By SHARON O’MALLEY
Courtesy of Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks in March proposed a $5.46 billion budget for fiscal year 2025 that would cut programs, freeze hiring for more than 800 government jobs and still leave the county with a projected budget shortfall of $171 million.
During a budget presentation on March 16, Alsobrooks said a surge in state mandates for school spending, combined with high interest rates, cuts in pandemic-era federal aid and dwindling revenues left her with no choice but to tighten the county’s financial belt and dip into prior-year reserves to run the government for the next year.
“This year’s budget includes cuts to almost every county agency” except public schools and public safety, Alsobrooks said when unveiling her budget proposal.
The proposal would direct more than 60% of the county’s operating budget toward education.
The proposed budget is 1% — or $54 million — higher than the spending plan approved by the county council for fiscal year 2024. The council will vote on the budget proposal by June 1.
Alsobrooks said counties all over Maryland are facing 2025 shortfalls and are considering bare-bones budget proposals.
The proposal does not call for a residential property tax increase.
