|
|
| As the city budget for Fiscal Year 2011 moves forward, it is important to me that I hear ideas and concerns about the city's budgetary decisions from residents. Thankfully, the City Charter recognizes the importance of citizen input in the budget process. It requires that the citizens have the opportunity to appear before the Board of Estimates to "speak for or against the inclusion of any appropriation" in the budget. To fulfill our obligation, the Board of Estimates hosts Taxpayers Night every year.
I want to thank everyone who came to learn about the city's financial situation and share their thoughts about the budget.
This year, we are confronting the largest budget deficit ever. The budget deficit is equal to a 36 cent increase in the property tax rate. It is equal to half the police force, the entire firefighter force, or the combined budgets of Health, Housing, Recreation and Parks and Libraries.
Revenue is down $54 Million and the City's costs are up $67 million. The gap between the cost of maintaining services and our current expected revenue is $121 million. Major revenue declines and cost increases include shrinking Highway User Revenue and income tax revenue, cuts in state aid, and an increase in pension and retiree health care costs. Without legislation to reform the Fire and Police Retirement System, pension costs alone would grow by another $64 million.
Last month, the Finance Department presented a Preliminary Budget that contains no new revenues and is balanced completely with spending cuts. Some of these proposed cuts are unacceptable - especially in the areas of public safety. It is clear that City government must tighten its belt and get more value for every single tax dollar. We need to be upfront and honest about the $121 million deficit facing the city. Tough choices and painful sacrifices must be made.
On Monday, I will introduce 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. In the coming weeks, I will work with my colleagues on the City Council to ensure this plan is passed so we can preserve public safety and essential services for residents.
Despite this unprecedented crisis, I know that Baltimore's best days are ahead us. Those of you who took the time to attend and speak at Taxpayers Night are helping to set the course toward a better future for the city. You are not willing to let Baltimore be defined by crisis and cuts. We will be defined by how we confront this crisis: together with honesty and shared sacrifice. By doing so, our city can emerge, better, safer, and stronger. |
|
Sincerely,
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
Mayor, City of Baltimore
| |
|
Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and all of Baltimore would like to wish the Orioles a great and successful season.
Orioles opening day is Friday, April 9. |
April 6-April 13
The Graffiti Blitz is a citywide effort to remove graffiti from playgrounds, rec centers, public buildings, alleys and vacant properties. If you have graffiti in your neighborhood you would like to have removed, please call 311. |
|
Call for AmeriCorps*VISTA Volunteers
Want to make Baltimore a better place? Greater Homewood Community Corporation is seeking qualified candidates for the nationally-renowned AmeriCorps*VISTA program. Sign on for a year of service and receive a modest living allowance, health benefits, and an end-of-service education award. Positions start in August 2010 in the areas of improving public schools, strengthening neighborhoods, adult literacy and English for speakers of other languages (ESOL). The deadline for applications is July 15. Visit www.greaterhomewood.org to learn more. |
|
National STD Awareness Month Screenings
A new mobile outreach program van will provide screenings throughout the city during the month of April and participate in screening and education events at Baltimore City Community College and Morgan State and Coppin State Universities. For more information, visit the Health Department's website at www.baltimorehealth.org, or call 410-396-4448. |
|
Census March to the Mailbox
Saturday, April 10, 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Join residents from all over the city. Reach out to Baltimore City neighborhoods with low Census mail-in response rates. There will be FREE giveaways and plenty of fun.
For more information about how you can volunteer, please call 410-396-4735. For a list of locations, see the Mayor's press release. |
|
6th Annual Privateer Day April 9-10
Fell's Point Main Street will host this nautical and pirate-themed festival, which kicks off Friday night with a Swashbuckler Soiree from 8:00 pm-12:00 am at the Frederick Douglass Museum. Saturday's FREE Privateer Day runs from 11:00 am-6:00 pm and features lives music, unique vendors, children's activities and much, much more.
For more information, visit www.fellspointmainstreet.org. |
|
Shape Up Parks Day Saturday, April 10, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Shape Up Parks is an annual Department of Recreation and Park's event. Friends of parks and neighborhood groups are encouraged to clean and green their local parks. Bags, gloves, tools, mulch and trees can be provided.
For more information, call 410-396-7900. |
|
City Living Rental Tour Saturday, April 10, 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Are you looking for a place to rent? Need the perfect roommate? Let Live Baltimore help you. Learn the basics of signing a lease, and your rights and responsibilities as a renter. Try the free roommate match-up service. Tour rental properties throughout the city. The tour is FREE and open to the public, but pre-registration is required to reserve a seat on the bus. To register, call 410-637-3750. The event will be held at the Clarence "Du" Burns Arena, 1301 Ellwood Avenue.
Visit www.livebaltimore.com for more information. |
|
H1N1 Vaccination Clinics Sunday, April 11, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm
The Health Department will offer FREE H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccine at five different locations around Baltimore City. Vaccination is especially important for those in high-risk groups. Flu season runs through spring, and there's still time to get protected. For future Health Department clinic dates, visit www.baltimorehealth.org.
Charity Community Church of God, 3202 Frederick Avenue
The Power House, 1352 James Street
Bolton Street Synagogue, 212 West Coldspring Lane
Old St. Paul Church, 233 North Charles Street
Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church, 2812 Reisterstown Road |
|
Baltimore Retail Week April 16-25
Celebrate the end of tax season with "unofficial tax-free" shopping during Baltimore Retail Week. Nearly 60 Downtown retailers will offer six percent or more off purchases. Baltimore Retail Week aims to build awareness of Downtown's unique retail stores and encourage residents and visitors to shop Downtown.
For a complete list of participating retailers, discount deals, and other Baltimore Retail Week events, visit www.baltimoreretailweek.com. |
|
Pre-K/Kindergarten Registration Pre-K and kindergarten give our youngest students the foundation they need for a successful education. Register your 4 or 5 year-old in a City Schools Pre-K or kindergarten program for the 2010-11 school year. Visit the City Schools website at www.baltimorecityschools.org to find your neighborhood school. City Schools will be available to answer questions in person at the following events this spring.
Saturday, April 17, 11:00 am-3:00 pm
Mondawmin Mall
April 19-23
Open House at schools. Contact your zoned school directly for times.
Saturday, April 24 10 am-1:00 pm
Port Discovery "Countdown to Kindergarten" |
|
Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake's Spring Cleanup Saturday, April 17, 8:00 am-1:00 pm
Join your neighbors and choose a location that needs a special cleanup. Community representatives should call 311 early to register. Containers for debris collection will be available on a first call basis. Even communities without a container can participate by bagging and stacking debris at a designated location, to be picked up on Monday, April 19th. Please provide your designated collection point when you register your clean up with 311. |
|
|
|
|
