Baltimore City Council Approves $4.6B Budget With Increased Fines, Immigrant Funding

Baltimore's City Council approved a $4.6 billion budget that addresses an $85 million deficit without raising property taxes but includes notable increases in fines and fees on services such as ambulance transports, taxis, and landfill tipping. The budget, which passed by a 13-2 vote, reallocates more than $7 million to various agencies and adds $2 million in funding for immigrant services, responding to community and council calls amidst federal immigration enforcement. Additional amendments increase funding by $400,000 for the State's Attorney's Office to review police body camera footage, while $112,000 was moved from the State’s Attorney to the Inspector General’s Office to support investigations into the Department of Public Works. Council members expressed concerns over the timing and impact of fee hikes on vulnerable populations, urging more sustainable long-term solutions rather than reliance on fines. Mayor Brandon Scott highlighted the budget’s role in mitigating federal funding cuts directed by the Trump administration, which have affected local universities, medical facilities, and community resources. The budget also reallocates funds from police to public works, including the addition of 15 new trash crews, emphasizing a focus on community services and immigrant support.