- Home
- The Council
- About
- Budget Process
Budget Process
We hope this online budget resource will provide the information you need to be actively engaged in the budget process as we discuss the priority issues important to us all-Economic Development, Transit-Oriented Development, Transportation, Healthcare, Education and Public Safety.
County Council’s Budget Process
Here you will find a wide range of budget resources including a summary of the current Budget, the current spending plan, an explanation of the council’s budget review and adoption process, public hearing schedules and other important budget calendar dates, as well as links to press releases, event announcements and more. We look forward to even greater citizen engagement and encourage you check back often for timely budget updates. The County Council and staff begin reviewing and analyzing the proposed budget once transmitted by the County Executive. Audits and Investigations and Council Administration staff hold work sessions with agencies beginning in late March through mid-April and prepare written reports for the County Council sitting as the Committee of the Whole (COW). The COW will hold virtual hearings beginning in April through May to discuss staff reports, question agency executives and program managers, and review proposed agency spending plans.
Resources
The Council's Budget Process can seem complex. We are pleased to provide you with this guide, designed to help clarify any questions you may have about the steps involved in putting together the county's spending plan, and the Council's role in the review and adoption of the Budget.
According to Section 804 of the County Charter, "Not later than March 15 of each fiscal year, the County Executive shall submit to the Council the proposed county budget for the ensuing fiscal year."
County Operating Budget Overview
For a comprehensive review and definition of the County Budget, please view the County Code Sections 801- 811.
Prince George's County Budget Portal
Two Types of County Budgets
There are generally two types of budgets, an annual operating budget and a capital budget. The capital budget refers to the first year of the Six (6) Year Capital Improvement Program. In Prince George’s County, terms used to describe these types of budgets are the Operating Budget and the Six Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
The Capital Budget/Capital Improvement Program and Operating Budget are submitted simultaneously as two separate documents by the Executive not later than March 15 each calendar year. The Council reviews both budgets according to the budget schedule shown on Exhibit I and simultaneously acts on both the Capital Budget and Operating Budget in one bill entitled the Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance. For the purpose of this handbook the Capital Budget/Capital Improvement Program and the Operating Budget will be discussed separately as the requirements differ for each budget. The rules and requirements pertaining to approval of the budget and adjustments made after adoption are discussed in turn.