million deficit we are facing may sound small, but it is far from it.
- $121 million is equal to half the police force, the entire firefighter force, or the combined budgets of Health, Housing, Recreation and Parks, and Libraries.
- The deficit is equal to a 36 cent increase in the property tax rate.
Now more than ever, City Government must tighten its belt and get more value for every single tax dollar. We need to do what families are doing everyday-be realistic and honest about what we can afford and focus funding on the core services that we really need. I started this process first by slashing the Mayor's office by 10%.
This Preliminary Budget Plan shows what the City can deliver to citizens within currently projected revenues. Some of the cuts we would be forced to make are unacceptable and simply go too far, especially cuts to Police, Fire, Recreation and Parks, and infrastructure.
Just like any family, a financial crisis of this magnitude has the power to rip us apart or bring us closer together. If we work together, we can get through this challenge with our core priorities intact. By April 12th I will present a comprehensive plan to balance the city's budget that will fully fund our obligation to public schools, maintain every single patrol officer, keep all community libraries open, fund after-school programs that work, and prevent an increase in the property tax rate.
We have three choices, but some riskier and more harmful than others:
- One, if we do nothing, we face devastating cuts and bankruptcy. That is clearly unacceptable and I, as Mayor, will not allow it.
- Two, if we only cut services, we will devastate public safety, economic development and harm countless of our fellow citizens. No one will be spared. That approach is not acceptable either.
- Three, we can cut government, make it more efficient, demand and accept that all of us share the pain and, then, seek new revenue sources that do not cause unacceptable hardship in this time of economic trouble.
The comprehensive plan is designed to have a minimal impact on residents and will equalize sacrifices among citizens, businesses and nonprofits, but it is the only way for us to fund public safety and other essential services.
This third alternative, despite its difficulty, is the only path through this crisis and the only path that, despite the odds, that will enable us to move our city forward.
I've had the great honor of serving as Mayor of Baltimore for a total of 51 days. Despite this unprecedented crisis, I know that Baltimore's best days are ahead. Baltimore will not be defined by crisis and cuts.
Instead, we will be defined by how we confront this crisis, together with honesty and shared sacrifice, so that our city can emerge better, safer, and stronger. |
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Sincerely,
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
Mayor, City of Baltimore
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4-10 Challenge
March 1 - April 1
Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake is challenging you and your organization to take 10 minutes to fill out the 10 Census questions throughout the month of March, so that Baltimore City can maximize the federal and state funding it will receive over the next 10 years. After you fill out and mail in your Census form, contact 10 other people and urge them to fill it out. Encourage everyone in the organizations you work with to participate in the 4-10 Challenge throughout the month of March. The contest will run from March 1st and will end on Census day, April 1, 2010.
Prizes will be awarded to organizations that use the most creative outreach methods to get the word out about the Census (block parties, posters, promotions, etc.).
NOTE: Only Census employees are allowed to collect Census forms. This competition is SOLELY to spread awareness about the Census and encourage participation).
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44th Legislative District Special Initiative
Saturday, March 27, 8:00am - 5:00pm
The 44th Legislative District Complete Count Committee will be holding a series of health screenings and mini job fairs, conveniently located at neighborhood supermarkets. In addition to FREE screenings by Bon Secours Health Systems, you will find employment information and resources from Goodwill Industries of Chesapeake. Census information will also be distributed.
Events will take place at the following locations:
Hollins Market-Union Square
Stop Shop and Save-Pennsylvania Avenue
Food Depot-Westside Shopping Center
Save A Lot-McMechen Street |
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Baltimore Farmer's Market & Bazaar Call for Entry The Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts is now accepting applications for the 33rd annual Baltimore Farmers' Market & Bazaar. Space is available for farmers, crafters, concessionaires and street performers. Applications can be downloaded online at www.promotionandarts.com (Events & Festivals). Deadlines for applications vary. The Baltimore Farmers' Market & Bazaar is presented by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and produced by the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts. Its season runs from May 2 through December 19. |
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National Youth Violence Prevention Week March 22-28
Activities and events will be held nationwide to spotlight the issue of youth violence. The Baltimore City Health Department's Office of Youth Violence Prevention, in collaboration with the Mayor's Office and several city agencies and community-based organizations, has created a week of events, workshops, and open houses to spotlight this issue.
Call 443-984-3566 to find out what events are taking place in your neighborhood.
If your organization would like to get involved or host a Youth Violence Prevention Week event, contact the Baltimore City Health Department Office of Youth Violence Prevention at 443-984-3566 before March 15. |
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2010 Spring Flower Show March 27-April 11, 10:00am-4:00pm
Spring into the Wonderful World of Oz this year! Follow a yellow brick road through a rainbow of Spring flowering bulbs. This event is FREE and open to the public. A $3 donation is suggested. The Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens of Baltimore is located at 3100 Swann Dr. in Druid Hill Park and is open Tuesday-Sunday.
For more information call 410-396-0008 or visit http://www.baltimorecity.gov/recnparks. |
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13th Annual Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, March 27, 12:00pm-2:00pm
Enjoy egg hunts (ages 2-7 only), arts & crafts and petting farm, all FREE! This event, hosted by the Department of Recreation & Parks, is open to the public in Druid Hill Park at the Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens.
For more information, visit http://www.baltimorecity.gov/recnparks. |
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9th Annual City of Baltimore Procurement and Outreach Fair Tuesday, March 30, 8:00am - 12:00pm
Join the Mayor's Office of Minority and Women-Owned Business Development for an opportunity for businesses to network with city, state and federal quasi-public government agencies and corporate companies to increase procurement opportunities with the City of Baltimore. Admission and parking are free to the public. Pre-registration is not required. The fair will be held at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, 1400 West Cold Spring Lane.
For more information, contact the Mayor's Office of Minority and Women-Owned Business Development at 410-396-3818.
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Financial Fitness Day Saturday, April 17, 8:30am-1:30pm
It's your money, get your finances in shape. Get advice from HUD certified counselors and attend financial and homewonership classes. Registration is FREE, but space is limited. To register, call by April 1. Presented by Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore, this event is located at Pleasant Hope Baptist Church, 430 East Belvedere Avenue.
For more information and to register, call 410-327-1200.
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