Cuts should be the rule, not the exception in these budget times for county governments throughout the state. That?s why Baltimore County Police Chief James Johnson owes county taxpayers a detailed list of areas in his budget ripe for trimming.
We know bloat exists. So instead of defending his 2009 budget from potential cuts from the County Council, he should be working with them to deliver the leanest department possible. Besides, that would put him in a position to decide how to shape his budget instead of being a passive recipient in the process. And it would show he understands tradeoffs. No other department is getting an extra $4 million to fund a pay raise. As County Executive Jim Smith said in his address on the budget last month, “If the same percentage increase, as is represented by this new Step 6, were required for all county employees, it would cost $56 million which equates to 9-cent increase in the property tax rate.”
We know it?s difficult. But other elected and appointed officials throughout the region are showing how leadership should prioritize key responsibilities.
The Baltimore City Public Schools chief executive officer recently announced plans to cut 300 jobs at the system?s headquarters and give principals more control of their schools and budgets. Howard County Executive Ken Ulman called for a review of take-home cars for county employees last month to see if all were justified. Smith refused to cave to teacher demands for a cost-of-living raise on top of merit raises most teachers will receive this year. And the Harford County Council rejected plans Tuesday to build new county office buildings in Bel Air because of concerns about the $82 million cost.
Those decisions should serve as an example for Johnson on how to address trimming his own budget. Reviewing take-home car use would be a good place to start. Taxpayers should not be financing long commutes home for those who live outside the county if they are not necessary to serve and protect the community. At current gas prices, that perk could end up adding thousands to officers? take home pay.
More importantly, by trimming his budget Johnson would show respect for the many taxpayers without job security and without scheduled raises who pay for his salary and those of his officers.
