Baltimore Co. Won't Seek Reimbursement For Riot Assistance

BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. (WJZ)--Baltimore City won't have to reimburse Baltimore County for sending police officers to help out during the April unrest.

Baltimore County says it doesn't need the money.

Derek Valcourt talked with Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz today about why.

When rioting erupted in the wake of Freddie Gray's death, Baltimore County joined several other local police jurisdictions sending officers to help city police quell the violence.

The city now reimbursing those jurisdictions for the costs they incurred to the tune of about $1.8 million.

"We didn't provide this police protection with any expectation of a reimbursement," said Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz.

Kamenetz tells WJZ the city can keep the $257,000 it planned to pay Baltimore County to cover police and fire costs.

"When there's an emergency and someone needs help, we don't come with a bill in our hands, we come with aid in our hand," said Kamenetz.

The county's overtime budgets are expected to foot the bills.

It's the latest gesture of support for the city from Kamenetz, who sees the county's and the city's success closely tied together.

"I call on every resident of Baltimore County to come to the city and see our wonderful arts and culture just down the road," said Kamenetz earlier this year.

Since the unrest Kamenetz has helped lead the charge trying to encourage people to return to the city to spend money at places like theatres, museums and restaurants.

He says the city and county share more than a name, they share values and a stake in each other's future.

"Baltimore is down on its luck a little like a good neighbor we're here to lend a helping hand and help them stand up," Kamenetz said.

While Baltimore County is declining its reimbursement payment from the city, that is not the case for several other jurisdictions, including Anne Arundel, Howard, Harford, Carroll, and Montgomery Counties

In total the city expects to spend about $20 million as a result of the April unrest.