Few residents show up to comment on budget

Only seven Baltimore County residents showed up to speak at the County Council?s formal public hearing on the proposed 2007 budget Tuesday night, and all voiced support on funding for educational programs.

Almost half of County Executive Jim Smith?s proposed $270 million capital budget, unveiled earlier this month, goes toward education. Smith also proposed funding the rest of the county?s middle school renovation program, plus $42 million for the county?s community college and $22 million for teacher salary increases.