Baltimore City Council approves budget, but cuts $500,000 from sheriff citing eviction concerns

The Baltimore City Council unanimously passed Mayor Brandon Scott’s $4 billion budget Thursday after actions of lawmakers clashed on the council floor, ending a contentious budget season that featured 85 hours of hearings and sharp criticisms of Scott’s funding priorities and cabinet leaders. The council’s progressive wing spearheaded a $500,000 cut from the sheriff’s office, which passed by one vote. The funds will come out of the office’s surplus. Council President Nick Mosby decried the measure, as well as a $196,000 cut to an arts office, saying they are politically motivated and will fail to produce any meaningful progress.