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The passing of Montgomery County's $4.27 billion budget today left some of the county's public safety employees angry over what they said was a lack of equity.

The fiscal 2011 operating budget, which was approved in a 7-2 vote, includes a furlough plan for nearly every county employee except those who work for the school system.

Public safety employees, including uniformed police officers, attended the County Council voting session holding signs that read, "Equity?" and "First to respond last to get paid."

When Council President Nancy M. Floreen (D-At large) of Garrett Park discussed the furlough plan, at least two officers said, "What about teachers?"

The County Council does not have authority over the school system's budget, and the Montgomery County school board has vowed to balance its budget without furloughs.

Council members Philip M. Andrews (D-Dist. 3) of Gaithersburg and Michael J. Knapp (D-Dist. 2) of Germantown opposed the budget, which relies on $150 million in new energy and cell phone taxes.

Under the budget, there will be no pay raises for county employees, and employees will, on average, take about five days of unpaid leave. The budget also cuts funding for libraries and transit services about 25 percent and eliminates 450 jobs.

However, many employees have taken retirement incentive options and some of the positions were unfilled. About 90 employees are expected to be laid off.