Prince George’s County Council Passes $5.8 Billion Budget
The Prince George’s County Council, with a 9-0 vote, officially passed and adopted a $5.8 billion budget for the upcoming year, which will go into effect on July 1 and does not increase property or income taxes.
“I am incredibly proud of this final budget and all that we were able to squeeze into it, despite challenging circumstances,” said Council Chair Edward Burroughs III (D- District 8).
“While we couldn’t say yes to everything, and we had to make difficult compromises that balance short-term needs with long-term sustainability, we worked to protect core services and public safety, support working families, and continue investing in the future. This budget is a reflection of our values and priorities as we shape the future of Prince George’s County, one that is more just and more equitable for all Prince Georgians, in every corner of our county,” he continued.
Some of the budget allocation includes $150,000 toward HIV prevention in the southern section of the county, where infection rates are the highest. In addition first responders received funding, such as: $29 to the Prince George’s County Police Department to support hiring over 100 new recruits; $63 million to the sheriff’s office, including funding for a dedicated mental health specialist; and the Fire and EMS Departments will receive $314 million, enough to hire 95 new recruits.
The 30-day hiring delay for first responders has also been eliminated.
“When you call 911 and you have a police officer or firefighter who shows up at a respectable time, because we didn’t delay the hiring of police or fire responders,” said Burroughs.
In addition, Prince George’s Community Television (CTV) had their funding restored, after earlier proposals threatened a nearly $700,000 cut that would potentially shutter the public resource.
“Today CTV lives to fight another day,” said CTV anchor Noel James in a recent segment. He thanked the County Council for providing the same funding as prior years, and Council Chair Burroughs III said that direct advocacy helped ensure the funding for CTV.
“The initial budget suggested a $693,000 cut to CTV News, a cut that could have effectively crippled the news station. Funding for CTV is set to remain at $924,600,” said James.
For more information and to view the budget, go to pgccouncil.us.
Prince George’s Maintains AAA Bond Rating from 2 Credit Ratings Agencies
Despite Moody’s Investors Service slightly downgrading Prince George’s to Aa1– consistent with their downgrades for both Maryland the United States as a whole— the county has earned AAA ratings from Standard & Poors (S&P) Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings, the highest possible designation.
Moody’s cited the County’s economic reliance on the federal workforce as a reason for the downgrade. However, Active County Executive Tara Jackson noted the recent AAA ratings showcase Prince George’s true financial strength and health.
“These ratings show that our fiscal house is not only in order, but built for the future. The AAA ratings from Fitch and S&P reaffirm our strong financial management and longstanding commitment to fiscal discipline,” said Jackson.
Similar to the concerns expressed by Treasurer Dereck E. Davis in a recent Board of Public Works meeting, Jackson shared her disappointment with Moody’s downgrade to Aa1, noting the county’s “successful efforts to address the issues that led to their negative outlook.”
“Our ability to meet those challenges demonstrates our agility and sound planning,” Jackson continued. “By maintaining healthy reserves, diversifying revenue, and investing strategically in our communities, we continue to build investor confidence and deliver long-term stability for our residents.”
Prince George’s Director of Finance Stephen McGibbon celebrated the county’s recent ratings and uplifted the work that it has taken to achieve such accolades.
“Credit ratings like these reflect a deep commitment to disciplined budgeting and strategic decision-making,” said McGibbon. “Our team has worked diligently to safeguard the county’s financial health by maintaining strong cash reserves, managing debt responsibly, and aligning our investments with long-term community needs. These ratings validate that approach and position us well for the future.”
Hawkins’ Concerning Constituent Call: Abandoned Curbside Casket
At-Large Prince George’s County Councilmember Calvin Hawkins (D) has not only served in public office since 2018, but advised former County Executives Wayne Curry and Rushern Baker among other responsibilities and posts. However, his past experiences didn’t prepare him for an unexpected constituent service call: picking up an unused coffin that was left roadside.
Both Councilmember Hawkins and Department of Public Works (DPW) staffers were left befuddled to find such an odd object laying beside Bishops Bequest Road in an Upper Marlboro neighborhood.
“To personally respond to a constituent complaint about an abandoned casket has been the most bizarre, unimaginable, and inexplainable reality of my 30 years as a public servant,” Hawkins told The Informer.
Worried that children from a nearby school would see the coffin, Hawkins was quick to respond to the constituent’s concern to remove it.
While DPW officials were surprised to find the coffin and called it the “weirdest” constituent call they’ve ever received, they also pointed out that illegal dumping is no laughing matter and can potentially draw a fine of up to $17,000.
“We’ve picked up a lot over the years—furniture, tires, even toilets. But this? A whole casket,” DPW wrote in an Instagram post. “Illegal dumping isn’t just messy—it’s dangerous, costly, and completely unacceptable.”
