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Fiscal Year 2010 Budget
As a result of the national economic recession and the State’s formal action yesterday to reduce aid to local governments, Allegany County is once again forced to evaluate priorities and planned budget expenditures within months of having adopted the 2010 fiscal budget. As already reported, the State has informed Allegany County Government and other local agencies that the total reduction in state aid to our community is just over $4.75M for the remainder of the 2010 fiscal budget year. These reductions will impact the Allegany County Health Department, local police departments, local municipalities, Allegany College of Maryland, and Allegany County Government. Allegany County Government’s highway user revenues were cut $1,926,000 from $2,140,000; the revised appropriation is $214,000. Allegany County Government’s state aid for police protection was cut $88,770 from $253,628; the revised appropriation is $164,858. As of now, the Board of County Commissioners will be required to address a $2,014,770 budget shortfall. “The process of developing the 2010 budget was excruciating due to previously announced cuts earlier this year. Now we are challenged again to go back to the drawing board and revisit some very difficult issues. We have dealt with this before and will do it again,” commented Jerry L. Frantz, Allegany County Director of Finance. “We are fortunate that our County staff has been discussing potential approaches and scenarios to deal with anticipated cuts. We look forward to receiving recommendations in the near future,” commented James J. Stakem, President of the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Robert M. Hutcheson stated, “Allegany County operates in a fiscally responsible manner at all times. This is important.” Commissioner Dale R. Lewis added, “There is nothing for us to cut easily, that is for sure.” There has been an extensive, on-going review process. In the coming weeks, County staff will again work with the Board of Commissioners to carefully evaluate expenditures across the board. The County will also be contacting agencies and organizations that receive county funding to seek their assistance in managing this financial challenge. Expenditures related to capital projects, material acquisitions, various operational items, and how the County will handle personnel vacancies will be discussed. The County will also revisit revenue projections. The County appreciates the citizens’ and stakeholders’ continued assistance and understanding.

2009 H1N1 Flu Virus
The Allegany County Department of Public Safety, Homeland Security, and Bureau of Police (Emergency Management Division and Emergency Medical Services Division) is referring all individuals to the Allegany County Health Department’s website, www.alleganyhealthdept.com, for information.

Stakem Elected President of Rural Maryland Broadband Coordination Board Broadband Network Headed to Western Maryland
Allegany County Commissioner James J. “Jim” Stakem has been unanimously elected to serve as Chairman of the Rural Maryland Broadband Coordination Board effective July 1, 2009 for a one year term. He replaces former Garrett County Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Charlie Ross. Established by the Maryland General Assembly in 2006, the Rural Broadband Coordination Board is responsible for overseeing efforts to deploy broadband infrastructure in rural and underserved areas of the state. Read More

Allegany County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Sale Complete
Allegany Healthcare Group, LLC of Cumberland, Maryland acquired the Allegany County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on July 1, 2009. The principals of Allegany Healthcare Group include Mr. William Freas, Mr. Paul Kelly, Roy Carls, M.D., and Gregg Wolff, M.D. from Allegany County, Scott Rifkin, M.D., of Baltimore, and the Gilbane Development Company, headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island. The Board of Commissioners, James J. Stakem, Robert M. Hutcheson, and Dale R. Lewis, wishes to recognize Allegany Healthcare Group for its commitment to offer positions to current employees and acknowledges Allegany Healthcare Group’s fulfilment of its commitment to a structured transition plan for the residents and the employees. The Board of Commissioners and staff extend best wishes to the new owners for a successful private healthcare venture in Allegany County. Read More

ALLEGANY COUNTY TRANSIT NEW SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE MONDAY, JULY 6, 2009
- EXPRESS LINES ADDED FOR WILLOWBROOK AREA

According to James S. Stafford, Jr., Division Chief of Allegany County Transit, there will be changes to the current schedule effective on Monday, July 6, 2009. Fares will stay the same for both the fixed route bus service and the para-transit van service (Alltrans).

FIXED ROUTE BUS SERVICE

Allegany County Transit will offer six additional half-hour “Red Line Express” routes to service the Willowbrook Road area. This is part of the Red Line. This will accommodate the increased public transportation needs of the new campus of the Western Maryland Health System opening this fall. In addition to the WMHS, other high volume institutions in this vicinity will be able to be benefit - the Allegany County Health Department, Allegany College of Maryland, and the Thomas B. Finan Center.

Because of the additional Red Line Express routes, adjustments were made to the Red Line and the Gold Line: The Red Line: Bedford Road/State Line and North Cumberland areas will have service on the 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., and 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. runs only. The other Bedford Road/State Line and North Cumberland runs are now dedicated to the Red Line Express route. The Gold Line (Frostburg/LaVale) will operate from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. During Frostburg State University’s fall and spring semesters (August 21, 2009 through December 18, 2009 and January 25, 2010 through May 21, 2010), the shuttle will be available until 11:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fixed route bus service will not be offered on Saturday. The final service date was Saturday, June 27, 2009.

PARA-TRANSIT SERVICE

Para-Transit van services (Alltrans) will operate Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. This will provide parallel service to the fixed route bus system for elderly individuals and ADA service for those individuals who are unable to use the fixed route bus system. Alltrans Saturday hours will be from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. effective on Saturday, July 11, 2009. Read More

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, HOMELAND SECURITY & BUREAU OF POLICE
At the weekly public meeting of the Allegany County Commissioners on Thursday, June 18, 2009, Acting County Administrator David A. Eberly announced that Gary E. Moore, Director of the Allegany County Department of Public Safety, Homeland Security & Bureau of Police, has been offered and has accepted a two year contract extension to serve in his current capacity through June 30, 2011. He became associated with Allegany County in 2006. Read More

Census 2010
The census is a count of everyone living in the United States every 10 years and is mandated by the U.S. Constitution. The next census is in 2010 and your participation in the census is required by law. It will take less than 10 minutes to complete and federal law protects the personal information you share during the census. The census data are used to distribute Congressional seats to states, to make decisions about what community services to provide, and to distribute $300 billion in federal funds to local, state and tribal governments each year. Please participate and be counted!

BUREAU OF POLICE
Upon the recommendation of Gary E. Moore, Director of the Department of Public Safety, Homeland Security & Bureau of Police, Acting County Administrator David A. Eberly advised the Board of County Commissioners that Deputy Chief J. Robert Dick will assume the position of Chief of the Bureau of Police effective July 1, 2009. This announcement was forwarded to all affected personnel within the County’s Bureau of Police prior to the Commissioner’s meeting. “No major changes are anticipated as a result of the decision,” commented Eberly. Read More

Economic Development Director Earns National Designation
Certified Economic Developer (CEcD)
Matthew W. Diaz, Director of the Allegany County Department of Economic Development, has earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD). This is a national recognition that denotes a mastery of principal skills in economic development, professional attainment, and a commitment to personal and professional growth. Diaz passed the CEcD exam, which was administered by the International Economic Development Council ( www.iedconline.org ), the premier organization for the economic development profession, on May 30 – 31 in Raleigh, North Carolina. He has joined the elite group of 1,200 CEcDs in the United States. Read More

Presentation: Allegany County Commissioner Code Home Rule Bill No. 2-09 as presented May 28, 2009 Download

Allegany County Commissioner’s Amended Code Home Rule Bill No. 2-09
"An Act To Amend Chapter 141 Entitled ‘Land Development’ Part 4, Zoning, Of The Code Of Public Local Laws Of Allegany County, Maryland (1983 Edition As Amended).” Review Document

PACE TREE PLANTING IN CUMBERLAND’S CONSTITUTION PARK

PHOTO DESCRIPTION:: left to right, Delegate Wendell Beitzell, Allegany County Commissioner Robert M. Hutcheson, Allegany County Commissioner Dale R. Lewis, J. Robert Smith, PACE Chair for Allegany County, Allegany County Commissioner James J. Stakem, City of Cumberland Mayor Lee Fiedler, and Senator George Edwards.

The 2009 PACE theme, Think Green – Think Mountain Maryland, presented the green aspects – past, present, and future – of Allegany and Garrett Counties. Every year, PACE acknowledges the members of the General Assembly. With this year’s green theme, the members of the General Assembly were honored by tree plantings in Mountain Maryland. Allegany’s tree planting ceremony was held in Constitution Park. J. Robert Smith, PACE Co-Chair, was the emcee of the ceremony. Senator George C. Edwards and Delegate Wendell R. Beitzel represented the Western Maryland Delegation. The Allegany County Commissioners, James J. Stakem, Robert M. Hutcheson, and Dale R. Lewis, participated. The City of Cumberland was represented by Mayor Lee Fiedler. Twenty trees were planted in the Legislative Forest (as identified by the sign). Hinoki Cypress, Sand Cherry, Kousa Dogwood, and Katsura trees will add interest during the spring, summer, and fall months. These landscape trees were selected to embellish the theme of the nearby Japanese Garden by Paul Eriksson, Natural Resources Specialist, City of Cumberland. This planting will beautify the county seat and support the Tree Canopy Program in Cumberland. NOTE: The tree planting coincided with the United Way Day of Caring and Sharing in the City of Cumberland. Constitution Park was one of the designated community action areas for this annual event.

James J. Stakem, Present of the Board of Commissioners, and Bretta Reinhard, Public Information Officer, admire one of the recycled benches donated by Martin’s

Martin’s Donates Park Benches

The summer season is here! Martin’s Food Market, (Giant Food Stores, LLC, Carlisle, PA) located in Braddock Square, LaVale, and Queen City Center, Cumberland, has donated a park bench to Allegany County Government. This bench has been placed at the Allegany County Fairgrounds to enhance this public green space and be enjoyed by visitors. Martin’s also gave the City of Cumberland one park bench for Constitution Park. The benches are made from recycled plastic grocery bags. It takes 12,000 of these bags to make one bench. Residents are encouraged to help beautify the community, improve the environment, and reduce waste by recycling these bags. Join in and help Martin’s Bags to Benches recycling program: drop off all plastic bags at any Martin’s Food Market. A recycling container is inside the main entrance. Read More

Great Allegheny Passage - Allegany County, Maryland Rules and Guidelines

The Allegany County Commissioners hereby establish the rules and guidelines for the safe and peaceful enjoyment of the section of the Great Allegheny Passage (i.e., trail) in Allegany County, Maryland for citizens of and visitors to our community. The 22 mile section of the Great Allegheny Passage is now complete through Allegany County, Maryland and stretches from Cumberland, Maryland to the Pennsylvania line. This 17 year project involved $12,000,000+ of public and private funding. Allegany County is now responsible for all law enforcement and emergency response as well as maintenance of this recreational right of way (ROW). Trail Rangers associated with the Allegany County Bureau of Police patrol the trail. These law enforcement personnel wear uniforms and carry County issued photo identification. Download Rules, Guidelines and Special Use Application

Tourism Contract Awarded:

The Allegany County Commissioners, James J. Stakem, Robert M. Hutcheson, and Dale R. Lewis, have awarded the contract for management services of County tourism to River’s Edge Business Associates. Read More

Be an Election Judge for the Gubernatorial Primary Election on September 14, 2010
DUTIES: Election judges play a very important role in the electoral process. They are responsible for administering voting procedures in their precinct and ensuring a fair and accessible election for all eligible voters. Specific duties include setting up and breaking down a polling place before and after voting hours. Other duties may include checking in voters, assisting voters with using the voting unit, and overseeing all election procedures throughout the polling place. Click Here to Complete An Application. Clubs and Organizations, download an application to distribute, by clicking here.

Public Meeting Webcast Trail Rules & Use Application Comprehensive Plans AutoPay Enrollment Bid Information & Awards Departments Employment Opportunities Organization Chart Public Information Request Public Meeting Minutes Tax Sale Information Telephone Directory Directions Holiday Schedule Community Links Quick Gov Facts
	Allegany County Government News Highlights:	Upcoming Events Board of County Commissioner Work Session Review Agenda Public Meeting Review Agenda View the Public Meeting from your computer: Click on the "Public Meeting Webcast" Option Below to View the Live Broadcast to appear five minutes before the scheduled start The Number of Connections are Limited Public Health Information Allegany County Government is one of the community partners preparing for a public health emergency. A Red Siren Indicates a Public Health Emergency: The Allegany County Health Department’s website, www.alleganyhealthdept.com, will have the latest public health emergency information. Recently Posted to the Website Fiscal Year 2010 Adopted Budget Fiscal Year 2010-2014 Capital Improvement Program
	Fiscal Year 2010 Budget As a result of the national economic recession and the State’s formal action yesterday to reduce aid to local governments, Allegany County is once again forced to evaluate priorities and planned budget expenditures within months of having adopted the 2010 fiscal budget. As already reported, the State has informed Allegany County Government and other local agencies that the total reduction in state aid to our community is just over $4.75M for the remainder of the 2010 fiscal budget year. These reductions will impact the Allegany County Health Department, local police departments, local municipalities, Allegany College of Maryland, and Allegany County Government. Allegany County Government’s highway user revenues were cut $1,926,000 from $2,140,000; the revised appropriation is $214,000. Allegany County Government’s state aid for police protection was cut $88,770 from $253,628; the revised appropriation is $164,858. As of now, the Board of County Commissioners will be required to address a $2,014,770 budget shortfall. “The process of developing the 2010 budget was excruciating due to previously announced cuts earlier this year. Now we are challenged again to go back to the drawing board and revisit some very difficult issues. We have dealt with this before and will do it again,” commented Jerry L. Frantz, Allegany County Director of Finance. “We are fortunate that our County staff has been discussing potential approaches and scenarios to deal with anticipated cuts. We look forward to receiving recommendations in the near future,” commented James J. Stakem, President of the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Robert M. Hutcheson stated, “Allegany County operates in a fiscally responsible manner at all times. This is important.” Commissioner Dale R. Lewis added, “There is nothing for us to cut easily, that is for sure.” There has been an extensive, on-going review process. In the coming weeks, County staff will again work with the Board of Commissioners to carefully evaluate expenditures across the board. The County will also be contacting agencies and organizations that receive county funding to seek their assistance in managing this financial challenge. Expenditures related to capital projects, material acquisitions, various operational items, and how the County will handle personnel vacancies will be discussed. The County will also revisit revenue projections. The County appreciates the citizens’ and stakeholders’ continued assistance and understanding. 2009 H1N1 Flu Virus The Allegany County Department of Public Safety, Homeland Security, and Bureau of Police (Emergency Management Division and Emergency Medical Services Division) is referring all individuals to the Allegany County Health Department’s website, www.alleganyhealthdept.com, for information. Stakem Elected President of Rural Maryland Broadband Coordination Board Broadband Network Headed to Western Maryland Allegany County Commissioner James J. “Jim” Stakem has been unanimously elected to serve as Chairman of the Rural Maryland Broadband Coordination Board effective July 1, 2009 for a one year term. He replaces former Garrett County Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Charlie Ross. Established by the Maryland General Assembly in 2006, the Rural Broadband Coordination Board is responsible for overseeing efforts to deploy broadband infrastructure in rural and underserved areas of the state. Read More Allegany County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Sale Complete Allegany Healthcare Group, LLC of Cumberland, Maryland acquired the Allegany County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on July 1, 2009. The principals of Allegany Healthcare Group include Mr. William Freas, Mr. Paul Kelly, Roy Carls, M.D., and Gregg Wolff, M.D. from Allegany County, Scott Rifkin, M.D., of Baltimore, and the Gilbane Development Company, headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island. The Board of Commissioners, James J. Stakem, Robert M. Hutcheson, and Dale R. Lewis, wishes to recognize Allegany Healthcare Group for its commitment to offer positions to current employees and acknowledges Allegany Healthcare Group’s fulfilment of its commitment to a structured transition plan for the residents and the employees. The Board of Commissioners and staff extend best wishes to the new owners for a successful private healthcare venture in Allegany County. Read More ALLEGANY COUNTY TRANSIT NEW SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE MONDAY, JULY 6, 2009 - EXPRESS LINES ADDED FOR WILLOWBROOK AREA According to James S. Stafford, Jr., Division Chief of Allegany County Transit, there will be changes to the current schedule effective on Monday, July 6, 2009. Fares will stay the same for both the fixed route bus service and the para-transit van service (Alltrans). FIXED ROUTE BUS SERVICE Allegany County Transit will offer six additional half-hour “Red Line Express” routes to service the Willowbrook Road area. This is part of the Red Line. This will accommodate the increased public transportation needs of the new campus of the Western Maryland Health System opening this fall. In addition to the WMHS, other high volume institutions in this vicinity will be able to be benefit - the Allegany County Health Department, Allegany College of Maryland, and the Thomas B. Finan Center. Because of the additional Red Line Express routes, adjustments were made to the Red Line and the Gold Line: The Red Line: Bedford Road/State Line and North Cumberland areas will have service on the 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., and 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. runs only. The other Bedford Road/State Line and North Cumberland runs are now dedicated to the Red Line Express route. The Gold Line (Frostburg/LaVale) will operate from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. During Frostburg State University’s fall and spring semesters (August 21, 2009 through December 18, 2009 and January 25, 2010 through May 21, 2010), the shuttle will be available until 11:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fixed route bus service will not be offered on Saturday. The final service date was Saturday, June 27, 2009. PARA-TRANSIT SERVICE Para-Transit van services (Alltrans) will operate Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. This will provide parallel service to the fixed route bus system for elderly individuals and ADA service for those individuals who are unable to use the fixed route bus system. Alltrans Saturday hours will be from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. effective on Saturday, July 11, 2009. Read More DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, HOMELAND SECURITY & BUREAU OF POLICE At the weekly public meeting of the Allegany County Commissioners on Thursday, June 18, 2009, Acting County Administrator David A. Eberly announced that Gary E. Moore, Director of the Allegany County Department of Public Safety, Homeland Security & Bureau of Police, has been offered and has accepted a two year contract extension to serve in his current capacity through June 30, 2011. He became associated with Allegany County in 2006. Read More Census 2010 The census is a count of everyone living in the United States every 10 years and is mandated by the U.S. Constitution. The next census is in 2010 and your participation in the census is required by law. It will take less than 10 minutes to complete and federal law protects the personal information you share during the census. The census data are used to distribute Congressional seats to states, to make decisions about what community services to provide, and to distribute $300 billion in federal funds to local, state and tribal governments each year. Please participate and be counted! BUREAU OF POLICE Upon the recommendation of Gary E. Moore, Director of the Department of Public Safety, Homeland Security & Bureau of Police, Acting County Administrator David A. Eberly advised the Board of County Commissioners that Deputy Chief J. Robert Dick will assume the position of Chief of the Bureau of Police effective July 1, 2009. This announcement was forwarded to all affected personnel within the County’s Bureau of Police prior to the Commissioner’s meeting. “No major changes are anticipated as a result of the decision,” commented Eberly. Read More Economic Development Director Earns National Designation Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) Matthew W. Diaz, Director of the Allegany County Department of Economic Development, has earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD). This is a national recognition that denotes a mastery of principal skills in economic development, professional attainment, and a commitment to personal and professional growth. Diaz passed the CEcD exam, which was administered by the International Economic Development Council ( www.iedconline.org ), the premier organization for the economic development profession, on May 30 – 31 in Raleigh, North Carolina. He has joined the elite group of 1,200 CEcDs in the United States. Read More Presentation: Allegany County Commissioner Code Home Rule Bill No. 2-09 as presented May 28, 2009 Download Allegany County Commissioner’s Amended Code Home Rule Bill No. 2-09 "An Act To Amend Chapter 141 Entitled ‘Land Development’ Part 4, Zoning, Of The Code Of Public Local Laws Of Allegany County, Maryland (1983 Edition As Amended).” Review Document PACE TREE PLANTING IN CUMBERLAND’S CONSTITUTION PARK PHOTO DESCRIPTION:: left to right, Delegate Wendell Beitzell, Allegany County Commissioner Robert M. Hutcheson, Allegany County Commissioner Dale R. Lewis, J. Robert Smith, PACE Chair for Allegany County, Allegany County Commissioner James J. Stakem, City of Cumberland Mayor Lee Fiedler, and Senator George Edwards. The 2009 PACE theme, Think Green – Think Mountain Maryland, presented the green aspects – past, present, and future – of Allegany and Garrett Counties. Every year, PACE acknowledges the members of the General Assembly. With this year’s green theme, the members of the General Assembly were honored by tree plantings in Mountain Maryland. Allegany’s tree planting ceremony was held in Constitution Park. J. Robert Smith, PACE Co-Chair, was the emcee of the ceremony. Senator George C. Edwards and Delegate Wendell R. Beitzel represented the Western Maryland Delegation. The Allegany County Commissioners, James J. Stakem, Robert M. Hutcheson, and Dale R. Lewis, participated. The City of Cumberland was represented by Mayor Lee Fiedler. Twenty trees were planted in the Legislative Forest (as identified by the sign). Hinoki Cypress, Sand Cherry, Kousa Dogwood, and Katsura trees will add interest during the spring, summer, and fall months. These landscape trees were selected to embellish the theme of the nearby Japanese Garden by Paul Eriksson, Natural Resources Specialist, City of Cumberland. This planting will beautify the county seat and support the Tree Canopy Program in Cumberland. NOTE: The tree planting coincided with the United Way Day of Caring and Sharing in the City of Cumberland. Constitution Park was one of the designated community action areas for this annual event. James J. Stakem, Present of the Board of Commissioners, and Bretta Reinhard, Public Information Officer, admire one of the recycled benches donated by Martin’s Martin’s Donates Park Benches The summer season is here! Martin’s Food Market, (Giant Food Stores, LLC, Carlisle, PA) located in Braddock Square, LaVale, and Queen City Center, Cumberland, has donated a park bench to Allegany County Government. This bench has been placed at the Allegany County Fairgrounds to enhance this public green space and be enjoyed by visitors. Martin’s also gave the City of Cumberland one park bench for Constitution Park. The benches are made from recycled plastic grocery bags. It takes 12,000 of these bags to make one bench. Residents are encouraged to help beautify the community, improve the environment, and reduce waste by recycling these bags. Join in and help Martin’s Bags to Benches recycling program: drop off all plastic bags at any Martin’s Food Market. A recycling container is inside the main entrance. Read More Great Allegheny Passage - Allegany County, Maryland Rules and Guidelines The Allegany County Commissioners hereby establish the rules and guidelines for the safe and peaceful enjoyment of the section of the Great Allegheny Passage (i.e., trail) in Allegany County, Maryland for citizens of and visitors to our community. The 22 mile section of the Great Allegheny Passage is now complete through Allegany County, Maryland and stretches from Cumberland, Maryland to the Pennsylvania line. This 17 year project involved $12,000,000+ of public and private funding. Allegany County is now responsible for all law enforcement and emergency response as well as maintenance of this recreational right of way (ROW). Trail Rangers associated with the Allegany County Bureau of Police patrol the trail. These law enforcement personnel wear uniforms and carry County issued photo identification. Download Rules, Guidelines and Special Use Application Tourism Contract Awarded: The Allegany County Commissioners, James J. Stakem, Robert M. Hutcheson, and Dale R. Lewis, have awarded the contract for management services of County tourism to River’s Edge Business Associates. Read More Be an Election Judge for the Gubernatorial Primary Election on September 14, 2010 DUTIES: Election judges play a very important role in the electoral process. They are responsible for administering voting procedures in their precinct and ensuring a fair and accessible election for all eligible voters. Specific duties include setting up and breaking down a polling place before and after voting hours. Other duties may include checking in voters, assisting voters with using the voting unit, and overseeing all election procedures throughout the polling place. Click Here to Complete An Application. Clubs and Organizations, download an application to distribute, by clicking here. Copyright 2009 Allegany County Government