Council reviews safety budgets

Department heads from Baltimore County?s four public safety agencies Tuesday argued against proposed cuts to the draft 2007 budget, defending additional funding for everything from laceless sneakers for prison inmates to fitness coordinators for firefighters.

County Executive Jim Smith proposed overall budgetary increases for all four public safety agencies ? the Sheriff?s Office and corrections, police and fire departments ? though the Fire Department could take the biggest hit with personnel services cuts. During a work session with the council, Fire Chief John Hohman said the proposed $1 million reduction “terrifies” him.