When the Maryland Association of Counties gathers in Ocean City this week there will be some tough questions about the cuts that local government leaders are now facing.
Many have seen their budgets slashed with falling property tax revenues in the wake of the housing bust.
And they face footing the entire teacher pension bill.
Howard County executive and former president of the Association Ken Ullman told the Salisbury Daily Times that there is a real tension between county leaders and the state.
For the first time Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley will not be attending the conference.
Instead, Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown will take his place and give the final day’s policy speech.