Proposed FY14 Budget Largest In Gaithersburg History

The proposed fiscal year 2014 budget would be the largest in Gaithersburg history.

City Manager Tony Tomasello's proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1 is $56.6 million, an increase of 9.9 percent, according to the city.

The new budget includes an operating budget of $49.7 million and a Capital Improvements Plan funded at $6.9 million, according to the city.

“The city’s proposed budget once again reflects action,” Tony Tomasello said in a statement. “We no longer feel that we have to sit on reserve funds in anticipation of further economic downturn. In every department and with every project there is renewed energy – new personnel, new equipment, new technologies, and new initiatives.  This budget makes a commitment to maintaining, and in some cases restoring, the level of service our residents deserve.” 

The budget does not propose an increase in Gaithersburg's property tax rate, which currently stands at $0.262 per $100 of assessed value. The rate was increased in the fiscal year 2011 budget, at the height of the recession, the first time it had been increased since 1964. 

Gaithersburg's Finance Director Harold Belton told The Gazette the city could see property tax revenue increase by $90,000 if the city doesn’t change its tax rates.

“If we were to maintain our current tax rate, which we intend to do, ... we would be exceeding the constant tax rate,” Belton said, according to the report.

Read the full story on Gaithersburg's property tax rates on The Gazette 

A public hearing for the budget and constant yield tax will be held Monday, April 15. Other opportunities for citizen input are as follows:

• Monday, April 29, 2013 – 7:30 p.m. – Budget Work Session  
• Tuesday, April 30, 2013 – 7:30 p.m. – Budget Work Session (only if necessary)  
• Wednesday, May 15, 2013 – Record Closes  
• Monday, June 3, 2013 – 7:30 p.m. – Budget Scheduled for Adoption 

Additional information will be posted to the city of Gaithersburg website by April 11.