Published: May 16, 2008 12:48 pm         

Good sense

Some officials hold the line on spending

Perhaps lost in all of the talk about state, county and local tax increases, and whether or not the citizens can afford them, are occasional signs that at least some of our elected officials realize that the proverbial money tree does not grow in our world.

Due to a combination of fortunate circumstances and prudence, the Allegany County Board of Education found itself with $2.1 million that could be used to fund various projects. Among these are stadium construction and renovations and needed communication upgrades.

The board decided, however, to hold off funding a culinary arts program at the Center for Career and Technical Education. It would cost $300,000 and board member Jeff Metz questioned whether it had any more of a future than a failed $700,000 fashion careers program did.

He asked how much of a demand there is for such a program, when relatively few local establishments would ever be hiring out of it.

Also, the Garrett County Commissioners recently told that county's board of education its budget requests are "overstated" and that $100,000 of this year's allocation will be deferred if it proceeds with plans to hire a human resources director.

In a letter to the school board, county administrator Monty Pagenhardt said on behalf of the commissioners that "It is difficult to justify directing funding to another administrative position and at the same time lessening instructional requirements."

Most private citizens realize they can't afford some of the things they'd like to have. It's encouraging to see this same good sense in our elected officials.