Residents press commissioners over possible state, federal cuts; commissioners outline budget schedule and listening options

Residents at the March 18 Garrett County Commissioners meeting raised concerns about potential state and federal budget cuts to local services and asked the board to host a town hall with legislators.

Several speakers — including an unnamed resident who asked for a town hall, a lengthy public commenter who cited potential impacts on Community Action, Head Start, Mountain Laurel Center and Garrett Regional Medical Center, and a speaker identified as Frank — urged the board to convene a public forum so legislators and county leaders could explain likely impacts and answer questions. The commissioners said they will continue the county’s budget review process, that outside-agency budget presentations will continue in the coming meetings, and that they are especially concerned about near-term state budget actions that may require the county to respond.

One commissioner said that, speaking personally, he was “deeply concerned about the state budget much more than I am the federal budget” because state cuts would have a more direct and immediate impact on county finances. Commissioners noted they have no inside information about pending federal actions and encouraged residents to participate in upcoming budget hearings and to seek out conversations with federal and state representatives. A board member said the county will continue to be fiscally prudent and that staff and the commission will respond if specific funding shortfalls are identified by agencies during the budget presentations.

Commissioner or staff member Nick (first name only) told attendees about a May “business before hours” event at the Garrett College performing arts center featuring Senator McKay and Delegate Heinbaugh, saying it will provide an opportunity for residents to ask questions of state legislators after the session. The board also announced that budget presentations from outside agencies — including Garrett County Community Action Committee, Garrett County Chamber of Commerce and Ruth and Little Library — were scheduled to follow the meeting.

No formal vote or binding direction to convene a county-led town hall with federal lawmakers was made; commissioners said citizens are free to organize public forums independently and that the board would participate if an opportunity developed and if the timing and format were appropriate. Commissioners repeatedly said that county staff will flag items of concern as outside agencies give budget presentations and that the board will consider responses as the county prepares its budget for the coming fiscal year.