Liz Holland reports in the Somerset Herald this week that the Somerset County government ended fiscal 2010 with a $13.9 million fund balance in its general fund, and a $16.4 million fund balance for total government.
The auditor said he usually recommends fund balances equal about one-third of the budget, and Somerset County's is between 30 percent and 40 percent.
But in July when the Somerset County Sheriff requested a mere $178,000 to begin 24/7 coverage in the county, he was turned down.
The commissioners said "they just don't have the money."
How odd.
They did, however, manage to come up with $ 685,000 for recreation, including $284,000 for the Great Albatross Golf Course in Westover.
One must wonder about the logic of putting that kind of money into recreation in one of Maryland's poorest counties, while denying funds for basic police protection.
Maybe they think the citizens can well take care of themselves while armed with a nine-iron.
More here
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
3 comments:
It is very frustrating to citizens that the commissioners will not support this move. There are many "gray areas" in Somerset County where one must call MSP and hope they are not understaffed or busy elsewhere.
If I say Please then can I have it?
So let's do something about it, Chimera.
Call your commissioner and let them know we need to get this done. And do it properly-- not just a bare-bones solution-- this is a BASIC government function.
If they need help with it, they can just call Mike Lewis-- I'm absolutely certain he will be more than happy to come to a meeting and tell them how to get it done.
No more lame excuses.
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