FY2023 Adopted Operating and Capital Budget

FY2023 Adopted Budget Organizational Budgets

County Council

County Council Council History Frederick County transitioned from the County Commissioner form of government to the Charter form of government on December 1, 2014. Under Charter Government, there is an Executive Branch with a County Executive and a Legislative Branch with a County Council. For many years, all five County Commissioners were elected in at-large elections by all county voters. Under Charter government, the seven member Council consists of five members elected by district and two elected at large. Council members have the power to initiate legislation. There is a three-year term limit for Council members. 7KH &RXQFLO¶V 5HVSRQVLELOLWLHV 7KH &RXQW\ &RXQFLO¶V responsibilities are specified in the Frederick County Charter and Maryland State law.

Legislation: As the legislative branch of government, the Council's major responsibility is enacting the laws of Frederick County. The legislative body authorizes the issuance of all County bonds. The Council amends the zoning code and approves the County's Comprehensive Plan. Frederick County Code, which contains current laws for the County, can be found on-line at www.municode.com. Budget: The Council is responsible for approving county spending. Each year, the County Executive submits a recommended operating and capital budget for review and approval by the Council. The Council's powers include annual authorization of the County's operating and capital budgets as well as approval of County tax rates. Constituent Service: Constituent service is a primary focus of Council Members. They and their professional support staff are available to assist citizens in dealing with County government or to work on the consti WXHQW¶V EHKDOI RQ SUREOHPV related to the State or federal government. Council Members help residents with questions or concerns relating to road repair, the County's growth and development, zoning, animal control, building code problems, liquor violations, and many other matters. Appointment Confirmations: Another Council responsibility includes confirming appointments of volunteers, which are recommended by the County Executive, to various County boards and commissions. Good Government: The County Council plans to continue to provide excellent constituent services and responsiveness LQ FRRUGLQDWLRQ ZLWK WKH &RXQW\ ([HFXWLYH¶V VWDII ([FHOOHQW FRQVWLWXHQW VHUYLFHV FDQ E e measured by the amount of problems that are brought to Council members and how many are rectified. The Frederick County Council will continue to pass meaningful legislation to improve the quality of life and economic growth for the businesses of Frederick County. This will be measured by the number of bills and resolutions that are passed during the year. Education, Jobs, Seniors, Community Needs, and Growth: The purpose of the County Council is to help citizens GLUHFWO\ 7KH &RXQW\ ([HFXWLYH¶V SULRULWLHV DUH PXFK LQ OLQH ZLWK WKH &RXQFLO¶V HYHU\ GD\ JRDOV RI JRRG HGXFDWLRQ IRU DOO job growth and stability, services and support for seniors, and to also meet the needs to the community. The growth of Frederick County is reflected in the before mentioned activities. ,QLWLDOO\ WKH &RXQW\ &RXQFLO¶V JRDOV FDQ EH PHDVXUHG E\ the amount of legislation that is passed in a year. 'LYLQJ GHHSHU LQWR WKH OHJLVODWLRQ WKH &RXQFLO¶ s goals can be measured by the fiscal impact the bills have on a specific program. An example of this measurement would be the allocation of recordation taxes from one program to another.

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