Mayor Michael O’Connor is pleased to announce his amended FY2024 budget, which commits further investment into City park facilities, community safety, and quality of life, and service expansion in the Department of Housing and Human Services.
The additions total approximately $2.25 million between the general fund and the Capital Improvements Projects fund and will be paid for via a combination of state and federal grants, additional anticipated tax revenue and additional use of fund balance.
“This amended budget further delivers on my promise to invest in the future of Frederick,” said Mayor O’Connor. “These amendments come after robust discussions with my colleagues on the Board of Aldermen, and I appreciate those conversations. With support from the Office of Budget and Administration and my executive leadership team, I know this budget is one that delivers for our residents.”
Mayor O’Connor’s budget amendment reflects an additional $500,000 into a CIP for a Hill Street Park renovation, including the aging skate park, bringing the total investment for the project to $1.5 million. The City will also continue to explore grant opportunities to assist in funding the project. The amended budget also contains a $100,000 investment into a capital improvement project at Mullinix Park, and another $100,000 commitment to other City parks that are located in equity emphasis areas.
"Upgrading our existing park infrastructure in addition to already committed investments in new parks such as Westside Regional Park deliver additional recreation opportunities for our residents to enjoy and continue to build on the work recommended in the City’s parks master plan,” said Mayor O’Connor.
The amended budget also accounts for a $400,000 state grant for the City’s traffic calming initiatives that aim to address speeding concerns brought forward by residents. The amended budget also accounts for an increase in the City’s red-light camera and speed camera citation program.
Mayor O’Connor’s amended budget contains the addition of a Public Art Manager, which will explore ways to incorporate public art into the fabric of Frederick through maintenance, design, procurement and engagement efforts to enhance the quality of life for all residents.
As The City continues to execute and build on its comprehensive plan, Mayor O’Connor committed additional dollars to small area plan consulting, which aim to build on the progress already made in the East Street small area plan and form-based code and replicate to The City’s other small area plan corridors.
The amended budget also increases the City’s investment in crossing guards and nonprofit Community Promotion Grants.
State funding totaling $300,000 is also included in the amended budget for the Department of Housing and Human Services, $200,000 of which is to be used for a permanent supportive housing renovation project. The other $100,000 is slated for a Westside Health Center, with the City currently in the process of identifying a preferred location.
The Mayor and Board of Aldermen are scheduled to adopt the full FY 2024 budget with a series of four votes on Thursday, May 18, 2023 in City Hall at 7 p.m. The Board will vote to adopt an ordinance for the City’s fee schedule, an ordinance for the City’s employee pay scale, a special ordinance for the City’s property tax rate and a special ordinance to adopt the budget. The full agenda and backup materials can be found here.
Residents are encouraged to engage in the budget process and can view the May 18 meeting on cable Channel 99 or Channel 99 online at cityoffrederickmd.gov/channel99. Residents can provide feedback on the budget via the e-comment feature at frederickmd.gov/ecomment.