Maryland Counties May Cut Over 700 Jobs

Officials in Maryland’s two largest suburban counties have proposed budgets that will eliminate hundreds of jobs and cut back on services.

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett has proposed a $4.4 billion plan that will eliminate 400 government jobs, raise tuition for community college students and reduce funding for programs for seniors and teenagers.

Government employees, including teachers and other school workers, would not receive planned cost-of-living pay raises.

Prince George’s County Executive Jack B. Johnson has proposed a $2.58 billion budget that will cut 307 county jobs, including 170 positions in public safety; continue unpaid furloughs; and reduce funding for schools.

Johnson said the layoffs in public safety would be mostly civilian positions, but could have an impact on the number of police officers on patrol.

In September all 5,600 Prince George’s County employees had to take two weeks of unpaid leave. New furloughs will be for 10 days and will begin July 1st.