Commissioners say they just want to understand budget

Continued from Page 3 tricts, but pointed out that the county also has the lowest property taxes in the state. He didn’t suggest that they consider a drastic tax hike, but pointed out the irony in splitting hairs over saving money when the county takes less from property owners than anyone else in the state.

Purnell said that the decision harms the entire Worcester County community. A smaller budget leads to less educated youth, which leads to worse crime. The teachers are the ones “on the battlefield” to protect and nurture the county’s youth.

She concluded with a foreboding prognostication on where she thinks the county is headed.

“The Bible says the love of money is the root of all evil. And we’re on that path right now,” Purnell said. “We need to be ready for the fallout. There’s going to be some blowback. We’re just going to have to learn how to deal with it.”

Bertino reiterated what his colleagues before him had said — their decision is not an attack on anybody.

“We are asking for transparency, to see where the dollars are going,” Bertino said. “I don’t think it’s fair for us to suggest that we can raise taxes without knowing that we are spending the money that we’re already given from the taxpayers wisely and judiciously.

“This isn’t an attack on education. It’s a yearning to better understand where the taxpayer dollars are going year in and year out.”

According to Kim Moses, the county’s public information officer, the Commissioners awarded MOE to the board from FY20 through FY22. In FY20 the Commissioners funded an MOE budget of $88.5 million. But they also provided an additional $2.5 million that was designated for Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB), which are not part of MOE.

Ferrante has maintained that the board has always been open to providing the county with whatever it wanted to know. Though he stopped short of calling the conflict unprecedented, he did say that dating back to the beginning of Dr. Jon Andes’s tenure as county superintendent, he doesn’t believe the county commissioners have ever made such a request.

Ultimately, Ferrante said his top concern is maintaining the success of Worcester County’s schools.

“The kids are flourishing here — it’s one of the top systems in the state,” he said.

“I’m fearful just remembering that neighboring counties, they’re getting raises. The funding formula is different. I understand that. I’m appreciative of what the county does for us and that education is an important part of what they do.

“There are a lot of great things going on in Worcester County schools. We have great students, parents, teachers, bus drivers and support staff and we’d like to keep it that way.”

Special Event Zone set for May 16-21 across resort

(May 12, 2023) With thousands of car enthusiasts expected in the resort community next week, Ocean City will be designated a Special Event Zone beginning Tuesday, May 16 through Sunday, May 21, during the Cruisin’ Ocean City event.

The Special Event Zone reduces established speed limits in the zone and increases fines for violations. Legislation signed in 2020 also allows for increased penalties for specific motor vehicle violations.

Similar to the penalties imposed for traffic violations in a construction zone, violators will face increased fines or, in some cases, arrest.

During this time, citizens should expect to see a significant police presence as officers from multiple allied agencies will be assisting the Ocean City Police Department.

Officers from the Ocean City Police Department, Maryland State Po- lice, and the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office will strictly enforce all traffic laws.

In addition, significant traffic congestion and alternate traffic patterns are anticipated throughout the weekend.

Spectators are urged to keep the sidewalks clear for pedestrian traffic and should not incite the spinning of wheels or burnouts by motorists. Officers will enforce all laws for spectators who incite drivers and enforce the violations with the driver.

Further, with high pedestrian traffic expected, pedestrians are urged to Walk Smart! and always use crosswalks when crossing roadways. Wait for the signal to change and be sure that drivers see you while crossing.

For more information on the Ocean City Special Event Zones, visit www.oceancitymd.gov/specialeventzone.