Citizens expect prudent money management practices with optimum returns to meet public priorities.  However, this can be difficult, especially during difficult economic times.  During this session, titled “Maximizing Public Investments: Getting More Bang for the Taxpayer Buck,” panelists spoke about investment strategies for meeting short-term obligations and long-term goals.

The first presenter, Kathryn Hewitt, Harford County Treasurer, spoke of the many strategies employed by a county government to manage funds to meet short-term obligations, such as payroll. Mary Christine Jackman, Director of the Division of Investments, State Treasurer’s Office followed to discuss the benefits of the Local Government Investment Pool. The Investment Pool allows counties to pool investments to maintain liquidity and diversity.  All 24 jurisdictions participate in the pool at some level.  Lastly, Melissa Moye, Chief Investment Officer for the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System, spoke about the investment strategies employed by the System to meet its long-term obligations.

The panel was moderated by Delegate Guy Guzzone who serves on the House Appropriations Committee and the Joint Committee on the Management of Public Funds.