Anne Arundel unveils $1.22 billion budget

Anne Arundel residents who use an ambulance or guests staying in county hotels could pay more for the services. “In these difficult economic times, we must find the political fortitude to make budgetary decisions that reflect our fiscal approach,” said County Executive John R. Leopold, who unveiled the fiscal 2009 operating and capital budgets before the County Council on Thursday.

The $1.22 billion operating budget, which includes the new ambulance fee and hotel tax increase, shows a projected $60 million revenue increase, thanks to rising tax revenues and $11 million in proposed fee and tax increases.