Programs receive grant to improve financial literacy

Human Services Programs of Carroll County Inc. has received a $30,000 grant from the American Express Foundation to improve financial literacy.

The Economic Independence Fund grant will be used over one to two years to teach financial literacy programs to underserved populations, such as newly employed, young workers, people moving from welfare to work and immigrants. The money also will be used to train program instructors.

Director Stephen Mood said the money would allow Human Services Programs to go beyond the limited budget counseling it provides and offer more education in financial planning and money management.

County, state to review Springfield water study

Carroll's public works staff will meet today with Maryland Environmental Services to review a study of the water system at Springfield Hospital Center in Sykesville.

The county supplies water to Springfield, and improvements to the aging system are critical, said Doug Myers, director of public works, who 15 years ago operated the hospital's water system.

"The study offers suggestions for new lines, overhauls and upgrades," said Myers. "This is the first step to having interior problems corrected."

Freedom plant experiences high demand for water

Prolonged hot spells usually spell problems for the county's public water system in South Carroll.

Demand for water drawn from Liberty Reservoir and treated at the county's Freedom plant reached 2.5 million gallons Sunday and Monday.

The plant can treat up to 3 million gallons daily, but cannot operate at that capacity for any length of time without stressing equipment.

"We are afraid that citizens are backing off conservation measures," said Doug Myers, county director of public works. "We have had little rainfall to relieve the water supply shortage."