Baltimore weighs $5B budget as residents demand relief and reform at City Hall

BALTIMORE (WBFF) — Chants of “Our taxes, our budget” rang out outside Baltimore City Hall Thursday night as taxpayers called for relief and reform ahead of the City Council’s annual Taxpayer Night.

“Baltimore’s budget process badly needs an update,” activist Kim Trueheart said.

Inside the council chambers, residents urged council members to reconsider spending priorities as the council considers the $5 billion plan. Homeless Activist Christina Flowers asked for collaboration, saying, “I just want to work together and make a budget more favorable for this non-profit.”

“There are no more excuses for the council,” teacher Adam Golden told council members.

Earlier, Matthew Coster, who leads the city’s firefighter’s union questioned why the budget would leave fire crews with one less fire suppression unit each day. Coster said the reduction will save the city $2 million, but he criticized the move and raised safety concerns.

In a social media post, Coster wrote: “At a time when firefighters across this country, and right here in Baltimore continue to make the ultimate sacrifice, this administration believes the answer is to reduce frontline suppression staffing. Haven’t our members suffered enough loss?”

“I understand they’re under budget restraints but this is all about safety. What is the cost of someone’s life to someone else,” asked Coster.

The $2 million in savings from the fire suppression reduction is about the same amount the mayor plans to add to his office budget, where he plans to hire 16 new staff members.

“It’s offensive and frustrating for us,” Coster said. “We’re fighting to advocate for our members and the citizens that we serve.”