-photo courtesy of Councilman David Marks-
Citizens of the Fifth District and beyond went to Perry Hall High School for the District’s Town Hall Budget meeting on March 19 to share their thoughts about the upcoming budget. The meeting was hosted by County Executive Kathy Klausmeier and Councilman David Marks at Perry Hall High School.
The Fifth District Councilman reminded the audience of all of the accomplishments over the past few years in the area including two new elementary schools, the new Nottingham Middle School and the expansion at Pine Grove Middle School.
“We have virtually eliminated school overcrowding throughout much of the eastside,” Marks said.
He also explained the area has received seven new parks and different traffic signals in the area.
Klausmeier agreed with Marks that there have been improvements over the years and added renovations are scheduled at the White Marsh Library, White Marsh Police Precinct and the Fullerton Fire Station. But she admitted that times are tough with the possibility of cuts from both the federal and state levels.
“This uncertainty means we are facing challenges to continue funding ongoing programs and new initiatives;” Klausmeier said.
“We are proud of what we delivered but we want to continue painting a realistic picture of the challenges we are facing and the difficult decisions we will need to make.”
Then members of the audience got to share their requests for the FY 2025 Budget. TABCO, the teachers union in Baltimore County and members of the volunteer fire departments appeared to have the most representatives in the crowd.
The county asked that one person from a group to speak on behalf of that group and asked if a topic or request was discussed not to repeat that request.. Not everyone followed those rules. Here is a list of some of the requests made by audience members for the FY2026 budget:
- Multiple members from BCPS requested that positions, after school clubs and other school programs remain in the budget
- Volunteer firefighters made request, including new facility in Bowleys Quarters.
- Multiple requests were made for a full-time immigration office in Baltimore County.
- Bowley Quarters residents want more road safety in their communities
- Perry Hall residents want traffic calming devices on Silver Spring Road and resurfacing on all of Honeygo Boulevard.
- A BCPS student wants to make sure CCBC remains tuition free.
- The Perry Hall Improvement Association wants the roundabout at Honeygo and Cross Road and the new Gerst Park to remain on schedule.
- The Maryland Aviation Museum wants to see funding remain since it is scheduled to expand.
- The Commission on Veterans’ Affairs wants to continue to receive funding to help veterans in Baltimore.
Klausmeier will unveil her budget in May. To watch the full town hall, go to the County’s Youtube page.
