Complaints on proposed changes to Baltimore County?s employee pension and health care benefits dominated testimony at a public hearing on the draft 2008 budget Tuesday night.
About a dozen residents testified on County Executive Jim Smith?s proposed $2.53 billion budget that increases spending without increasing taxes, but includes a plan to cut employees? health care benefits and requires almost half of current employees to work longer to retire with full benefits.
Two county electricians said the move could hurt retention and recruitment.
“We?re going to have to replace all of our crew within five to 10 years,” said Ed Mack. “We?ve had a job posting for 8 1/2 years.”
One resident requested funding for police officers at six middle schools currently without one, and another funding to enhance classroom sound systems. Two residents testified on funding additional staff for a county program for disabled infants and toddlers, which they said is currently operating at a 41-to-1 student-teacher ratio.
“For the first time ever, the program is receiving less funds from state grants,” said Michelle Hart, the mother of three disabled children. “We have to provide the necessary resources to provide services for these families.”
Smith?s spending plan represents an overall 5.8 percent increase from this year?s operating budget, a more modest growth compared with prior budgets, officials said.
Council members said they will likely keep the income and property tax rates stable, the latter reduced last year to $1.10 per $100 assessed value.
Two residents asked the council to consider lowering the rate again to offset increased home values.
The council will host a series of hearings with county agencies next week and is tentatively scheduled to adopt a budget May 24.
