In keeping with the “belt-tightening” approach City Manager Scott Ullery has promised since last fall, the fiscal 2010 operating budget is recommended at $102.2 million, a decrease of 0.5 percent, or $500,000, from 2009.

The recommended operating budget of $102.2 million is 0.5 percent less than in fiscal 2009. The total Capital Improvements Program (CIP) is $67.3 million and supports 63 projects. Fiscal year 2010 begins July 1, 2009.

Given the current state of the economy and the course of Rockville’s five-year revenue forecasts, a belt-tightening approach was necessary for the fiscal 2010 budget and will likely be needed in the years to come.

Likely reductions in State of Maryland grants to the City will probably reduce the proposed budget prior to adoption in May.

Maintaining high quality services without raising taxes during difficult financial times is important to Rockville leaders. The fiscal 2010 budget is based on a real property tax rate of 29.2 cents per every $100 of assessed property value, and a personal property tax rate of 80.5 cents per $100 of assessed value for commercial properties.

The recommended budget includes more than $1.4 million in real property tax credits for residents through two tax relief programs. The Income Tax Offset program provides a one-time tax credit of $42 for every owner-occupied home and the Homeowners Tax Credit Program provides real property tax credits to low- and moderate-income homeowners for property taxes due on their principal residence.

Each year, Rockville supports those with significant needs through grants to caregiver agencies. In fiscal 2010, the City will continue those efforts with a total caregiver budget equaling $513,875, which is an 8.7 percent increase over fiscal 2009.

To achieve a balanced budget in Fiscal Year 2010, the recommended budget outlines reducing or deferring capital projects and reducing departmental operating costs.

Rockville residents have three opportunities for input on the proposed budget and CIP when the Mayor and Council hold public hearings on March 30, April 13 and May 4. A Constant Yield Tax Rate hearing and the first of three general public hearings will be held March 30. Two work sessions are scheduled for April 20 and 27. All hearings and meetings take place at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 111 Maryland Ave. The Mayor and Council are scheduled to adopt the budget on May 18.

In addition to being available online and at City Hall, copies of the budget are also available at Rockville and Twinbrook libraries.

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