Montgomery County Board of Commissioners Meeting – February 19, 2026

This meeting was held in Abington Township as part of the "Commissioner Meeting on the Road" initiative to increase public access. All three commissioners were present. The meeting opened with remarks on county investments, recognition of first responders, and community achievements, followed by public comment, approval of minutes, several resolutions, and general public comment. Key topics included the SPS Technologies fire anniversary, the county budget and tax increases, drop box security, immigration enforcement, and housing for the unhoused.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the February 3, 2026, minutes of the Board of Commissioners meeting (motion carried unanimously).
• Approved the February 19, 2026, personnel list (motion carried unanimously).
• Approved advertisements of bids and RFPs (Exhibit A) (motion carried unanimously).
• Approved contract awards, amendments, and renewals (Exhibit B) (motion carried unanimously).
• Approved contract awards for the Southeast PA Regional Task Force (Exhibit C) (motion carried unanimously).

Public Comments & Testimony

• David Morgan (Amber Borough) questioned the cost of contract renewals for supervision services ($27,000) and election voting system support ($66,000). He noted a 57.9% county tax increase over six years and urged zero-based budgeting and transparency. He also highlighted the need for a Chief Financial Officer.
• Jack Rooney (Abington) asked about intellectual/political diversity on the Montco Human Relations Commission and questioned whether the county turns over criminal illegal aliens to ICE, expressing concern for public safety.
• Unnamed speaker echoed Mr. Rooney's question about turning over criminal illegal aliens to ICE.
• Liz Ferry (Upper Dublin) requested that mail-in ballot drop boxes be placed indoors at municipal facilities during business hours, citing security concerns and citing neighboring counties' practices. She also raised concerns about the county van used for voting.
• Bob Jasnowski (Abington) criticized the rising county tax burden, stating his county tax now exceeds his local tax. He urged adding a line item to cut spending and opposed spending on non-citizen programs and diversity initiatives.
• Jacqueline (Abington, Huntington Valley) expressed concern about speeding on her road, noting multiple accidents and a near-miss with her child. She requested partnership to reduce speeding.
• David Morgan (second comment) questioned adding a new position (voter registration clerk, salary $40,000–$62,000) and urged consolidation. He praised county health resources and the Monco Mamas program.
• Joe Rooney (Abington) noted a 33.5% township tax increase and 58% county tax increase since 2020. He asked what the core function of county government is and suggested focusing on core services.
• Linda Weaver (Schwenksville, Limerick) thanked the county for a $14 million savings identified by the Office of Innovation Strategy and Performance. She called on Commissioner DeBello to condemn a video posted by President Trump depicting the Obamas as monkeys, which she described as racist.
• Monica Harrower (Cheltenham) requested that the county health department make TB tests available to all county residents, not just immigrants or those exposed, citing a policy that EMTs were denied testing.
• Joe Dunn (Abington) thanked commissioners for the evening meeting, supported the soccer team recognition, and expressed confusion about the county's ICE stance. He urged addressing rising taxes and the school rebuilding plan.
• Rabbi Elise Wetcherman provided a figure of 157 people taken from their homes by ICE, noting only two had judicial warrants for crimes.
• Regina Littman (Abington) asked about plans to repair the Fetters Mill Road bridge, which has been out for years, and noted potential traffic relief.
• Desiree Whitfield alleged that the county's rapid rehousing list is nonexistent, and that a shelter in Horsham is illegally placing people in a Critical Time Intervention program to double-bill, calling it a multi-million dollar fraud scheme. She requested investigation.
• Joe O'Brien stated that illegal border crossers have no rights and ICE should deport them, echoing concerns about immigration enforcement.

Discussion Items

• Opening Remarks and County Updates: The Board highlighted nearly $250,000 in pandemic relief funds to Abington Public Schools, $1 million in transportation grants, and $80,000 for bicycle infrastructure. They announced the opening of a 20-bed emergency shelter in Lansdale, a $1 billion Johnson & Johnson biomanufacturing facility in Lower Gwynedd, and partnership with the NAACP for Black History Month.
• SPS Technologies Fire Anniversary: Commissioners reflected on the one-year anniversary of the fire, praised the multi-agency response as "flawless," and noted that SPS is rebuilding a state-of-the-art facility with 250 jobs (down from 500 due to automation).
• Ice Enforcement: Commissioner McKeesha clarified that Montgomery County police departments have not signed 287(g) agreements, and local law enforcement focuses on public safety, not immigration enforcement. Commissioner DeBello stated that if ICE produces a warrant, the county will hold individuals for up to four hours, but the process follows judicial warrants. Commissioner Winder emphasized that the Board does not make decisions on individual cases.
• Drop Box Security: Commissioner DeBello expressed concern about 24/7 drop boxes in unsecured locations (e.g., a park, poorly lit parking lot) and advocated moving them indoors to county buildings with limited hours, similar to neighboring counties. Commissioner Winder defended drop boxes as convenient and reliable, noting high turnout.
• Taxes and Budget: Commissioner DeBello addressed tax increases, stating the Board reduced a projected $55 million deficit to a 4% increase in 2026. He noted organic expense growth of 3-4% and healthcare cost increases of 9-9.5%. He committed to zero-based budgeting.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 1: Approved (3-0) authorization to enter into a $400,000 Safe Streets for All grant (with $100,000 county match) to develop a comprehensive safety action plan for 75 miles of county roads.
• Resolution 2: Approved (3-0) a $29,390.48 match for a $587,809.52 FEMA fire prevention and safety grant for the Montgomery County Fire Chiefs Association, funding smoke detectors, training, and a mapping program.
• Resolution 3: Approved (3-0) a TEFRA resolution for a $11.5 million amended note for Acts Management Services, a nonprofit operator of continuing care retirement communities, with no financial risk to the county.
• Resolution G4: Approved (3-0) an amendment to the Montgomery County Human Relations Commission and board appointments.
• Resolution G5: Approved (3-0) a reappointment to the Montgomery County Board of Prison Inspectors.
• Salary Board: Approved (3-0) the February 19, 2026, salary board presentation, including additional positions for the Coroner's Office, as requested by Coroner Dr. Janine Darby.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for March 5, 2026, at 10 a.m. in Norristown.

Additional Notes

• Commissioner Winder urged kindness and civility despite political differences, emphasizing the shared duty to serve 900,000 residents.
• The meeting included a proclamation recognizing Abington High School's boys' soccer PIAA 4A state championship and the Abington Middle School's Positive Behavior Support recognition.
• Commissioners acknowledged National Library Lovers Month and honored the Abington Public Library.
• The Board committed to holding more evening meetings on the road.