Baltimore’s revived speed camera system is generating millions more in revenue than what was planned — and city officials now intend to use that money to balance the Fire Department’s budget.
The Board of Estimates, which is controlled by Mayor Catherine Pugh, is slated to vote Wednesday to use an extra $4 million generated by speed camera fines — on top of the $8 million in budgeted revenue from them — to help pay unfunded overtime expenses in the Fire Department.
By law, revenue from speed cameras must be used for public safety purposes, including pedestrian safety programs. City officials say supporting the Fire Department is an appropriate use of the funds.