UPDATE: Baltimore City Council has just advanced a critical funding package totaling $112,974,114 to cover year-end deficits across eight city agencies. The unanimous decision by the Budget and Appropriations Committee on November 7, 2025, comes as city departments grapple with ongoing financial challenges, particularly related to overtime costs and staffing shortages.
This urgent funding addresses significant shortfalls primarily in the Baltimore Police Department, which requires $47,492,889 to manage overtime and staffing costs, and the Baltimore City Fire Department, which faces a deficit of $38,520,093. Budget Director Laura Larsen emphasized the importance of this action to ensure compliance with the city charter, stating, “These actions will ensure that general fund agencies that ended the year with a deficit are in balance at the close of the fiscal year.”
The appropriations will also support other vital services, including:
– Baltimore City Public Schools: $12,911,344 for developmental agreements.
– Baltimore City Recreation and Parks: $5,630,976 to cover unforeseen costs.
– Baltimore City Department of Transportation: $4,457,580 due to unexpected snow removal expenses.
The committee’s decision comes ahead of a full council meeting scheduled for November 10, 2025. All five members present expressed their commitment to addressing the city’s financial obligations despite ongoing budgetary pressures.
Tensions arose during discussions regarding streetlight funding, with Councilman Isaac “Yitzy” Schleifer questioning the effectiveness of the current budget allocation for streetlight services. He highlighted concerns about unmet promises for comprehensive streetlight replacements, stating, “I think it’s important for…understanding what we’re getting for $23 million in street lighting if you have no streetlights.”
In response, DOT Director Veronica McBeth acknowledged challenges in procuring new materials due to tariffs, indicating a backlog in orders for LED fixtures. She assured the council that existing funds would still allow for other necessary lighting upgrades across the city.
As the council gears up for the full vote next week, the urgency of these financial adjustments cannot be overstated. The appropriations are crucial for maintaining public safety and operational integrity within city services that directly impact residents’ lives.
Stay informed as we follow this developing story and its implications for the city’s fiscal health and community services. For updates, contact Carson Swick at [email protected].
