OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Montgomery County Board of Commissioners Meeting - October 9, 2025

Board of Commissioners — Thursday, October 9, 2025
BodyMontgomery County, Pennsylvania
SessionBoard of Commissioners
DateThursday, October 9, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:32:04

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

I think that's also pushing up.

0:35

I think that's what I do.

9:38

Good morning, everyone.

9:42

It is October ninth for five.

9:45

And the whole thing present all order.

9:54

I will ask us the plant.

10:13

And to the Republic of Stands, one nation under individual with liberty and justice for all.

10:30

Okay, so we're here today, and county government is for the most part operating and providing our services in full, despite the fact that there is a shutdown of the federal government, that there is no state budget here at the county level.

10:54

At the same time, that happens at a cost.

10:58

So we have spent 33 million dollars thus far to keep our operations running and to cover the state's bills.

11:08

And that means the courts are open, emergency services are on, services that support children, the elderly, those facing housing insecurity.

11:20

Everything's still running as normal.

11:22

We are able to do that because we've been physically disciplined here in Montgomery County.

11:30

We've had a uh sizable fund balance, which has allowed us to front some of those funds.

11:36

Many of you know we're one of 54 counties with the triple A bond rating recognizing our fiscal responsibility.

11:44

Uh, but we can't keep spending forever without getting the funds that are needed uh from the state.

11:51

And this has come at a cost.

11:53

We've lost already about 110,000 in interest income, which we would have expected if we maintain the same fund balance.

12:02

So I encourage everyone to reach out to your state legislators, particularly the state senate, uh, to ensure that they pass a budget as soon as possible because this is costing us, and that also affects our ability to plan for the future and to provide for all of our residents.

12:27

We have a 2025 municipal election coming up, which I want to make a note about, which is uh Tuesday, November 4th.

12:36

This is the opportunity for all of our residents to vote for state judges, judges of elections, uh school board members, uh township supervisors and borough council members, uh mayors, giving voters plenty of time uh to make your voices heard.

12:53

We already have the ballots out.

12:54

Anyone here request a ball in ballot?

12:57

You got your ballot, you all go into building or one.

13:05

I also have a mailing ballot at home.

13:08

Uh about a hundred thousand people.

13:10

So we've voted already.

13:12

Uh I don't know how many voted, about a hundred thousand.

13:16

100,000 requested mail in ballots, and I don't know the return numbers.

13:19

Typically, there's a big you know, chunk who received their ballots out and turn it out right away.

13:25

Maybe that's about 15 or 20 percent of them.

13:29

But they have time, so you can still drop it in the mail, but uh starting in a few days on the 17th, our 18 drop boxes will be open.

13:39

Uh I've also talked to our team.

13:40

We're gonna make sure those job boxes are open when the ballots are sent out from here on.

13:47

But if you have any questions, we need another ballot.

13:50

Uh Mount Cobots.com, that's forwards directly to our um document site.

13:59

Um check that out, and you'll have all the information there of where to get um your mail in ballot.

14:07

Uh, if you need to request men still, there's still time.

14:10

You have until the 28th, do not wait until the 28th to request your mail unless way too late.

14:15

Uh it's also uh the registration deadline is at October 20th.

14:20

Uh Frank Dean will be at the next board meeting on the 23rd to answer any questions and give us into the elections.

14:28

Uh kudos to them because our mail-in ballots have no backlog right now, which is really great.

14:36

So if you go on line and you request mailing back ballot, it will be processed very quickly, and we'll be able to turn it around and get it to you uh within a few days.

14:46

So I want to know two elections issues I've seen in the news.

14:50

Uh it's important for us to respond to some of this because we want to give people assurance that our process has integrity and we're taking a number of steps to ensure that.

15:02

So we have 1,500 poll workers in this election and 390 judges of election.

15:09

These are people who are the backbone of our democratic process, they're making sure their friends and neighbors can vote, no matter who they're voting for.

15:18

And there's been some letters circulating from a group which I've never heard about, Susan's Alliance of Pennsylvania that encourages judges of elections to quote bring the fight inside the precinct.

15:31

I don't know what that means, but I want to make clear that our poll places and precincts or spaces where there's no campaigning.

15:39

And we want to make sure that all voters and staff is safe from intimidation.

15:45

And that kind of rhetoric is totally out of place in our election process.

15:49

And I think all of our poll workers, those 1,500 people who are making this process smooth for all of their neighbors don't appreciate that in the precinct.

16:00

So there's no fighting in the state over whether it's uh you know political or literally, we take steps to make sure people are safe and the precincts themselves are free of politics.

16:12

Second, there was national reporting uh in a number of different outlets around the country about a potential voter fraud case here in Montgomery County.

16:22

And I want to assure everyone that voter fraud is a very rare thing.

16:27

Uh it can happen, but it's individualized, and that's because we have all sorts of safeguards from registration, the barcodes on the ballots, uh, to our audits happen after every election.

16:40

We do two audits.

16:41

So it's not a widespread issue.

16:43

Uh it can happen.

16:44

And in this case, the story is about an individual who doesn't live in Montgomery County, uh, who has uh voted here despite not serving uh currently in the military or being at a college, which are two exceptions in which you can vote uh when you don't move here.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural█████████████████17%
Community Engagement███████████████15%
Immigrant Heritage████████████12%
Public Safety█████████9%
Public Health Awareness███████7%
Immigration Policy███████7%
Engineering And Infrastructure█████5%
Budget Equity Analysis█████5%
Public Engagement█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Montgomery County Board of Commissioners Meeting - October 9, 2025

The Montgomery County Board of Commissioners held its regular meeting on October 9, 2025, addressing the ongoing federal shutdown, state budget impasse, upcoming municipal elections, trail safety, and a major school district facilities plan. Commissioners also heard public comments on immigration, spending, and civility, and approved routine consent agenda items.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved the September 25, 2025 board meeting minutes unanimously.
  • Approved Resolution G1 (submission of funding applications) unanimously.
  • Approved Resolution G2 (appointments to the America 250 Commission) unanimously.
  • Approved Resolution G3 (appointments to the Montgomery County Planning Commission) unanimously.
  • Approved the October 9, 2025 personnel list (three-page document dated October 8, 2025) unanimously.
  • Approved Exhibit A (advertisements of bids and RFPs), including an RFP for the Trail Junction Center to seek nonprofits for short-term programming.
  • Approved Section J contracts (Exhibit D) for Montgomery County unanimously.
  • Approved Section K contracts (Exhibit C) for the Southeast PA Regional Task Force unanimously.
  • Approved contracts (Exhibit D) for the Southeast PA Regional Task Force unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • David Morgan (Ambler) commented on agenda items, asking for spending limits and clarification on a tri-county community network contract, and noted a large carpet expense and $463,496 contract renewal for onBase and CourtPro software.
  • Mary Beth Smith (Skipak) criticized the daytime meeting time, accused commissioners of a spending spree and staff increases, and said the county expects tax increases. She also challenged the board's stance on immigration, stating they dismissed residents' concerns.
  • Rose Gannon (Worcester Township) cited a press release on increased public defense spending ($3.8 million, a 43.7% increase) and overall $17.8 million increase for prosecution, defense, and corrections. She presented FBI crime data showing violent crime up 69%, motor vehicle theft up 137%, larceny up 69%, property crimes up 65%, and homicide/aggravated assault up 38% since 2020, arguing spending should focus on prevention.
  • Ed Moy (West Norriton) opposed the county's policy of not assisting ICE, citing incidents of violence against ICE officers and a school superintendent with a deportation order, and urged commissioners to support law enforcement.
  • David Morgan (second comment) praised the Parent and Infant Resource Guide and offered to make copies to distribute.
  • Armina Taylor called for civility and a middle-way approach, recalling respectful disagreement with Commissioner DeBello in the past, and urged commissioners to model better behavior.
  • Marilyn Moore (via Zoom, Lower Salford Township) responded to health information from the previous meeting, claiming COVID-19 vaccines are dangerous and linked to cancer based on studies from the Independent Medical Alliance, and called the commissioners' information reckless.
  • Andy Ladizio (Lockhead Hill) expressed support for immigrants and the board's balanced approach, thanking commissioners for community support.

Discussion Items

  • Opening Remarks by Commissioner McKesia: Noted the county has spent $33 million to maintain operations during the federal shutdown and state budget impasse, losing $110,000 in interest income. Urged residents to contact state legislators. Announced the November 4, 2025 municipal election, with 100,000 mail-in ballots requested; drop boxes open October 17; registration deadline October 20. Addressed concerns about poll worker rhetoric ("bring the fight inside the precinct") and a potential voter fraud case, assuring election integrity. Discussed trail safety: tripled e-bike fines in August; a Norristown resident broke his neck after being hit by an illegal e-bike; enforcement with police and park rangers planned for October and November on the Schuylkill River Trail. Welcomed new Chief Administrative Officer Tiffany Thomas.
  • Remarks by Commissioner Warner: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month; shared a personal story of helping a woman seeking a PFA. Also October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month; urged mammograms and early detection. Announced a screening of the film "The American Delivery" on November 6 at Montgomery County Community College, focusing on maternal health.
  • Remarks by Commissioner DeBello: Recognized October as Italian American Heritage Month and Polish American Heritage Month, highlighting contributions of Italian and Polish immigrants in Norristown and the county.
  • Presentation: Norristown Area School District Facilities Master Plan – Superintendent Christopher Dormer presented a $350 million, 8- to 12-year plan to renovate and reconfigure schools. Key phases: high-priority renovations ($30 million starting summer 2026 under GESA), prefabricated additions at Hancock and Coleman Elementary Schools and administration building (occupancy by June/July 2026), full high school renovation with 58,000 sq ft addition (three-year project starting summer 2026), and replacement of Bloxham Middle School with a new K-4 school. The district is classified as underfunded by Commonwealth Court and expects $7 million in additional state funding. First three phases total $135 million with no tax increase.
  • Italian Heritage Month Proclamation: Nelly Menez Arvalo presented the proclamation and commended the Holy Savior Club. President Joseph Mirabil spoke about the club's 119-year history and upcoming events. Commissioners accepted the proclamation and cited personal connections to the Italian community.
  • Salary Board Meeting: After the main meeting adjourned, the Salary Board approved the October 9, 2025 salary board list. Commissioner DeBello raised concerns about the CIO salary range, suggesting it may need to be increased to attract top talent. The board approved the list and noted potential adjustments.

Key Outcomes

  • The board unanimously approved all consent agenda items, including minutes, resolutions, appointments, personnel, RFPs, and contracts.
  • Commissioners directed staff to monitor the CIO salary range and potentially adjust it.
  • Commissioner McKesia reiterated that the county will continue to provide services despite the state budget impasse and urged state action.
  • The next board meeting was scheduled for Thursday, October 23, 2025, with the director of elections present to discuss the upcoming election.
  • No votes were taken on public comment topics; commissioners offered closing remarks emphasizing civil discourse and fiscal responsibility.

Meeting Transcript

I think that's also pushing up. I think that's what I do. Good morning, everyone. It is October ninth for five. And the whole thing present all order. I will ask us the plant. And to the Republic of Stands, one nation under individual with liberty and justice for all. Okay, so we're here today, and county government is for the most part operating and providing our services in full, despite the fact that there is a shutdown of the federal government, that there is no state budget here at the county level. At the same time, that happens at a cost. So we have spent 33 million dollars thus far to keep our operations running and to cover the state's bills. And that means the courts are open, emergency services are on, services that support children, the elderly, those facing housing insecurity. Everything's still running as normal. We are able to do that because we've been physically disciplined here in Montgomery County. We've had a uh sizable fund balance, which has allowed us to front some of those funds. Many of you know we're one of 54 counties with the triple A bond rating recognizing our fiscal responsibility. Uh, but we can't keep spending forever without getting the funds that are needed uh from the state. And this has come at a cost. We've lost already about 110,000 in interest income, which we would have expected if we maintain the same fund balance. So I encourage everyone to reach out to your state legislators, particularly the state senate, uh, to ensure that they pass a budget as soon as possible because this is costing us, and that also affects our ability to plan for the future and to provide for all of our residents. We have a 2025 municipal election coming up, which I want to make a note about, which is uh Tuesday, November 4th. This is the opportunity for all of our residents to vote for state judges, judges of elections, uh school board members, uh township supervisors and borough council members, uh mayors, giving voters plenty of time uh to make your voices heard. We already have the ballots out. Anyone here request a ball in ballot? You got your ballot, you all go into building or one. I also have a mailing ballot at home. Uh about a hundred thousand people. So we've voted already. Uh I don't know how many voted, about a hundred thousand. 100,000 requested mail in ballots, and I don't know the return numbers. Typically, there's a big you know, chunk who received their ballots out and turn it out right away. Maybe that's about 15 or 20 percent of them. But they have time, so you can still drop it in the mail, but uh starting in a few days on the 17th, our 18 drop boxes will be open. Uh I've also talked to our team. We're gonna make sure those job boxes are open when the ballots are sent out from here on. But if you have any questions, we need another ballot. Uh Mount Cobots.com, that's forwards directly to our um document site. Um check that out, and you'll have all the information there of where to get um your mail in ballot. Uh, if you need to request men still, there's still time. You have until the 28th, do not wait until the 28th to request your mail unless way too late. Uh it's also uh the registration deadline is at October 20th. Uh Frank Dean will be at the next board meeting on the 23rd to answer any questions and give us into the elections. Uh kudos to them because our mail-in ballots have no backlog right now, which is really great. So if you go on line and you request mailing back ballot, it will be processed very quickly, and we'll be able to turn it around and get it to you uh within a few days. So I want to know two elections issues I've seen in the news. Uh it's important for us to respond to some of this because we want to give people assurance that our process has integrity and we're taking a number of steps to ensure that. So we have 1,500 poll workers in this election and 390 judges of election. These are people who are the backbone of our democratic process, they're making sure their friends and neighbors can vote, no matter who they're voting for. And there's been some letters circulating from a group which I've never heard about, Susan's Alliance of Pennsylvania that encourages judges of elections to quote bring the fight inside the precinct. I don't know what that means, but I want to make clear that our poll places and precincts or spaces where there's no campaigning. And we want to make sure that all voters and staff is safe from intimidation.

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