Montgomery County Board of Commissioners Meeting - June 25, 2026

The Montgomery County Board of Commissioners convened on June 25, 2026, at approximately 10:00 AM (three minutes late). All three commissioners were present. The meeting included opening remarks, presentations on financial status and immigrant heritage, multiple unanimous resolutions, and one public comment. The meeting was adjourned, followed by a salary board meeting.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Approved the June 11, 2026 minutes unanimously.
• Resolution #1 (Sale of Farmland): Authorized the sale of 10 acres of preserved farmland in Lower Frederick via GovDeals for a minimum of $12,500 per acre ($116,875 total). Motion carried unanimously.
• Commissioner Appointments: Approved an appointment to the Prison Board of Inspectors (resolution G2) and appointments/reappointments to the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Board (resolution G3). Both carried unanimously.
• Personnel List: Approved the June 24, 2026 personnel list for the Commissioner's Department as presented by Chief Human Resource Officer Anthony Brew. Motion carried.
• Advertisement of Bids and RFPs (Exhibit A): Approved as presented. Unanimous.
• Award of Contracts – Montgomery County (Exhibit B): Approved contract awards, amendments, and renewals. Unanimous.
• Award of Contracts – Southeast PA Regional Task Force (Exhibit C): Approved as presented. Unanimous.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Elizabeth Ozer (First Up, early childhood nonprofit): Presented a snapshot of the Montgomery County childcare and pre-K landscape. She noted that 3,500 of 5,750 eligible children under age five are not served by Child Care Works, and about 3,000 of 5,000 eligible three- and four-year-olds lack publicly funded pre-K. She urged the county to support the childcare workforce, integrate childcare into housing planning, and invest early to reduce later costs in K-12 and criminal justice. She also asked about the Tri-Share program; a commissioner acknowledged the program and offered to provide more information.

Discussion Items

• Commissioner Opening Remarks:

  • The board wished a safe and happy July 4th, noted the America 250 celebration, and highlighted the Monco America 250 Birthday Bash on June 29 (11 AM–1 PM at the courthouse) with food trucks, photo ops, and zoo animals.
  • Announced a $900,000 award through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Program (PHARE) to support housing stability, homelessness prevention, and critical repairs.
  • Recognized five “Way to Go Monco” employees for June 2026: Kirsten Bovin (paramedic program coordinator), Jim (help desk operator), Brandon Craig (correctional facility technical operations coordinator), Kim Hearn (magisterial district court technical operations coordinator, 30 years of service), and Stephen Smith (commercial assessor).
  • Commissioner McKeeja noted the devastating earthquake in Venezuela and expressed solidarity with affected communities.
  • Discussed an executive order on mail-in voting that was enjoined in federal court; the county has signed on to amicus briefs supporting challenges. Also noted that the public can comment on Postal Service rulemaking until July 2.
  • Announced that Congress passed a housing bill to take private equity out of residential housing; urged residents to contact members of Congress.
  • Recognized two middle school students, Gabriel O'Currin (Holy Rosary Regional Catholic School, essay on homelessness) and Sydney Bond (Sandy Run Middle School, essay on civic engagement), who represented Montgomery County at the National Civics Bee at the National Constitution Center.
  • Highlighted the 50th anniversary of Valley Forge National Park (July 3–5 celebrations) and World Cup watch parties in King of Prussia (June 30–July 4, with shuttle from Conshohocken train station).
  • Announced a graduation of 37 new volunteer firefighters from the Montgomery County Fire Academy and thanked volunteer firefighters for their response to a major fire in West Norriton.
  • Listed upcoming summer events: June 28 (Peter Wentz Farmstead birthday party), July 5 (Pottsgrove Manor reenactment), July 11 (Upper Schuylkill Valley Park bald eagle event, Ben Franklin Porch Performance at Pennypack Mills), and the next Board meeting on the road at Hatfield Township on July 16 at 6 PM.

• CFO Financial Update – Ryan Wilkinson:

  • Reported that through April 30, 2026, the general fund had collected 24.8% of budgeted revenues, consistent with expectations. Tax collections (real estate) are heaviest in May and June; state gaming revenue is on track for a budgeted $8.5 million (up from $6 million). Investment income is trending ahead due to flat short-term interest rates.
  • Expenditures are at 32% of budget, with personnel expenses slightly below budget due to vacancy savings. The county expects to meet or exceed its planned $4 million vacancy savings. Debt service is consistent; energy costs are locked through 2026; fuel costs are being monitored.
  • Capital projects: The voter services election equipment line appears slightly over budget but will be reduced by a pending rebate. The Berge Smoke Bridge project shows a timing issue but is expected to be $70,000 under its $5 million budget.
  • FY27 budget planning has begun with meetings through August, info sessions August–October, distribution planned for November 12, followed by public hearings.

• Immigrant Heritage Month Rising Youth Awards:

  • Director of Immigrant Affairs Nelly Jiménez Arevalo introduced the celebration of National Immigrant Heritage Month. Eight students were recognized for achievements in leadership, community service, academics, or athletics: Avni Setapara (Indian roots), Case Young (Chinese roots, not present), Sabal Guira (Nepali roots), Helen Lima (Latino roots), George (last name not given, Latino roots), Matthew Stia (Chinese roots), Joshua Cho (Korean roots), and Musa Hersey (Somalian roots). Each received a commendation and group photo with commissioners.

Key Outcomes

• All resolutions and motions were approved unanimously.
• The meeting was adjourned at approximately 10:50 AM, followed by the Salary Board meeting, which also approved the personnel list and adjourned.
• The next Board of Commissioners meeting is scheduled for July 16, 2026, at 6 PM at the Hatfield Township Administrative Building.