One-page explanation outlining various steps in the process of formulating the County's capital improvement plan and budget.

1. Referendum Process (during each yr of a general election):
(1) In March, after it has reviewed proposed capital projects, the Planning Board makes recommendations “for borrowing
for capital projects to be undertaken in the next ensuing two fiscal years and of a character requiring authorization by
referendum.” These recommendations are given to the Director of Planning, who, in turn submits them to the Director
of Budget. Balt. Cnty Charter, Sec. 705(a)(1). See also, http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/ Agencies/planning/ public_
facilities_planning/cip.html
(2) Director of Budget reviews the Planning Board’s recommendations with the County Administrative Officer in the
light of the existing capital program, and County Administrative Officer then submits to the County Executive a
borrowing plan for the forthcoming referendum. Balt. Cnty Charter, Sec. 705(a)(2).
(3) County executive modifies and/or approves borrowing plan and submits it to County Council, which:
(a) Can approve, reduce or disapprove, but not increase, the amount of borrowing proposed.
(b) Must take action by way of ordinance specifying the purposes or classes of projects for which the funds are to be
borrowed (e.g. schools, parks, roads), with each question submitted to the voters including only one such purpose or
class of projects. Balt. Cnty Charter, Sec. 705 (a)(3). Ordinance must be adopted by June 1. Balt. Cnty Code, Art.
10, Section 10-3-101. When voting takes place in Nov., authorization is for borrowing for fiscal years x+2 and x+3.
(In 2012, approved borrowing would be for FY 2014 and FY 2015).
Capital Program & Budget Process
(1) Planning Board holds Citizen Input Meeting in October. Agency directors also attend.
(2) On schedule determined by County Admin. Officer, each office, department, institution, (5) After consideration by the Planning Board, the Director of Planning transmits a list of
board, commission, or other agency of the county government submits to the Director of recommended projects with cost estimates to the Director of Budget. Balt. Cnty Charter, Sec.
Budget an itemized list of the capital projects which it proposes to undertake in the ensuing fiscal 705(b).
year and the next succeeding 5 fiscal years thereafter. Balt. Cnty Charter, Sec. 705 (b).
(3) Director of Budget reviews requests to determine whether they are in line with budget (6) County Administrative Officer, with the assistance of the Director of the Budget, considers
parameters and sends preliminary Capital Program (aka CIP) to the Director of Planning. See Planning Board’s recommendations with the other budget proposals and submits, together with
http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/ Agencies/planning/ public_ facilities_planning/cip.html the current expense budget, a complete capital budget and capital program to the County
(4) Director of Planning submits Capital Program to Planning Board in January. (7) Not later than 75 days prior to the end of the fiscal year (i.e., April 15), the County Executive
(a) CIP committee of board hears agencies and evaluates projects as follows: submits to the County Council a current expense budget, a capital budget and capital program
Ÿ Does this project fit within the guidelines of the Baltimore County Master Plan and its as follows:
amendments?
(a) The proposed capital budget and capital program must set forth:
Ÿ Does this project fit within the guidelines of the State’s Smart Growth initiative?
(i) The capital projects planned for the ensuing fiscal year and in each of the next 5 fiscal
Ÿ Is this project necessary to continue or improve public safety and the health of Baltimore
years, and also the proposed means of financing the same.
County residents?
(ii) The receipts anticipated during the ensuing fiscal year from all borrowing and from other
Ÿ Will the impacted community be supportive of this project?
sources for capital projects.
Ÿ Does this project serve to protect or enhance the environment?
Ÿ Is the timing for this project appropriate? (b) The budget message shall ... explain the proposed capital program both in in fiscal terms and
Ÿ Will this project help to leverage non-County funds, thus increasing the efficiency of local in terms of work to be done ... and include an explanation of changes made by the county
government services? executive in the program presented by the office of planning and zoning. Balt. Cnty Charter,
Ÿ Is this project necessary to comply with federal and State mandates? Sec. 706; see also Balt. Cnty Code, Article 10, Section 10-1-113.
Ÿ Does this project enhance or strengthen communities and neighborhoods?
(8) The County Council:
Ÿ Does this project serve to repair or replace an existing deteriorated facility?
Ÿ Is this project part of a systematic replacement strategy that will provide a long-term (a) Must hold a public hearing between 7 and 20 days from the time it receives the budget from
upgrade of public facilities? the County Executive.
Ÿ Will this project improve the operating efficiency of a County agency, perhaps by (b) May decrease or delete any item in the budget ... but may not change the form of the budget
reducing future operating budgets? as submitted by the county executive, alter the revenue estimates except to correct
Ÿ Is this project coordinated in its scheduling with other related capital projects? mathematical errors, or increase any expenditure recommended by the county executive for
Ÿ Does this project support or strengthen Baltimore County's economy? current or capital purposes.
(b) In even years, Planning Board recommends general obligation bond items to be placed (c) If it adopts the budget, must do so by way of an ordinance as the Annual Budget and
on ballot for referendum in November and results of referendum set budget funding Appropriation Ordinance of Baltimore County on or before the first day of the last month of the
levels for following 2 fiscal years. (See above description of referendum process) fiscal year, i.e. June 1.
(c) In odd years, CIP Committee reviews only requests for changes to program due to
emergencies or other compelling reasons.
(d) CIP Committee brings recommendations to Planning Board for vote in March. See
http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/ Agencies/planning/ public_ facilities_planning/cip.html. NeighborSpace of Balt. County, 2/11/11