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Resident urges county contingency planning amid possible federal funding cuts
Summary
A resident urged Allegany County commissioners to plan for potential federal funding cuts and shutdowns, asking for regular updates and contingency measures; commissioners noted a recent $5 million state reduction to the county budget.
A public commenter identified in the record as Lehi Galette urged Allegany County commissioners to prepare for possible federal funding cuts and to provide regular public updates on contingency planning.
Galette warned that abrupt or intentional federal funding reductions could strain county services and cited examples of federal workforce reductions and program cuts she said have affected public safety and public-health response. She asked commissioners whether county services — including legal-aid programs — have been reviewed for vulnerability and requested the commissioners prioritize contingency planning and report back at future meetings.
Galette also referenced a new Department of Transportation memorandum she said would prioritize projects in states with higher marriage and birth rates, arguing that Maryland could be disadvantaged under such criteria. She requested the commission to "provide an update at each of your county commission meetings so that the public can be aware of your concerns and the actions being taken to address them." Galette framed the request as a matter of public transparency and preparedness.
Separately during closing remarks, Mister Bennett reminded commissioners of an earlier work session in which staff said the governor had cut $5 million from the county’s upcoming budget; commissioners said the budget process will address those reductions.
No formal motions or directives to create a contingency plan were recorded during the meeting; commissioners acknowledged the concern and signaled they would prepare further budget detail for the press and public as the budget process continues.
