Mayor's New Operating Budget to Increase Spending 1%

Here's a quick look at some highlights of Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake's preliminary budget for fiscal year 2012, which begins July 1.

Recommended operating budget: $2.3 billion 

This would increase spending by 1.1 percent, or $26 million, from last fiscal year, according to the mayor's office.

Recommended Capital Budget: $402.4 million

At the recommended level of funding, the capital budget would decrease 40.3 percent, or $271.4 million, from last fiscal year's spending. 

The mayor touts the plan as "tough but smart." According to her office, the budget addresses the city's projected $65 million shortfall.

This preliminary budget includes steps that might not be popular with North Baltimore residents, such as reducing hours at Enoch Pratt Free Library branches.