Dearth of Testimony at Pr. George's Budget Hearing

Two people testified Tuesday at the first of three 2014 budget hearings hosted by Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker, III, according to Baker.

"Only two testimonies tonight," Baker shared in a tweet Tuesday. "Next one is next Wed at Friendly HS at 7pm Hope more folks show up next week. Spread the word."

Baker also tweeted Tuesday that the county is projecting a $152.2 million deficit.

The county executive's office did not respond to an inquiry on the first budget hearing by publication time.

Baker's 2014 budget hearings will give residents opportunity to provide input and share their opinions on the budget, according to a news release from Baker's office.

Speakers will be under a three-minute time limit, and organizations can only have one speaker. 

Citizens who register to testify will be given priority during the hearings, according to the executive's office. Residents can register by calling the county government at (301) 952-4547, TDD (301) 985-3894 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The executive's office states that written testimony will be accepted in the place of or in addition to oral comments.

The first hearing was held at Prince George's Community College in Largo. The remaining hearings are scheduled at the following locations and times:

• Feb. 6, 2013, 7 p.m. at Friendly High School in the Janella M. Moore Auditorium (10000 Allentown Rd., Fort Washington, MD).

• Feb. 12, 2013, 7 p.m. at Laurel High School in the Spartan Hall Auditorium (8000 Cherry Lane, Laurel, MD).