10-03-2025
Frederick faces budget challenges from shake-up of federal workforce, contracts in limbo
FREDERICK, Md. () — A new fiscal year approaches for Frederick County, and an unsettled federal government landscape is presenting challenges to County Executive Jessica Fitzwater.
The county executive's budget comes in at $981,919,496, but sudden turmoil from the new administration in Washington, D.C. may shift priorities for her fiscal strategists.
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'So many of the decisions affecting federal agencies right now impact decisions we make right here in Frederick County,' Fitzwater said.
In just the past month, Fitzwater said jobless claims have jumped five-fold.
'We're seeing an increase in workforce service who were either federal employees or federal contractors,' Fitzwater said during a press conference. 'They either lost their job or anticipate losing their job.'
With that as a backdrop, the county executive is still managing a fast-growing region and proposes a new elementary school to accommodate close to 900 students.
She also proposes renovations to Brunswick High School.
According to Frederick County Schools' chief operation officer, Paul Lebo, there is a 'significant need' to address the schools' 'aging infrastructure.'
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Fitzwater has scheduled a public hearing on her proposed budget for Saturday.
The County Council will hold a hearing on the spending plan on Wednesday, March 19, at 7 p.m. at Winchester Hall, 12 E. Church St.
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