Md. County Executive Slashes Costs

SALISBURY, Md. (AP) -- Six hours after being sworn into office, Wicomico County's newly minted executive began a new era of fiscal conservatism.

Executive Bob Culver cut more than $4 million from the county's capital-improvement plan at Tuesday's county council meeting. The cuts include a $1.25 million bond to replace a crumbling elementary school and $1 million to renovate a youth center.

He also cut a $1.8 million bond for a road meant to give residents on the west side of the county easier access to the business district on Salisbury's north side.

The Daily Times reports that tensions were high at the council meeting, and that the most controversial move the cut to replace West Salisbury Elementary. Built in 1964, the school is said to have structural issues and no air-conditioning.

Information from: The Daily Times of Salisbury, Md.