Published: September 23, 2009 06:39 pm      

Second look

City may end travel subsidies for spouses

Cumberland’s mayor and City Council may end a policy that allows officials’ spouses to travel to conferences and seminars at the city’s expense.

Considering that governmental bodies everywhere are resorting to layoffs and outright termination of employees as a cost-cutting measure during these tight financial times, that’s a good idea — and some of our leaders have voluntarily taken the lead in this matter.

Council member Pete Elliott took his wife to the Maryland Municipal League conference in July, but reimbursed the city for her expenses.

Also, council member Brian Grim did not seek reimbursement for his expenses, and council member Mary Beth Pirolozzi did not request reimbursement for meals.

The MML conference in Ocean City cost Cumberland $21,041.50 for registration, food and travel costs, what to most people would represent a considerable sum of money. It could buy a vehicle for the city or pay someone’s salary.

We’re not suggesting that the city or county stop paying to send officials to such conferences, for attendance has many benefits. Our representatives have access to useful information and get an opportunity to meet with officials at the state level. They sometimes return with grants or equipment that help them provide the services our citizens need.

Frostburg’s mayor and City Council have already taken steps to deal with sizable losses in state funding, including the elimination of mayor and council salaries and cutbacks in street paving. They also cut back on their own travel, training and meal allowances, canceled the employee Christmas dinner and eliminated cell phone stipends.

Some of Frostburg’s cuts go even deeper. Funding for fire and ambulance service and police training also has been slashed.

Time was that officials at all levels of government seemed only to be seeking ways to spend money. Now, at least some of them are looking for wiser ways to use what money they have, and to avoid spending what they don’t need to spend.