January 19th, 2018 by WCBC Radio

Prior to Allegany County Commissioners President Jake Shade delivering the annual “State of the County” address Thursday- finance director Jason Bennett provided a look ahead at the county’s fiscal picture- perhaps better defining the current climate. Some revenues are on the rise, most notably real estate which is up 2%- but those are balanced out with additional costs in the coming year including the inclusion of the Frostburg EMS; a 2% COLA for employees; and a state formula which will mandate additional dollars for the board of education. The process is just getting underway, but Bennett says he is optimistic he can develop a balanced budget. It may, however, require dipping into the county’s reserve fund…