Kamenetz asks for cash, ok for department mergers
Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz says he is asking lawmakers representing the county in the General Assembly to help him bring in more state aid for school renovation and construction, and infrastructure improvements along the Liberty Road corridor.
He said he is also looking into a merger of the county's health, aging and social services departments, a move that would need state legislative approval.
Kamenetz is hoping the county's legislative delegation can secure $78 million for the school system with $6.5 million specifically going towards renovation and expansion costs at overcrowded Hampton Elementary School. He’s asking for $2 million for the busy Liberty Road commercial corridor.
The county has already received $21 million for school construction costs. Legislators recently asked Superintendent Joe A. Hairston to make Hampton Elementary a priority in next year’s school budget. The county has set aside $12.5 million for the renovations, which are expected to cost about $19 million.
Kamenetz applauded Gov. Martin O’Malley’s announcement last week that teacher pension costs will not be shifted to the county this year. Like his predecessor, former county executive James T. Smith, Jr., he also threw his support behind a bill sponsored by Sen. Delores E. Kelley that would allow law enforcement agencies to seize the illegal profits of identity theft.
Kamenetz announced the legislative priorities Tuesday in Annapolis.
-Raven L. Hill
Categories: 2011 legislative session, In The Counties
Comments
After the $7 million school construction boondoggle adorning the front pages of today's Sun paper, I would suggest hitting the pause button before throwing more money after bad. Before fixing the bad, County Executive. Kamenetz needs to rethink this approach.
I would suggest a retool before asking the taxpayers to throw more funds into new tools, exemplified by a school board that appears to show no bounds when it comes to questionable conduct.
Posted by: Anonymous | January 11, 2011 12:16 PM
Okay, would someone please reconcile this move by the counties to shove their duties onto the state with the gov's attempts to reduce the number of state employees? Caseloads throughout the state are way above national averages, and now state agencies are to pick up more functions with even less staff? If only the state constitution question didn't fail - it looks like the state has become the haven of NIMBYs. Who will take responsibility for this fiasco in the making?
Posted by: Questioning | January 11, 2011 12:27 PM
Hey Questioning,
I don't follow what you are talking about. What duties are being shoved unto the State? What NIMBY issue are you talking about.
I am not trying to be smart, I just don't see where in the article it addresses the questions you asked.
Posted by: KDM | January 12, 2011 9:27 AM