ROCKVILLE, Md. — A new report says Montgomery County may face cuts in public services as it must follow a state law to keep education spending levels constant.

The report from the county’s legislative staff released Tuesday is projecting a 5.2 percent drop in funding for services including public safety, transportation and social services for next year.

The county is looking at recent funding decisions by the county’s public school system. It accounts for about half of the county’s annual budget.

Under a new state law, if schools increase per-pupil funding one year, that increase becomes permanent to keep education funding level.

The report says raises given to teachers last year cost $65 million — the equivalent of 550 additional employees. Teacher pension costs are also shifting from the state to the county.

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