It easily explains the operating and capital budgets to citizens. 
Frederick, Md (KM) The complexities of Frederick County’s operating and capital budgets, including the capital improvements program, are explained on a new on line portal.. During her public information briefing on Thursday, County Executive Jan Gardner announced the launch of the budget portal called “Openbook.”
“Openbook provides a visual way to explore revenues, expenses and specific capital projects,” she said. “You can choose to show data by dollar amounts, percentages or summaries.”
Gardner said not everyone is well versed on the ins and outs of the county’s budget, and how it’s put together. “And if you want more detail about an item or a project, you can simply click to drill down further,” she said. “In the section of our six-year capital improvements program, there are maps, photographs and timelines for projects.”
The public can access this “Openbook” portal by going on line to the Budget Office’s webpage at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/budget. A short video of the new portal can be viewed at https://youtube.be/v1DtZCzMSPA.
“We did make this available just to the County Council this year so they could look through projects and information during the budget cycle,” Gardner says. “And now it’s been refined and finished and finalized, and we’re making it available to the public.”
Also during her public information briefing, County Executive Gardner unveiled a meeting portal, where residents can find virtual meetings of the County Council, the Planning Commission and other boards and commissions. It also includes videos of some meetings which were not televised on the Frederick County Government Channel.
To access these meetings, go to PublicInput.com/FrederickCoMD. The portal also has a translation service for comments and responses.
By Kevin McManus