The following article was submitted by 5th District Councilman David Marks on how the FY 2026 budget will help support Baltimore County’s firefighters and paramedics.
Councilman Marks applauded new funding in the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget to better support Baltimore County’s firefighters and paramedics.
The new budget delivers $2 million in funding to continue the Volunteer Medic Unit Replacement Program, and adds nearly $1 million to increase the Volunteer Incentive for Attendants Program from $35 to $50 an hour.
Councilman Marks worked with state legislators and the White Marsh Volunteer Fire Company to add a new medic unit at that station. The Attendants Program is needed to staff medic units throughout the county.
Earlier this year, Councilman Marks proposed changes to the law that collects Emergency Medical Services funding. As a result of that proposal and other changes advanced by Councilman Pat Young, there were a series of discussions that resulted in increased funding in the budget presented by County Executive Klausmeier.
“I am doing all I can to support our career and volunteer firefighters and paramedics, and to advance improvements to existing stations and new stations in Bowleys Quarters and Middle River,” Councilman Marks commented.
“We appreciate the conversations initiated by Councilman Marks and Councilman Pat Young and the increased support in the budget,” commented Susan Bollinger, president of the Baltimore County Volunteer Firefighter’s Association.
