April 28th, 2016 by WCBC Radio

The general public will have its first opportunity to comment of the Allegany County Commissioners proposed FY 2017 budget during today’s regular business meeting. The county plans to increase funding to Allegany College of Maryland and Allegany County Public Schools, according to its draft fiscal year 2017 budget. The county did not grant all funding increase requests made during March budget hearings, however, a 1 percent increase or more was proposed for institutions thought to be most in need. Of the six agencies expected to see an increase in county funding, about half did not request additional funding from commissioners at the budget hearings. Allegany College of Maryland is designated to receive a $75,550 increase in the draft budget; in addition to the $7.5 million the county gives the college annually. The Board of Education will receive $332,140 additional dollars, in line with the state mandated maintenance of effort, a required funding increase based on enrollment. In addition : Allegany County Health Department, $14,000;  Allegany County Library System, $9,475;  Human Resources Development Commission, $7,376; Cumberland Theater, $4,000; and  Family Crisis Resource Center, $800. Commissioner Bill Valentine said that although it’s a difficult fiscal year, the groups receiving increases are all deserving…