Evening star., 1950-05-24
Tax Rise Asked
For Rural Areas
In Montgomery
MeNoyr's Proposal
Would Give Suburbs
2-Cent Net Reduction

Montgomery County will pay a
3-cent increase while those in the
suburban districts would obtain a
net reduction of 2 cents if recon-
mendations of County Manager
Irving G. McNayr are carried out.
At the County Council meeting
yesterday Mr.. McNayr proposed a
Scent increase in the basic rate
OF $l.90 per 500 of assessed real
estate valuation which would be
applicable to every one.
He also proposed that the SUBJ
urban district tax-embracing the
urban areas closest to Washington
be cut from 20 cents to IS cents
per $100. This levy, however, is
for special services for residents
Of the suburban area only.
The basic tax increase is designed
to finance record SO million
operating budget, which is 81, ,145,-
$50 more than that for the current
year.
Capital Budget of S1O,253,70O.
At the same time the county
manager submitted a proposed
S10,253,700 capital budget. This
figure includes $7,394,700 for
schools; $829,000 for roads and
storm water drainage; $1,230,0O0
for a new county Office building,
and 100000 for public parking
lots in the Bethesda business
district.
In a statement accompanying
the $50 page expense budget, Mr..
McNayr told the Council it is pos
sible to keep the tax rate from
increasing more than cents
over the current $190 rate by:
|. Not providing for fund to
care for the principal on school
construction funds borrowed from
the State. He explained the
county would not have to begin
paying back these loans for at
least two years.
2. Use 100000 from the esti-
mated surplus accumulated in the
present fiscal year. instead OF
keeping it as surplus.
8. Adhering closely to appro-
priations recommended by the
county manager.
Schools Largest Item.
In addition, Mr.. McNayr recon-
mended that the $4,000 which
he estimated would be received as
a result of assessment increases
be used as contingent fund.
Largest item in the proposed
budget is $4,26e,388 for schools.
This is approximately 100000 less
than the amount requested by the
Board of Education but is $685.
900 more than the current appro-
priation. The Capital budget for
schools includes $365,OOO to buy
the Bliss Electrical School, Ia
koma Park. as the permanent
home of the Montgomery Junior
College, Bethesda.
Would Hire 126 New Teachers.
The proposed increase in oper-
ating expenses for schools would
provide for hiring 1875 new teach
ers and placing one-half of the
present teaching force on the sal
ary schedule adopted by the
Board of Education four years
ago.
He also recommended appro-
priations for 16 additional school
buses and to place school GUS
todians. bus drivers, maintenance
men and lunchroom workers un-
SaS, the State retirement system.
For police. Mr.. McNayr recon-
mended $7l72 274. an increase of
$1l1,641 over current expenditures
but $168,719 less than the amount
asked by Police Chief Charles M.
Orme.
Mr.. McNayr proposed, however,
that police be given annual raises
ranging from 500 to $500. Cap
tains would receive 5000 more and
the departments only inspector
would get a $500 increase. Total
cost of the proposal increases is
$15,200.
The county manager also rec
commended funds to hire 80 per-
sons as school crossing guards,
thus relieving regular policemen
now assigned to such duties; eight
additional policemen and 18 more
police cruisers, IL of which would
replace obsolete equipment. He
said his recommendations would
eliminate the use of motorcycles
Figures Proposed.
Appro priations recommended
for other county departments,
with the proposed figure first, in
clude:
Public works, $1,140,802, as
compared with $9S9,109 for the
current year; health. $234,601 25
and $200,612 during 1949-5O: well
fare, $194,315, and $178,539;
finance, $239,236.15, and $685.
154 (the proposed appropriation
provides for an average salary in
crease of 500 a year for asses
sors), and inspection and licenses
$54, $50 and $59,380.
Mr.. McNayr also recommended
$1,000 salary increase for him
self. He now gets $4,000 a year
He also asked the council te
deny a request by Rockville off,
cials that the county pay the town
approximately $4,000 annually in
lieu of taxes on town property
used by the county.
Child Safety Proorum