What recession? Leggett approves pay increase for helicopter staff

Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett has approved a raise for police officers who serve on a proposed helicopter unit, a move that signals Leggett's continued interest in a program the County Council says is too expensive. Leggett approved paying pilots an additional $3,500 a year, and observers $1,500 per year as part of a labor agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police union. The extra pay, which would total about $10,000 a year, would be paid only if the proposed helicopter unit gets off the ground, county staff said. Leggett's spokesman, Patrick Lacefield, said a lack of support for the program from the County Council and current budget problems -- the county is facing a budget gap of nearly $1 billion -- have stalled the program, but only temporarily. SOURCE: Washington Examiner