County shortfall at historic levels

Leopold suspends purchase of public safety vehicles

By ERIN COX, Staff Writer

Published 12/03/08

The county's budget deficit has quickly grown to what could be the largest financial hole in county history, prompting County Executive John R. Leopold to impose a spending freeze until July.

Financial estimates released yesterday show the revenue gap widened by $15 million since the end of September to $36 million, losses spurred by the poor economy, the sliding stock market and the dismal real estate market.

Mr. Leopold suspended all travel expenses and stopped the purchase of new fire trucks, ambulances, police cruisers or computers until next year, a move that will save about $3 million.

"We continue to...

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AACPS vs. MCPS - December 4, 2008

In today's news, Montgomery County schools are giving up bonuses and payraises to save $89 million. Maxwell keeps saying he wants to be like Montgomery County. Well, here's his chance. It makes a big difference when a school board is elected and is accountable for how it spends its resources.

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C. Doherty - Harwood, MD - Karma: Neutral

AACPS - December 4, 2008

They should roll back all of the pay increases for management from the last 12 months. If these employees do not like the roll back, they should seek gainful employment elsewhere. In the mean time, Marti O'Taxem is spending 72 million on land while proposing a furlough for 25,000 state employees. Believe me, that land is not going to be sold to any other entity in this economy. Where are his priorities?

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Robin S. - Churchton, MD - Karma: Neutral

Austere? AACPS cant be! - December 3, 2008

there's no way AACPS will act in a fiscally "austere" manner. This is the same group that 1) gave out 33% payraises without the performance to match 2) ignored recommendations to streamline the bureaucracy by adding 40% of non-classroom cost to the system the last few years 3) told kids "no field trips, no money for school supplies" and spent thousands this year on junkets to Orlando and Ocean City 4) doubled the number of people making 100k per year while claiming there was not enough money for classrooms. Austere? How about giving up raises, bonuses and perks for a year and putting taxpayers money where their mouth is??

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C. Doherty - Harwood, MD - Karma: Neutral