FY2025 Proposed Operating and Capital Budgets

FY2025 Proposed 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. Each term a Council member serves consists of four years with three being the term limit.

The Council’s Responsibilities The County Council’s responsibilities are specified in the Frederick County Charter and Maryland State law. Legislation: The Council is actively involved in land use planning, zoning regulations, and development approvals which are pivotal in shaping the landscape of the County. As the legislative branch of government, the Council's major responsibility is enacting legislation that affects the future of the County. The legislative body also authorizes the issuance of all County bonds. The 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 the approval and oversight of the County budget, ensuring that financial resources are allocated efficiently. 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 constituent’s behalf on problems 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 in coordination with the County Executive’s staff. Excellent constituent services can be measured by the number 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.

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