Worcester County officials looking at ways to get ahead of budget crisis in the state

MARYLAND. – Governor Wes Moore is looking at ways to fix the current state deficit. At a record high for the state, at $3.5 billion. The impacts of this could leak to the local level, and Worcester County officials are bracing themselves.

With the state deficit hanging over many heads, officials are looking at ways to mitigate the problem. During the Commissioners Meeting, officials heard from groups looking for approval for their fiscal budget.

District 5 Commissioner Chip Bertino said they are preparing for the worst. “This year is different from previous years, the state is facing a 3.5-billion-dollar deficit that could grow even more.”

With funding for various projects needed by municipalities for the fiscal year, the local government is searching for answers. Bertino anticipated budget problems would surface.

“It seems as if the state legislature, instead of taking responsibility and doing what’s necessary, are instead pushing those costs down to the local jurisdictions.”

How deep the funding cuts for the county are unknown, but according to Bertino, they predict millions of dollars will be involved. “We have no choice but to handle this, whether we like it or not.

Bertino and his constituents remain positive, as Worcester County will continue to work through this hurdle.

“In Worcester County, we’re up to the task of dealing with it. But we’re going to do it, in a way that’s fair to taxpayers and ensures that county programs and services are not unnecessarily cut.”