Board of Education Needs More Money for Transportation

Harford County Council members didn't spend Tuesday's entire meeting —they also approved the transfer of county funds and appointments to several county boards.

Council members gave the the go-ahead to transfer of $680,000 to allow for changes in this year’s budget.

The board needs an extra $450,000 to cover the cost of student transportation, $200,000 to cover other instructional costs and $30,000 for health services. Assistant Superintendent of Business Services James Jewell told council members that rising fuel costs are part of the reason for the adjustments. He said that when the county signs a contract with the bus service, there is no way of agreeing to a set budget for fuel—so such fluctuations are bound to happen. 

The money will be transferred from funds set aside for fixed charges and administrative services.

The council also introduced four bills. Bill 11-23 amends the way Harford County government can maintain and distribute funds from the Economic Opportunity Loan Fund. Bill 11-24 makes changes to the county’s storm water management regulations. Bill 11-25 makes adjustments to funds allocated for various capital projects due to reduced cost of the projects and Bill 11-26 makes adjustments to funds allocated for various water and sewer capital projects due to reduced cost of the projects.

A public hearing for all four bills is scheduled for July 12 at 6 p.m.

Council members approved appointments to the county’s Youth Commission, the Public Library Board of Trustees and the Commission for Women.

They also honored 100-year-old Ruth Fletcher of Jarrettsville as the latest Harford County Living Treasure. Her story will be added to over 200 other oral and written histories of older Harford County residents.