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Frederick County Employees Protest Privatization Push

FREDERICK, Md. (AP) -- Frederick County government workers are pushing back against a privatization effort by the county commissioners.

The Frederick News-Post reports that more than 200 county employees and their families crowded a public meeting on the topic Tuesday after protesting outside Winchester Hall in downtown Frederick.

The hearing concerned a consultant's proposal for outsourcing many government services. The study concluded the county could save $84 million to $109 million over five years by contracting with private companies for services such as public works, community development, and parks and recreation.

Commissioners President Blaine Young says no decisions have been made about outsourcing but he says changes are needed to avoid looming budget deficits.

Three more public hearings are scheduled on the report.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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