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Montgomery County Agencies Brace For Bad Budget News

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By Jonathan Wilson

In Maryland, Montgomery County agencies are bracing for the worst as County Executive Ike Leggett unveils his budget proposal for the coming year.

The county's projected deficit of $760 million is the worst in the region. Leggett is scheduled to propose his budget later today.

County school's Superintendent Jerry Weast already is proposing cuts of 252 positions and increased class sizes. Hundreds of other county jobs are expected to be eliminated as well.

In Virginia, Fairfax County has a similar operating budget and is facing a $257 million shortfall.

Sharon Bulova, chairwoman of the county Board of Supervisors, says residents would rather see higher taxes than drastic cuts to schools and other services. Still, the county may give the schools $98 million less than the school board requested.

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