Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board Drafts Budget Testimony

The Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board took most of their “April” meeting on Tuesday evening to vote on their testimony to the County Council next week during hearings on the budget.

MCCAB will support the Office of Legislative Oversight’s suggestion of changing the portion of benefits paid by county employees and recommended it be extended to MCPS’ employees. The Board will also support a small pay-cut for public employees.

The Board supported using these cuts to refund programs that are currently being considered for cuts, including libraries and to increase the county’s reserves.

While members were in general agreement on most matters of their testimony, there was back and forth discussion on whether or not to support a bill that would add a 5 cent fee to plastic bags used at grocery stores.

“You’re not going to get at the real source of the trash,” said board member Steve Morrison, who was recognized by Montgomery Parks for his time spent cleaning the streams. Morrison believes take-out bags from McDonalds and other fast food restaurants are the real culprit in clogging the streams.

Ariel Winter, noted that a study done a year after a similar bill went into effect showed the Anacostia had fewer plastic bags.

Ultimately the Board voted to support the bill, with several members voting against.