P.G. budget chief defends $67 million investments | Alex Pappas | Maryland | Washington Examiner

Almost $67 million in surplus money is funding one-time investments in Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker's budget despite county jobs and services being cut.

His proposed fiscal 2012 budget calls for making three one-time grants with leftover money accumulated in the general fund.

Baker's budget chief, Thomas Himler, said the county has $116 million in surplus funds because the county brought in more revenue and spent less than expected for several years. But he said officials chose not to spend it on recurring costs because the county wouldn't have the funding next year.

The county is facing a projected $77 million budget deficit, and Baker's budget includes across-the-board cuts to agencies.