Countywide

Panel urges slowing local spending

A panel of business leaders and County Council members is recommending that the local government slightly slow spending this year.

The county Spending Affordability Committee released its annual report Friday, concluding that the county budget should not exceed $1.547 billion in the 2009 fiscal year, which begins in July. That figure is about 4.5 percent more than the current budget.

Last year, the committee recommended spending a little more than 5 percent more than the year before, according to reports prepared by County Auditor Mary P. Allen, staff, elected officials and local business leaders.

Laura Barnhardt

Countywide

Bus tour to visit historic black sites

The Baltimore County Office of Fair Practices and Community Affairs will sponsor a bus tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 26 to several historic African-American communities in observance of Black History Month.

Tour sites will include Piney Grove Methodist Church in Boring, St. John's cemetery in Ruxton, the Emmart-Pierpont Safe House in Randallstown, Mount Gilboa AME Church in Oella and Morning Star Baptist Church in the Winters Lane community.

Reservations are required by Friday. Information: 410-887- 5557.

Towson

Edible Art Exhibit at Towson High

Towson High School's National Art Honor Society will sponsor the 15th annual Edible Art Exhibit from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday in the school cafeteria at 69 Cedar Ave.

The edible works range from copies of masterpieces to sculptures inspired by popular culture. More than 20 prizes will be awarded to select participants in various categories, including Best Copy, Most Original, Best Use of Butter and Most Disgusting. Admission is $2, or $1 with a canned good for the needy.

Information: 410-887-3608.

Southeast

2 public forums set on school growth

The public school system will hold two community forums this week to discuss school growth in the southeastern area of the county.

Forums will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Chesapeake High School, 1801 Turkey Point Road, Essex; and at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Dundalk Middle School, 7400 Dunmanway.

Residents will be given information on enrollment projections and community demographics. Questionnaires will allow participants to give their views on space and capacity issues.

Information: 410-887-6111.

Events or news items for the Baltimore County Digest may be submitted to baltco.news@baltsun.com. Information should be sent at least 10 days in advance of the event.