Message from the Cecil County Executive – April 13, 2020

April 13, 2020

Dear Cecil County Citizens,Alan McCarthy

Cecil County, and this nation, continue to navigate the affects that COVID-19 is having on our citizens and our community.

For the past three years, my financial decisions for Cecil County have been based on preparing for the future while ensuring the financial stability of our county. I feel, based on recent information received from the State, Cecil County needs to take additional precautionary measures today to ensure our County’s financial posture remains strong and has the ability to support the needs of our citizens.

Effective April 15th (2020), I am implementing a hiring freeze and a budget freeze for the FY2020 operating budget. This means that we will not be hiring and filling any vacant position, with the exception of essential personnel who are on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19. The funds approved in the FY2020 operating budget that have not been spent will be monitored and will only be allocated on expenditures deemed absolutely necessary. We will continue to support our payroll, current contracts, and utilities. We will not be issuing new purchase orders unless they are directly connected to essential, mission-critical functions.

The leadership in the Department of Finance will continue to review the third quarter projections and recommend if they feel we should seek to formally reduce the FY2020 revenues and, as a result, the expenditures in the current budget. Should that occur, this recommendation will be presented to the County Council for final action.

As previously mentioned, fiscal responsibility continues to be my top priority. This has never been more apparent due to the unprecedented pandemic. The County’s fund balance continues to have the necessary capacity for us to address any fiscal challenges that arise.

Please be reminded to heed the warnings of our public health officials to practice safe social distancing, continue to wash and sanitize your hands, cover your coughs, consider wearing a mask for the protection of others when performing a necessary task like shopping for groceries and, especially, unless absolutely necessary, stay home.

Together we will survive this crisis and I trust we all will be the better for it.

Sincerely,

Alan McCarthy Signature 2
Dr. Alan J. McCarthy
Cecil County Executive