Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1953-02-26
McNayr Told
By Council
To Cut Costs
TO the Bone
Councilmen Express
Determination to Hold
County Expenses to
Lowest Possible Rate

The County Council-obviously
feeling taxpayers pressure for
economy-this week directed Coun-
ty Manager Irving G. McNayr to
cut his budget for 1953-54 Ito the
bone"
Council President George F. Mes
bitt in a statement to McNayr, told
the county manager to "bear in
mind" when preparing his next
years budget, to press for econ
omies in all segments of county
operations during the June appro-
priation session."
AS an example, Nesbitt declared,
the Council would consider no over
all cost-of-living pay raises except
on the most convincing evidence of
inequity to individuals or groups.
This, he said, did not include estab-
lished salary grade increases or
existing policies.
Several members of the Council
previously have gone on record as
demanding cut in the tax rate
next year. However, in view of
the skyrocketing assessments over
large part of the county, tax bills
for most county residents this year
probably will be higher than last
year, most county officials agree.
McNayr was directed by the coun-
Gil to relay the statement to coun-
ty department heads.
Councilman Louis A. Gravelle
said he thought the statement
should go farther and advise the
s.II.ayS1s we're sssss y =. : n
budget to the bone wherever pos
sible; that is what the taxpayers
want" The council agreed to call
in representatives of eight county
citizens association which have
banded together to study county
financing, after their study is COM
pleted, but before budget time.
Several county officials were
warned in person at Tuesdays ses-
sion that they had better cut their
operating costs this year.
Boyd Ladd, chairman of the coun-
tv library board. was told by Coun-
cilmen Grover Walker of Gathers
burg and Gravelle that they would
favor deleting all funds for book
mobile services.
Ladd will request an additional
bookmobile next year.. Councilman
Lathrop Smith of Travilah said he
had been receiving complaints that
the bookmobiles upcounty were not
icing used fully since there now
are libraries in most of the towns
and almost all of the schools.
Also warned to review his bud
get was DR.. V. L. Ellicott,, county
health officer. who told the Council
the cost of his department might
rise next year if the same services
are to be performed.
"The county is going to have to
tighten up all its operations. There
is feeling on the part of a lot
of people that certain expenditures
gre not necessary" Councilman
Hammond told him.
The policy statement also told
McNavr to review the entire per-
sonnet roster $50 that the Council
may insure that no unnecessary or
improperly placed persons are on
the county payroll"
The "frills' must be removed
from all plans for new construction
or maintenance of county buildings
and roads, the statement also de-
clared
The Council said it would refer
to the county delegation to the
General Assembly a complaint of
William F.. Roger. director of the
county Welfare Board, that the
fixed tax of one cent per 500 as
sessed valuation would net him too
much money this year for aid to
dependent children. The tax is
required by State law.