Both Executive & Council Strongly Support Programs that Would Have Been Funded But Oppose Substantial Administration Raises Annapolis, MD (August 26, 2004) - At the request of six members of the County Council, Anne Arundel County Executive Janet S. Owens has vetoed Bill No. 56-04, Board of Education - Additional Appropriation and Transfer of Funds between Major Categories. If signed into law, Bill 56-04 would have appropriated $3,502,700 to the Board of Education. While the County Executive and County Council strongly support the programs that would have been funded, they have serious concerns about the Board's failure to disclose its intent to use FY 2005 funds to set aside at least $625,000 for substantial raises for Board of Education Administrative staff. Some raises were as high as 14.75%. The County Executive explained in her accompanying veto message, "My reason for not approving the bill is as follows: Subsequent to the passage of Bill 56-04 it became known that the Board of Education had approved excessive and improvident salary increases for selected administrators employed by the Anne Arundel County Public Schools in a manner that was not explained to the County Budget Officer, to the County Executive, or to the County Council. However, because many of the administrators affected by the increases are at or near retirement age, the windfall impact on pension benefits of the dramatic increases in the 'average final compensation' of the administrators has not been discussed. Additionally, the granting of service credit for years of experience rather than actual service to the citizens of Anne Arundel County is inappropriate, and further raises the cost to the taxpayers we represent." "My decision to veto Bill 56-04 has been a difficult one since I strongly support the Van Bokkelen summer program, the Gifted and Talented program and library media materials program, which were programs used to justify the supplemental appropriation," the County Executive continued. Ms. Owens called on the Board of Education to submit a supplemental budget request that will partially be funded by funds being transferred from the Administration category and available fund balance for these programs. County Council Chairman C. Edward Middlebrooks sent a letter to the County Executive yesterday afternoon calling for the veto on behalf of six members of the County Council. Councilwoman Pamela G. Beidle recused herself for personal reasons. The County Council stressed in their letter their support for funding various programs, including funds for the Van Bokkelen summer program, the gifted and talented program and library media materials. The Council letter stated that "we do not support raises of this magnitude for any employees, nor do we support raises based on 'years of experience' versus longevity with the Anne Arundel County Schools." The Council stated their concern, also shared by the County Executive, with the "growing disparity between salaries for County employees and salaries for school system employees." The County Executive looks forward to the Board of Education submitting to the County a more fiscally responsible proposal for the use of these revenues.
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