Why this year’s Baltimore budget debate was so contentious and what to watch during this week’s final vote

The Baltimore City Council is due to vote on Mayor Brandon Scott’s $4 billion budget this week, an annual process — which due to the council’s limited budget authority serves more of a temperature check on the relationship between the mayor and the legislative body than an actual flex of political power. The final vote could happen as early as Tuesday evening. While some members may vote no, the council’s hands are ultimately tied: City law requires the budget to be passed at least five days before July 1, the start of the next fiscal year.