CAMBRIDGE, Md.- Gov. Martin O'Malley's proposal to shift more of the responsibility for teacher pension costs to local jurisdictions has not been a popular one among Maryland counties.
Dorchester County officials fear the governor's proposal could put their already financially strapped county in debt.
"We already raised taxes last year on our citizens," said County Councilman William Nichols. "Now to foot the bill for what the government wants to pass onto us, we just can't stand another hit like that."
If O'Malley's proposal is approved, Dorchester County may have no choice but to increase taxes again in order to deal with the additional financial burden.
On Tuesday night, the Dorchester County Council unanimously voted to send a letter to the governor asking him to reconsider his proposal. Nichols said the council is requesting O'Malley to find another way to raise revenue or make budget cuts.
Some Dorchester County residents are also voicing opposition to the governor's idea. Bob McClain of Cambridge said cuts should be made at the state level.
"I think it's irresponsible of Governor O'Malley to shift the responsibility to the counties," McClain said. "He should be cutting spending within the state."
Others in the county said that times are hard for everyone, and teacher pensions are important.
"In our economy everybody is struggling so what has to be done, has to be done," said Stanton LeGates of Hurlock.
"People are taxed enough, but education is important too," said Franklin Dawson of Hoopers Island.
Dorchester County has laid off workers in the past to cut spending, but officials said there is nothing else to cut that would help the county afford the governor's plan.
O'Malley's proposal would also impact the Dorchester Board of Education. Superintendent of Schools Henry Wagner anticipates spending $800,000 of the board's own money just on pensions alone.
