County school officials, facing a projected $3 million deficit by the end of this fiscal year, had better steel themselves for tough ++ questions when they present their budget in May, County Council members warn.
"I don't care whether they like me or not," said Councilman William C. Mulford II. "My goal is to make sure every dollar we give them goes to schools and teachers."
Two incidents last week angered Mr. Mulford and other council members.
On Monday night, council members clashed with school officials asking for additional money to complete library renovations that cost more than double the original estimate.
Coming on the heels of that stormy meeting was the news that the school system is overspending its $408.6 million budget.
Mr. Mulford, an Annapolis Republican, said he met with Board of Education officials before the council meeting. "In my briefing I had on Monday, absolutely nothing was told to me about this. I was told that the budget was fine," he said.
He said school officials can expect more confrontations over money matters.
"I think we may actually have to start off with a zero-based budget," in which every program would have to be justified, Mr. ** Mulford said.
Two other council members -- both Democrats -- agreed with Mr. Mulford's tough approach to the school budget.
"I think at budget time we're going to take a hard look at them," said Councilman James E. "Ed" DeGrange of Glen Burnie. "We're not going to micromanage, but they have a budget and they're going to have to live within it."
Councilman Thomas Redmond Sr. of Pasadena said, "You've got some number crunchers on this council and I'm one of them."
"From what I understand, the Board of Education budget was passed in one day [in the past]," Mr. Redmond said. "I don't think you're going to see that happening this time. I think that's going to be the focus of this budget session."
School officials acknowledge the projected deficit, but attribute it to a cut of more than $3 million made by the previous County Council during the budget session last May.
"This whole issue, the current issue, clearly resulted from some decisions that were made by the county government and the County Council last year," said Ronald L. Beckett, associate superintendent for support services. "I thought that perhaps the county budget office and the county auditor's office could shed some light on that and explain to the County Council members as to how we got into that situation."
Mr. Beckett said he welcomed the council's scrutiny. "I think that's their role, and I think given the opportunity to show them our budget and talk to them about our needs that we'll do quite well," he said.
John R. Hammond, county financial officer, confirmed that the deficit arose because staff turnover in the school system, particularly at higher pay levels, was less than expected, leading to a smaller than projected savings in salaries and benefits.
There are two ways to look at the situation, Mr. Hammond said. "One is, 'Hey, your budget is your budget, and you have to manage things within your budget.' We would hope that everyone would manage within the resources you are allocated. I mean, that's your job," he said.
"On the other hand . . . no one has a crystal ball" to foresee every circumstance, he said.
School officials said they hope to make up the shortfall by using fTC $1 million already set aside for that purpose and $1.7 million in unappropriated funds, for which they need County Council approval.
County Executive John G. Gary said his proposal that the General Assembly allow the executive to appoint school board members would help guarantee fiscal responsibility.
"I believe if I have the ability to make the appointments, and I can make good sound appointments to the school board, the communication between the board and the county government will improve so [we can] work together to solve some of the
budget problems," he said.
The school board wasn't the only government body to be criticized last week. But most officials seemed much less concerned about the $300,000 deficit for the Sheriff's Office.
That deficit was incurred during the tenure of former Sheriff Robert G. Pepersack Sr. His successor, Sheriff George F. Johnson IV, is doing his best to close the gap, Mr. Hammond said.
Because the sheriff, like the state's attorney, is a constitutionally appointed official and therefore independent of county control, "we don't have the hammer," Mr. Hammond said. "That was always the problem with Pepersack."