Board of Estimates

The Baltimore City Board of Estimates consists of five voting members: The Mayor, the President of the City Council, the Comptroller, the City Solicitor, and the Director of Public Works. The President of the City Council serves as President of the Board of Estimates, and the City Comptroller serves as Secretary to the Board.

Pursuant to the Charter of Baltimore City, Article VI Section 2, the Board of Estimates formulates and executes the fiscal policy of the City.

From time to time, in furtherance of these duties, the Board promulgates rules, regulations, and conducts hearings. Each year, the Board adopts an Ordinance of Estimates and presents it to the City Council. Prior to the adoption of the Ordinance of Estimates, the Board makes public the Director of Finance's recommended operating budget and the Planning Commission's recommended capital budget and long-range capital improvement program.

The Board of Estimates is also responsible for awarding contracts and supervising all purchasing by the City. All bids made to the City in response to the formal advertising procedures are opened by the Board of Estimates, which awards the contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.