St. Mary’s Board of County Commissioners held its first meeting of 2010 Tuesday morning. After promptly approving the bills and minutes, they recognized the retirement of Cpl. Wayne A. Milam after twenty years of service for the SMC Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Tim Cameron joined the board in congratulating Milam on what he called “a distinguished career.”
Dept. of Human Services Director Bennett Connelly asked the board to close out a $182,000 Youth Crisis Bed Facilities Grant and the program it supported. “Another tragedy in terms of state funding,” Connelly said, adding that his department has sustained nearly $2 million in cuts since last July.
Commissioner Raley stated, “This one really hurts.” Usage of Human Services programs continues to increase, but with continued cuts, many SMC agencies are short-staffed and struggling to fulfill that need.
Connelly said he expects, “What we’re experiencing this year will continue.”
The County’s Juvenile and Adult Drug Courts were hit with a budget decrease, but explained to the commissioners that federal grants alleviated some strain and asked for approval of a budget modification. A grant $23,000 was received for the Child In Need of Assistance Program, administered through the circuit court and Social Services.
The BOCC discussed their views of the delegates’ response to bond authority requests and the use of available funds for state highway and energy conservation projects. In the upcoming week, the board will hold a FY2011 budget work session and a work session focused on the Comprehensive Plan. The next Public Forum will be Jan. 25, 6:30 p.m. at the Chesapeake Building.
