County?s turnover couldspike

Department heads from the county?s public works and library agencies were the latest to discuss potential budget cuts in a serious of workshops with the County Council on Wednesday. Like heads from public safety agencies Tuesday, they debated against proposals to increase turnover, where county auditors say savings have been historically underbudget.

Edward Adams, director of Public Works, said there?s no fat to trim.

“We like to stay full staff if we can,” he said. “We acknowledge there is going to be turnover; it?s just a question of what percentage they put on it. It almost becomes a goal.”

The council is considering increasing turnover in four of the department?s offices for about $162,000 in savings.

A proposal to increase turnover in the library system just .2 percent could save $21,630, but director James Fish said any trimming takes away flexibility.

“Like a lot of departments, we have been doing more and more things with pretty much the same staff,” he said. “We?re trying to keep the personnel budget as big as possible.”

The budget work sessions give council members a chance to interview department heads and catch up with new programs and plan for future financial changes. Members asked Adams to discuss the potential savings from the county?s new electricity provider, Pepco Energy Services Inc., and the impacts of rising fuel costs.

Officials said department heads typically oppose any recommended cuts. The council has held budget hearings since Monday and will conclude today with discussions on funding for education and the Community College of Baltimore County before beginning deliberations at 5 p.m.

Council members said they expect to vote on a final budget May 25.

BY THE NUMBERS

» Department of Public Works: $104 million

Change from 2006: up 8.9 percent

» Department of Libraries: $36.5 million

Change from 2006: up 6.7 percent

? Source: Office of the Baltimore County Auditor

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