Final Approved Budget Supports 99.5 % of Executive’s Recommendations Annapolis (May 25, 2010) - County Executive John R. Leopold today applauded the unanimous approval by the County Council of the FY2011 Operating and Capital Budget. "This was a very difficult budget that required hard choices, but I am confident that our County will rebound from the troubled economic times of the last two years," County Executive Leopold said. "I am pleased that the County Council unanimously approved a final budget that maintains 99.5 percent of the priorities recommended by the Administration." The budget reduces spending by $6.5 million compared to last year, and calls for up to 12 furlough days for County employees. Taxpayers will see a property tax rate of about 88 cents per $100 of assessed value, a 5 percent decrease since County Executive Leopold took office. "While it was shortsighted for the Council to cut funding for cyber labs at Anne Arundel Community College with the new U.S. Cyber Command planned for West County, I am grateful to the Council for approving $5 million over the last three years to fund the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program, including $3 million for the program’s operating costs," County Executive Leopold said. "I am also pleased that the Council approved a $75,000 increase for the Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation, because there can be no greater priority than job training and job creation." | 
