Sauce for the goose
Republican Councilman Bryan McIntire had debt on the brain — specifically the growing state debt.
The County Council unanimously approved Monday night a debt policy statement that is now required to be submitted to the state.
The General Assembly passed a law earlier this year requiring each jurisdiction to provide a document that governs how bonds are issued and which types of debt are used in each county.
But continued state budget troubles left McIntire, who represents the 3rd District, wondering if the county could require the state to provide a statement regarding its own fiscal policies.
“Do we have the right to request the same statement from the state?” McIntire asked County Attorney John Beverungen.
Beverungen said the county did not have that authority.
“I didn’t think so,” said McIntire, whose district includes Parkton, Cockeysville and Kingsville.
The state continues to face trying budgetary times. In August, Gov. Martin O’Malley and the Board of Public Works approved $480 million in reductions, including furloughs of up to 10 days for state employees. Further revenue reductions announced earlier this year could require additional reductions and mean the state faces a $2 billion deficit for next year.
“They need to be accountable to somebody,” McIntire said after the meeting.