We have much to look forward to in the Fifth County Council district this year, with improvements planned from Towson to Kingsville – but the adoption of the new budget will be a big challenge. How we deal with the budget will determine the extent to which we can address concerns such as school overcrowding and road repairs.
Much of our funding comes from income and property taxes. Baltimore County’s local income tax rate is 2.83 percent. The property tax rate is set at $1.10 per $100 of assessed value. These rates have not been changed in about three decades. During that same time, the county’s population has soared by about 140,000 residents.
To avoid raising rates, the county has limited growth in new positions, and it has borrowed to pay for new schools and improvements to older schools. Baltimore County’s borrowing capacity has now reached its limit.
School construction drives much of our budget cost. Over the next four years, the county 
needs to begin construction on at least three new schools, and likely renovate and expand others, such as Loch Raven High. I am hopeful that the new Board of Education will help us identify ways to cut costs, and that Governor Hogan’s recent announcement will yield revenue we can apply to these projects.
In 2019, some major projects will be built thanks to decisions made by previous County Councils and Executives.
In Towson, Baltimore County will complete Radebaugh Neighborhood Park. The first new park in eastern Towson in two decades, this will provide open space to thousands of families in communities such as Aigburth Manor, Towson Manor Village, and Knollwood.
Redevelopment will continue in Downtown Towson, with construction at projects such as 
101 York, Circle East, and Towson Row. The infrastructure projects along Towsontown Boulevard are almost complete.
In Loch Raven and Carney, Joppa Road is in dire need of resurfacing. I have made that known to the new administration.
In the Perry Hall area, two new schools will advance. A groundbreaking will occur for the elementary school at Rossville Boulevard, which should alleviate overcrowding at Joppa View and Perry Hall Elementary Schools. The new middle school at Nottingham Park is expected to open in 2021.
Renovations are planned at the Perry Hall Square Shopping Center. I hope to have broader discussions about the look of Downtown Perry Hall and the part of Belair Road centered at Rossville Boulevard.
Public safety is a major concern throughout the Fifth District. I hope you can attend the town hall we ar sponsoring on Thursday, January 3rd at 7 p.m. at St. Michael Lutheran Church in Perry Hall.
Please feel free to always contact me at dmarks@baltimorecountymd.gov or (410) 887-3384 with any concerns or suggestions.