Despite lawsuit, council OKs raise for Homan

Baltimore County (Map, News) - Baltimore County lawmakers Monday night approved a four-year term and $36,000 raise for Administrative Officer Fred Homan, who is facing allegations he fired a worker who caught him in an “awkward” moment with a female colleague in a county office.

The council approved the package in a 5-0 vote — making Homan’s $190,000 salary second only to the county’s police chief — with Councilman Joe Bartenfelder, D-District 6, abstaining.

Bartenfelder said before the meeting he had qualms about voting amid a lawsuit filed last week by Miriam Grice, a 55-year-old employee fired two weeks ago for what she calls retaliatory acts involving Homan since 1999. County officials have denied the claims and applauded the council’s vote.

“I think this council fully understands the danger of trying someone based on allegations,” said Don Mohler, a spokesman for County Executive Jim Smith. “It could happen to anyone.”

The vote only strengthened Grice’s resolve, attorney Kathleen Cahill said. Grice accidentally interrupted Homan and Assistant County Attorney Suzanne Berger in her office after hours, according to the lawsuit, which doesn’t detail the “illicit encounter.”

Legislators emphasized they did not want to prejudge the allegations against Homan.

“People are quick to condemn,” said Council Chairman Sam Moxley, D-District 1.

“I believe Fred Homan has done a very good job as our fiscal watchdog. If something comes of the lawsuit, I think it’s the government’s job, the council’s job and the county executive’s job to review it then,” he said.

Councilman Vince Gardina, D-District 5, was not present for the vote, but has said he did not support Homan’s raise based on recent cuts to general employees’ health care and pension benefits. Councilman Bryan McIntire, R-District 3, wanted to table the matter until the lawsuit is resolved.

After the vote, several people in the packed council chambers applauded.

Others groaned.

“I am outraged no one would take a stand against this,” Kimberly Colwell said to the council. “I think it will open the eyes of Baltimore County citizens, but more importantly, its registered voters.”

23 PERCENT RAISE

» Fred Homan’s previous salary as county budget director: $154,000

» New salary as county administrative officer: $190,000

» Amount of raise: $36,000

jmalarkey@baltimoreexaminer.com

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