HCPOA NEWS
County braces for more budget cuts
Oct 15, 2009 (12:10:25)
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State to trim another $233 million in mid-November
As more budget cuts loom and fears of decreased income tax revenue mount, county officials continue to look for ways to reduce spending.
During his monthly budget briefing to the Howard County Council Tuesday night, Budget Director Ray Wacks told council members to expect another round of cuts from the governor’s office in mid-November.
“We have no idea what they will be and how they will affect (Howard County),” he said.
State officials announced in September that the Maryland budget will need to be reduced by at least $233 million on top of $750 million cut since July.
In fiscal year 2009, the county budgeted for $330 million in income tax revenue and earned only $315 million. Estimates for the current fiscal year sit at $300 million.
“The question for us (is), ‘Was that conservative enough?’ and we’re still waiting to find out,” Wacks said.
County executive Kenneth Ulman is currently reviewing plans to reduce spending by five percent across the board in county departments.
During his monthly budget briefing to the Howard County Council Tuesday night, Budget Director Ray Wacks told council members to expect another round of cuts from the governor’s office in mid-November.
“We have no idea what they will be and how they will affect (Howard County),” he said.
State officials announced in September that the Maryland budget will need to be reduced by at least $233 million on top of $750 million cut since July.
In fiscal year 2009, the county budgeted for $330 million in income tax revenue and earned only $315 million. Estimates for the current fiscal year sit at $300 million.
“The question for us (is), ‘Was that conservative enough?’ and we’re still waiting to find out,” Wacks said.
County executive Kenneth Ulman is currently reviewing plans to reduce spending by five percent across the board in county departments.
By Sarah Breitenbach
sbreitenbach@patuxent.com
Posted 10/15/09
Columbia Flier
user comments (2)
user howardcitizen says...
All departments of the county government have suffered from the budget cuts. Reduced funding, hiring freezes, etc. Funny how Ulman's personal staff is the largest is much larger than any previous Ho Co Executive. Maybe some of the 5% he's looking for could be cut there.
Posted 11:47 AM, 10.14.09
