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Bowie gets its income from general property taxes, state shared revenue, licenses, permits, fees, fines, service charges, and funds from other agencies.
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The combined (state, county, and city) property tax rate for a Bowie resident is $1.6960 per $100 of assessed value for fiscal year 2024. This is up from the 2023 rate of $1.6860. While the Bowie property tax rate has been stable for the last thirteen years, residents may have seen their tax bills increase due to higher property assessments and the fact that Prince George’s County raised its property tax rate by $.04 in fiscal year 2016. Property assessments are developed by the State of Maryland and are based on market rates.
The City's fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30.
The budget process begins in December and the budget is adopted in May.
Correspond with the City Manager, and/or elected Councilmembers any time during the year. Attend one of the public City Council meetings (usually on Monday nights) and make comments to City Council during the Citizen Participation or Public Hearing portion of the meeting.
Learn more about City Council meetings.
Bowie uses its funds for general government expenses, economic development, public safety, social services, public works, parks, culture, and recreation.
Sixty percent of the fees from speed cameras goes to the City general fund and helps offset the cost of the Police Department and 40% is used for administration and maintenance of the cameras.
Bowie has two budgets: the operating budget and the capital budget. Both funds are covered by regular sources of income and are allocated by City Council each year depending on the planned improvements. At times, the City might issue a bond for a major capital expense.
No. The local water system covers only some of the neighborhoods in Bowie. All costs for the operation of the Water Plant and capital improvements are covered by the billings that go out to the users of the Bowie Water System.
The State of Maryland has increased the Bay Restoration Fee that appears on your water bill and these funds are sent to the State.
Bowie is on a "pay as you go" model, meaning that the City does not spend funds that it does not have or were not budgeted. There are specific debt policies which guide the City Council. Bowie enjoys a AAA credit rating.
Bowie maintains a reserve fund to provide a cushion in the event of unanticipated expenditures such as snow removal. These reserve funds may be used to balance the budget. If necessary, the tax rate may be increased.
Bowie continues to implement programs that reduce energy consumption or that enhance the environment.
In the past, Prince George’s County provided police coverage for Bowie. This changed when Bowie voted to start its own police force in 2005. The City Police Department is fully funded by the City’s general fund. However, the department receives State and County funding to offset some of its expenditures. The department continues to work in partnership with the Prince George’s County Police Department. This partnership includes sharing training opportunities, joint initiatives, and information sharing.
The City does not pay for the Fire Department. This responsibility is handled by Prince George's County and paid with County taxes. The City provides an annual contribution of $167,000 to the Bowie Volunteer Fire Department (BVFD) for various operational expenses. In addition, the City has $165,000 in reserves for the purpose of purchasing fire equipment for BVFD.
Fees are charged to participants, but in order to keep the fees low, the City provides additional funding out of the general fund to cover the cost of the Gymnasium and Ice Arena.