Despite warnings of a possible funding shortfall, the Anne Arundel County Council voted 6-1 last night to transfer $5 million from a county contingency fund to the school board to pay for renovations at the planned Brooklyn Park Middle School.

The council gave the board $8.6 million for the project in May. But despite that money, and nearly $6 million from the state this year, a $7.3 million shortfall is expected in a total estimated cost of $35.5 million. The school is scheduled to open in the fall of 2000.

County auditor Theresa Sutherland recommended deleting the project from the county budget because of uncertainty over whether additional money for it would come from the county or state.

Councilman John Klocko III, who represents Crofton and South County, voted against the budget transfer, saying the proposed school should be put on hold while consultants study the county's secondary schools.

Pub Date: 10/06/98