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CBS News
11 hours ago
- Politics
- CBS News
Baltimore passes $4.6 billion 2026 budget with funding for migrant communities, vacant housing and traffic projects
The Baltimore City Council passed a $4.6 billion budget on Monday, allocating funding for migrant communities, vacant housing efforts and traffic projects. The council approved the budget in a 13-2 vote, according to our partners at The Baltimore Banner. The approved budget includes nearly $7 million in amendments that authorize fine and fee increases. "We were able to produce a budget that invests in Baltimoreans of every background and age, from youth programs to critical support for older Americans through the HUBS program," Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen said in a statement. "We also secured critical commitments that will fund parks, playgrounds and pools in neighborhoods throughout the city, empowering our residents to build community while enjoying the best that our city has to offer." Baltimore budget addresses federal funding cuts According to Mayor Scott, the city's budget addresses federal funding cuts that have been carried out at the direction of the Trump administration. The cuts, which aimed to lower government spending, have impacted universities, medical and research facilities and community resources. "In recent weeks, we've worked together to make sure this final budget reflects the current and future needs of our residents, and takes into account the harmful and haphazard funding cuts we're facing from this federal administration," Scott said in a statement. Mayor Scott still needs to sign the 2026 budget into law. Funding for public safety According to The Baltimore Banner, the 2026 budget also includes $400,000 for Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan Bates' Office. The funding allows his office to review police body camera footage. The money comes after Bates requested more funding following the expiration of state grants. Ultimately, the council voted to move $112,000 from the State's Attorney's Office to the Inspector General's Office to pay for a probe into the Department of Public Works (DPW). Bates praised the 2026 budget for its commitment to fostering a safe community, but noted that the proposal to strip a position from his office should have been discussed. "This action neither reflects the spirit of true collaboration nor acknowledges the urgent needs we face as a city," Bates said in a statement. "As we make strides in reducing violent crime and rebuilding trust in our justice system, efforts to undermine that work for political reasons are both short-sighted and counterproductive." The $112,000 will fund a new position with the Office of the Inspector General, allowing the office to address a backlog of 27 cases, along with 33 that are currently under investigation, Councilwoman Odette Ramos said. The budget also cuts $1.2 million from the Baltimore Police Department that was allocated to vacant civilian positions. Funding for migrants, vacant housing and new projects The nearly $2 million allocated to the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs will be used to provide legal support and other resources for migrant communities in the city. An additional $1 million will be used to expand the Department of Housing and Community Development to bolster the city's vacant housing reduction strategy. The funding will allow the department to increase staffing and file more cases that will lead to the rehabilitation of vacant properties, according to Councilwoman Ramos. The budget also includes nearly $1 million for traffic control projects, $750,000 to launch a curbside composting program in the city and additional funding to create a Department of Consumer Protection and Business Licensing to streamline the city's licensing process. Under the budget, the city's sanitation workers will receive long-awaited pay raises.
CBS News
22-02-2025
- Health
- CBS News
High levels of Legionella reported for second time in Baltimore City Courthouse
Elevated levels of Legionella have been reported for a second time at three Baltimore City Courthouses, according to the Office of Mayor Brandon Scott. After precautionary testing, high levels of the legionella bacteria were found at the following buildings: Baltimore City District (People's) Courthouse at 501 E. Fayette Street Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. Courthouse at 100 N. Calvert Street Elijah E. Cummings Courthouse, at 111 N Calvert Street Due to the findings, the City will conduct mitigation efforts over the weekend which include flushing and chlorination treatments. In December, Legionella was discovered at the same three Courthouses. The system underwent a mass cleaning operation which eliminated 98% of the bacteria. However according to the press release,"...there may be a variety of factors that contribute to this issue, such as dormant sections in the system and potential cracks within the pipes, creating an opportunity for Legionella bacteria to spread over time even after successful mitigation efforts." The release also notes that the age of the buildings and the design of the plumbing systems in the courthouses could be a contributing factor in why the Legionella was reported a second time. To combat this, the City will also install additional mechanical water management systems that prevent bacterial growth. According to the release, "These systems use high-purity ammonium salt and stabilized chlorine solutions for the safe production of monochloramine. Both chemicals are dosed in the production reactor by means of precision electronically-controlled dosing pumps. The microprocessor manages all the production, control, safety and alarm features of the unit." According to the release, this technology guarantees the balance of the chemicals and is also used in hospitals and places that may have high bacteria levels. The City will monitor this issue for the next few months to see if more action is needed. However, the Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) has not received any reports of confirmed cases of Legionnaires' disease related to elevated levels of the bacteria in City Buildings, according to the Office of Mayor Scott.
