Owens fired 16 cops while county reaped a big surplus

The fiscal crisis County Executive Janet S. Owens cited in laying off 16 police officers in 2003 never materialized, and a new report showing the county finished the budget year with a $59 million surplus has several officials questioning her decision.

Released today, the independent audit of fiscal 2004 found the surplus was a result of a brisk real estate market and higher than anticipated revenue from the local income tax. Ms. Owens cited a gloomy fiscal forecast in announcing the layoffs in June 2003, as well as the County Council's decision not to freeze union wages.

"Obviously she should have waited," said County...