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.
“I would have to reduce staffing, I would have to transfer people from support services to the field and I would have to do less training,” Hohman said.
County auditors used historical spending data to determine which programs and equipment are chronically overbudgeted and where to make cuts, though officials said departments rarely support them. Budget work sessions, which will last throughout the week, also give council members an opportunity to learn about new initiatives and question department heads on their spending efficiency.
Council members asked department officials to find other ways to save money, such as by increasing at-home detention sentencing, which costs $8 per day compared to $68 per day to house an inmate in the county detention center, according to Corrections Director James O?Neil.
Council Member Vince Gardina, D-District 5, said all county agencies should explore ways to decrease fuel spending, such as by reducing false alarm fire calls.
“There needs to be a comprehensive policy in all our agencies to start conserving fuel,” Gardina said. “It?s not enough to tolerate hoping more fuel-efficient vehicles will take care of it.”
Other items on the cutting board include $90,000 in contracts that provide medical and psychiatric care for inmates, fire uniforms and operational equipment, as well as out-of-state travel and educational assistance for employees in the Sheriff?s Office. The Police Department could save $22,000 by reducing its number of investigations.
Public safety accounts for 12 percent of Smith?s proposed budget. Council members said they expect to vote on a final budget May 25.
