According to the Gazette, a large number of counties across the State are expecting their budgets to be at the level of two years ago and in some cases less.

In Montgomery County, officials learned this week their budget shortfall had grown to almost $1 billion.

In Garrett County, officials are considering a $69 million budget — a 30-percent reduction from fiscal 2009’s $99 million spending plan.

Baltimore County Executive James T. Smith Jr. (D) proposed a $1.5 billion fiscal 2011 budget Thursday that alters an unsustainable pension and benefits package for government employees.

In Dorchester County, a proposed budget will be released Tuesday that likely will be about $3 million less than in fiscal 2010.

On April 12, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake introduced a comprehensive budget plan that closes a $121 million budget gap with about $70 million in spending reductions and $50 million in new revenue.

In Anne Arundel County, the county’s fiscal 2010 budget is $1.2 billion, and officials have discussed furloughs and layoffs to cut costs in fiscal 2011.