Panel recommends slight budget growth

Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith should have an additional $67 million to spend as he prepares next year?s budget ? despite anticipated cuts in state aid and a stagnant housing market ? a panel said Friday.

County spending during the fiscal year that starts July 1 could total $1.55 billion, or less than 5 percent more than this year?s budget, the county?s spending affordability committee said in an annual report released Friday. Committee members called the recommendation cautious in light of national economic forecasts and Maryland?s projected budget deficit.