658                               LAWS OF MARYLAND                        [CH. 390

(f)  A comparative statement of the actual revenues for the pre-
ceding fiscal year and estimated revenues for the fiscal year currently
ending.

(g)  A summary of the County long term debt.

The estimated revenues shall be sufficient to finance the total of
appropriations for the ensuing fiscal year.

The budget message shall explain the Budget both in fiscal terms
and in terms of work to be done. It shall outline the proposed financial
policies of the County for the ensuing fiscal year and describe the
important features of the budget plan. It shall indicate any major
changes in financial policies and in expenditures, appropriations and
revenues as compared with the fiscal year currently ending and shall
set forth the reasons for the changes. It shall also include such other
supporting or explanatory material as the Commissioners deem
desirable.

The general fund budget shall embrace the current expenses and
current revenues to finance the operations of the County exclusive
of the Metropolitan District.

The Commissioners may provide a reserve in the Budget for con-
tingency appropriations. This reserve shall not exceed three percent
of the total of the general fund budget.

48. During the period from November 1st to November 21st in
each year, the County Commissioners shall hear any taxpayer on
matters relating to the Budget and shall cause a general summary
of the Budget to be published in one or more newspapers of general
circulation in the County once in each of two consecutive weeks.

49. Thereafter the County Commissioners may adopt the Budget
with or without amendment. In amending, they may add new items
or increase items in the Budget. They may decrease or delete items,
except appropriations required by law, appropriations for debt service
or for estimated cash deficits, but in all cases the estimated revenues
shall be sufficient to finance the proposed expenditures and total of
appropriations for the ensuing fiscal year.

Not later than December 1st in each year, or on the first day there-
after if December 1st is a legal holiday, the County Commissioners
shall by a majority vote adopt the final Budget and schedule of
anticipated receipts, and shall fix the general and special tax rates,
and impose the tax levy for the ensuing fiscal year.

The adopted Budget shall be in effect on and after the first day of
the fiscal year to which it applies. As of this date, the several amounts
listed in the Budget shall be appropriated as set forth in the Appro-
priation Resolution.

50. At such time and in such form as the Budget Director shall
determine, but not later than January 31st in even numbered years,
beginning in 1956, the head of each County department, office or
agency shall furnish to the Office of Planning estimates of any capital
improvements pending or proposed to be undertaken (a) within the
ensuing two fiscal years, and (b) within the four fiscal years there-
after. The Planning Commission shall prepare therefrom a proposed