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The Montgomery County Council approved most of County Executive Isiah Leggett's (D) proposal to trim $30 million from the fiscal 2010 budget by making small cuts to many departments, including schools and public safety.

Much of the midyear budget cuts will come from keeping vacant positions open longer.

The vote Tuesday was unanimous.

The council restored $124,000 for the county's Super Fare Share Program, which provides discounted transit options to employees, that Leggett sought to eliminate.

Councilwoman Nancy M. Floreen (D-At large) of Garrett Park said the Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee, which she chairs, reduced funding for road maintenance — an $18.9 million program — in order to pay for the transit subsidy.

Floreen said the cuts recommended by Leggett would have prevented the county from matching employer contributions to the Fare Share program that already are owed. Under the cuts approved by the council Tuesday, current obligations would be met, but no additional employers could take advantage of the county funds in fiscal 2010.

Councilman George L. Leventhal (D-At large) questioned taking money from road maintenance, saying that is a top concern among his constituents.

Officials have said $30 million in midyear cuts were needed to help close an expected $370 million shortfall in fiscal 2011 and address a $20 million loss of state aid announced earlier this year.

Council President Philip M. Andrews (D-Dist. 3) of Gaithersburg said the state's Board of Public Works could announce additional reductions in aid to the counties Wednesday — creating even more budget trouble for Montgomery County.

County spokesman Patrick K. Lacefield said that unless county aid takes a "huge hit" from the state, Leggett is not planning additional midyear budget cuts. The county executive would address those cuts in his fiscal 2011 budget, Lacefield said.

The total fiscal 2010 budget is $4.4 billion. Leggett has cut about $1.2 billion from the county's past three budgets.

Leggett preserved county employee jobs and salaries in Tuesday's cuts, but he has not ruled out furloughs as a way to balance the fiscal 2011 budget.

On Monday, Andrews reiterated his belief that the county cannot afford pay increases for county employees in the fiscal 2011 budget. He said $150 million could be saved by not offering step increases or cost-of-living pay hikes.

Among the cuts approved Tuesday were Montgomery County Public Schools ($9.7 million), the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission ($2 million), the Housing Opportunities Commission ($30,000) and Montgomery College ($1 million).

Police spending also will be reduced by $1.2 million. A portion of that reduction — $476,000 — would be saved by cutting January's recruit class from 47 to 36 police officer candidates. Police also will spend $400,000 less on uniforms, travel, ammunition, leased equipment and other operating expenses.

Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent Jerry D. Weast presented his own plan for about $9.9 million in cuts in fiscal 2010 — part of Leggett's $30 million spending reduction plan.

School system cuts to textbooks and instructional supplies ($1.5 million), prior restrictions placed on administration salaries (at least $2.7 million), freezes on travel, equipment purchases and staff development ($1 million) and special education ($1.2 million) also were approved.

Weast also expects to save about $1.2 million in student transportation costs because of a drop in the price of diesel fuel.