Some Maryland state government workers more than doubled their salaries with overtime payments in 2012, and more than 3,300 topped $10,000 in overtime payments. Government workers who got paid overtime had total earnings of up to $160,000 annually, though only 212 out of tens of thousands of employees making overtime made more than $100,000 total from the state.
Month: May 2013
State Roundup, May 16, 2013
Gov. O’Malley is expected to sign the gun control legislation into law, triggering lawsuits, petition battles and a fight on the airwaves; but more than 250 other bills also will be signed, including the one to raise the gas tax; Comptroller Franchot gives the governor an unclaimed check for a movie appearance; Maryland’s tie-in with Washington could mean a longer economic slump; Del. Myers won’t seek re-election, apparently considering run against U.S. Rep. Delaney; Maryland universities OK tuition hike; councilman hopes to overturn Arundel law against political sign waving; Takoma Park OKs 16-year-old vote for city elections; and the Gazette shutters two papers.
Success brings Pa. tax collection firm another boost in Md. commissions — but it loses new contract
A Pennsylvania collections firm has so done well prying Maryland back taxes out of delinquent taxpayers that the comptroller’s office just got approval for $300,000 more from the Board of Public Works to pay the agency’s commissions. NCO Financial Systems of Horsham, Pa. collected $33 million from delinquent tax accounts since 2009– 22% more than the original estimate of $27 million. The firm gets a 5.35% commission on any money it collects.
State Roundup, May 15, 2013
Like several other Anne Arundel public servants, Del. Dwyer sentenced to jail time. But his lawyer calls it unfair and appeals the sentence; public officials responses to phone records requests show differing views on public information law; lawyer for detention center gang leader says prisoner being held in poor conditions; Fox News apparently pounding Gov. O’Malley over detention center scandal but O’Malley says unreleased MOU would prove Maryland was on top of it – and Del. Smiegel has it; state senator complains to governor about delayed gun-buyer background checks; and Cecil County Council nixes prayer for a moment of silence.
Indicted correctional officers were low paid
Thirteen Maryland correctional officers indicted last month in a corruption case that has outraged legislators and the public were getting paid between $28,000 and $47,000 in 2012, according to salary figures from the comptroller’s office. “The vast majority are doing [the job] at the current salary level,” said one union representative. “I don’t think offering someone more money makes them more honest.”
State Roundup, May 14, 2013
Del. Dwyer to plead guilty to drunk boating, expected to get PBJ in return; anti-gun control advocate takes on a daunting task in seeking referendum; nine guns turned in during Salisbury gun turn-in day; expert says no bidders have a leg up as they seek casino in Prince George’s; and state Sen. Zirkin to seek re-election after all.
Almost 5,700 state employees make $100,000 or more
Maryland Reporter’s third annual report on state salaries found that 5,663 state employees pulled in $100,000 or greater in 2012 –about 6% of total state employees. Three out of four of these six-figure salaries are earned by people working for state colleges and universities — more than 10% of the full-time employees — led by three million-dollar coaches.
State Roundup, May 13, 2013
Corrections Secretary set to appear before legislative panel over Baltimore City Detention scandal. In the meantime, Republican lawmakers tour the facility; Lt. Gov. Brown launches campaign for governor, picks up Gov. O’Malley’s support; campaign of a likely foe launches into him; Del. Dwyer to hold press conference today before drunk boating trial begins; three bids submitted to secure Prince George’s casino; Montgomery Dem events lose about a quarter of supporters due to union protest; President Obama to visit Maryland on Friday; and Arundel council continues to grapple with changes to stormwater fees.
Conowingo dam dirt continuing problem for the bay
A 14-mile reservoir behind the Conowingo hydroelectric generating dam in northern Maryland stops two million pounds of sediment every year from flowing into the Chesapeake Bay. But another one million pounds get through, burying underwater grasses that support sea life and adding to the bay’s myriad pollution problems.
The reservoir that stores the sediment is expected to reach capacity within 20 years, after which all of the sediment will get through the dam, putting the bay’s health further at risk. The dam’s owner, the state and environmental groups are seeking solutions to the problem.
Video: Lt. Gov. Brown announces run for governor
Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown made it official Friday, and announced he was running for governor at Prince George’s Community College. He was introduced by Congresswoman Donna Edwards and his wife Karmen. Here’s a five-minute video of Edwards’ introduction and Brown’s speech to a large crowd estimated at over 1,000.
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