WASHINGTON — There will be no tax hikes in the $4.1 billion budget unveiled by Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker on Wednesday.
Baker celebrated the budget as a sign of the county’s progress since he took office seven years ago.
“Our financial situation in Prince George’s County is the best that it’s ever been,” Baker said. “We are not just on the right path; we are well-positioned for the future.”
Even though the budget does not raise property taxes, some homeowners could wind up paying around $50 more in taxes because property values, and assessments, are rising.
Baker contrasted the current economic situation in the county to the first budget he unveiled when the county was dealing with high foreclosure rates, high unemployment and what he said was “over dependency on residential taxes.”
“By creating thousands of jobs, we are now No. 1 in the state in job creation, and we have maintained that for four quarters in a row,” Baker said.
Baker said the proposed budget — a 5.5 percent increase over the 2018 budget — would continue to grow the county’s economy and improve the schools.
Baker is proposing a 3.7 percent increase in education spending and promises significant investments in school construction. Baker conceded that critics will find fault with the county, and he did not mention the ongoing scandal in the county public school system, which is under state monitoring over grade manipulation.
Instead, Baker accentuated the positive, including the county’s growing economic development.
“Today, this county’s regional and national stature has risen, and our economy is thriving,” Baker said.
Baker also touted a 50 percent reduction in the county’s violent crime rate since 2010.
The county executive is among several Democrats campaigning for the June nomination to challenge current Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, who is a Republican.
Some of other proposed changes in the proposed 2019 budget include:
- A 6.7 percent increase for public safety
- A 4.4 percent increase for human services
- A 5 percent decrease in infrastructure and development
You can read the entire budget on Prince George’s County website.
WTOP’s Patrick Roth contributed to this report.
