August 30th, 2011 by WCBC Radio
Allegany County Board of Education members say they are troubled by a proposed change in the county’s debt policy — and baffled as to why such a change is necessary just as school officials are trying to garner support for a new Allegany High School. Board vice president Sara-Beth James is quoted in the Cumberland Times News as saying that lowering the county’s debt service limit from $5 million to $4 million would essentially “kill the project”. Board member Jeff Metz said that all indications are that the county commissioners fiscal situation has finally improved to the point where such a project would be doable- and added that if the commissioners don’t want to fund a new school, they should just say so as opposed to claiming its unaffordable. Commissioners discussed changing the debt ceiling last week during a work session, with county officials saying it’s necessary because of the uncertain economy and likelihood of future reductions in government aid. Commissioner Mike McKay tells WCBC News that the county needs time to review the entire debt picture before making any final decisions. He says allegations that the commissioners aren’t interested in a new Allegany High are unfounded.
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