COUNCIL MOVES TO RESTORE FIRE-RESCUE BUDGET CUTS

(Rockville) -- Calling the County Executive's proposed fire-rescue budget cuts "penny-wise and pound-foolish," the Montgomery County Council has rejected those cuts. It has given preliminary approval to restore $2.6 million to the budget to save staffing at two fire-rescue stations, retain administrative personnel in all stations and move ahead on-schedule with a new fire-rescue recruit class. The Council has also rejected a proposal by the County Executive that would have charged County residents for ambulance service.

"We're pleased that the Council understands that preserving the County's fire-rescue budget is a priority even if the County Executive does not," said Gaithersburg - Washington Grove Volunteer Fire Department President Bud Henkel. "The Council's vote reaffirms our goal for a strong volunteer-career partnership to provide this essential service."

The County Council is scheduled to give final approval to the fiscal 2004 budget on May 22nd.