LA PLATA, Md. (Dec. 13, 2007)—The Charles County Commissioners on Tuesday announced that they are taking steps to reduce expenditures in light of possible reductions in revenue from the State.
"The Governor and the General Assembly still have to reduce the State budget by $240 million to balance the State budget, and we have to be prepared for potential reductions in revenue from the State," said Commissioner President Wayne Cooper in a statement. "If we act proactively now, we can be prepared for those potential cuts should they occur."
The County Commissioners have approved several cost reduction measures:
-- All County Departments and County-funded State agencies, including the Board of Education, the Sheriff's Office, the Department of Social Services, the Health Department, and others, have been asked to reduce their discretionary spending by 10 percent.
-- An immediate hiring freeze has been implemented until the completion of the 2008 General Assembly. This freeze will stay in effect until the Commissioners have better information on the projected revenues. Positions already approved will be filled.
Officials did not say how much money they expect the measures to save.