Baltimore County is located in the geographic center of the State in a metropolitan area with a population exceeding 2.5 million. During the last two decades, the basic demography of the County has changed from predominately rural to an urban and rural mix. Within its 612 square miles (plus an additional 28 square miles of water) are situated at least 25 identifiable, unincorporated communities. The County's overall population grew 9.0 percent from 692,134 in 1990 to 754,292 in 2000. Today the County has the third highest population and is the third largest land area of any political subdivision in the State of Maryland.
New population growth in Baltimore County is being directed toward the targeted growth areas - White Marsh, to the east, and Owings Mills, to the west. Designated as growth areas in 1979, each town center is adjacent to major transportation networks with regional shopping centers. White Marsh has a projected population of 78,000 and the Owings Mills community has a projected population of 65,000.
Baltimore County surrounds the City of Baltimore, but the two entities are entirely separate political units. Baltimore County performs all local governmental functions within its jurisdiction, as there are no incorporated towns, villages, municipalities or other political subdivisions with separate taxing authority. Under home rule charter since 1957, an elected County Executive and a seven-member County Council govern the County with each serving separate executive and legislative functions.
On or before April 16 of each year, the County Executive submits to the County Council a proposed Operating Budget for the ensuing fiscal year. A six-year Capital Improvement Program, the first year being the Capital Budget, is also submitted. The County Council may make reductions in the Executive's proposed budget, but may not increase any item or alter the revenue estimates. The Council must adopt a budget by June 1 or the Executive's proposed budget will stand adopted
The fiscal year of the county government begins on July 1 and ends on June 30. Intra-departmental transfers which do not exceed 10 percent of a program's operating budget may be authorized by the County Administrative Officer. All other amendments to the capital or operating budgets require approval by the County Executive and at least four members of the County Council.
Baltimore County: A safe, prosperous and diverse urban and rural community promoting education and responsibility, spanning generations and evoking pride in those who live and work here.
To provide Baltimore County citizens with a quality of life that includes protection, education, economic development, and preservation of established communities.
Revised May 3, 2006
Courthouse 