The St. Mary’s County Board of County Commissioners began their regularly scheduled meeting with District Two’s Thomas A Mattingly, Sr. offering a lengthy invocation acknowledging those serving our country. Afterward, the board proclaimed September “Forget-Me-Not-Month” and honored the efforts of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 26. A DAV representative said they are working hard to obtain expanded veterans services in the tri-county area and are pushing to make information more accessible.
County Administrator John Savich brought up the bleak budget when he reminded the commissioners of an upcoming work session. “We don’t want to wait too long before taking fiscal action,” he said. Savich announced a county government hiring freeze last week.
The budget also came to the forefront when Superintendant, Dr. Michael J. Martirano and the county school Director of Fiscal Services Gregory Nourse went before the board for approval on the FY2010 Annual Budget cover form. With budget cuts looming, Martirano explained that state stimulus, special education and Title 1 funds were “used…very judiciously.” One anticipated $32,000 grant was eliminated, which could have made an impact on what Martirano calls, “a school that has need”, Spring Ridge Middle School.
Commissioner President Russell said, “We’re in the reality of budgets now.” Commissioner Raley added, “FY11 looks like it’s going to be a doozey.”
Another county department facing cuts to administrative costs and programs is the Department of Human Services. Director Bennett Connelly said his group is, “minimizing cuts wherever we can,” adding one program, the crisis center, has already closed its doors. Commissioner Mattingly suggested recruiting volunteers to fill some of the voids left by the impending budget constraints. Human Services did, however, receive funding from the Governor’s Office as part of the Children’s Cabinet Award.
Major John Horne represented the Sheriff’s Office, asking for budget amendments reflecting funding not received from the C.O.P.S. grants. Public Safety Director Dave Zylak gave some money back but asked for other project-specific support for the Emergency Number Systems Board to upgrade 9-1-1 dispatch equipment.
Recreation and Parks Director Phil Rollins returned unused funds for the Piney Point Public Landing project to what he called, “the thin reserve.” Bob Schaller with the DECD ensured that a $3.17 million tax-exempt housing bond was authorized to aid homebuyers and homeowners in SMC. Public Works and Transportation Director George Erichson brought what he called, “the only item today not related to financing.” He proposed that the board green-light a lease at the SMC Regional Airport for MedStar Transport, a helicopter service that flies over 30 medical transport operations in Southern Md. each month.
Land Use and Growth Management came requesting a text amendment regarding regulations of political campaign s
<!–
–>
