Public Meetings - Montgomery County, Maryland

On April 15, 2026, the Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee and the Public Safety Committee held a joint session from 1:33 p.m. to 2:07 p.m. to consider two items: an amendment to the FY27-32 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) for County Radio Life Cycle Replacement and Expedited Bill 14-26, the Vehicle Recovery Act, which addresses vehicle release after police-ordered tows. Public Comments & Testimony - Councilmember Stewart acknowledged the input of CASA (a community organization) and mutual aid groups, which helped shape the bill. CASA recommended broadening the list of acceptable documents (e.g., school IDs, tax returns) to prove shared residency or familial relationship. Council staff did not recommend these additions, citing concerns about document verification, PII exposure, and operational burden on towing staff. - Councilmember Mink raised concerns about family members who do not live at the same address (e.g., in-laws, cousins) and whether the bill adequately covers them. The executive branch noted that the bill includes some discretion under subsection D for “other documentation as deemed sufficient.” Discussion Items 1. FY27-32 CIP Amendment – County Radio Life Cycle Replacement - The County Executive submitted a March 13 amendment reducing expenditures by $2.6 million and spreading the replacement schedule over the full six-year period. The reduction eliminates duplicate entries for 55 police radio replacements in FY28. - Council staff recommended approval as submitted. The joint committee agreed without objection. 2. Expedited Bill 14-26 – Motor Vehicle Towing (Vehicle Recovery Act) - Councilmember Stewart, the lead sponsor, explained the bill’s origin: increased federal immigration enforcement led to vehicles being left behind when occupants were detained, often blocking hydrants or fire stations, leaving no time for families to retrieve them. The bill provides a “Plan C” for family or household members to recover an impounded vehicle without a notarized letter from the owner. - The bill codifies existing regulations for police-directed tows, allowing a non-owner to redeem a vehicle by presenting a government ID (U.S., foreign, or nonprofit-issued) plus one document showing shared residence (e.g., utility bill, deed, lease, marriage certificate, birth certificate). - Council staff recommended separating the bill into a new Chapter 30D (Procedures for Police Tow) to avoid confusion with private property towing (Chapter 30C). - Several clarifying amendments were presented and accepted without objection: 1. Relocated the bill to a new chapter for police-directed tows. 2. Expanded proof of registration to include out-of-state or temporary registration, not just Maryland MVA documents. 3. Replaced the term “authorized agent” with language requiring an individual to demonstrate authorization by the owner via notarized letter, insurance company letter, etc. 4. Clarified that “at least one form of documentation” is needed to establish shared residence or familial relationship. 5. Specified indemnification language for towing companies when releasing a vehicle to a non-owner. - Councilmember Luedtke confirmed that the bill does not change the requirement that the person driving the vehicle off the lot must have a valid driver’s license. - Councilmember Katz asked about jurisdiction if a vehicle is towed from Montgomery County but taken to a lot in Prince George’s County. Office of Consumer Protection staff noted that for police tows, the 15-mile limit may not apply; the vehicle typically ends up in the county’s controlled lot. No amendment was made. - Councilmember Mink inquired about covering family members who do not share a residence (e.g., in-laws). Council staff expressed concern about verifying distant familial relationships and operational feasibility for lot attendants. The executive branch requested clear, specific guidance to avoid difficult determinations. It was noted that future regulations could be amended by the County Executive without returning to the Council. Key Outcomes - CIP Amendment: The joint committee recommended approval of the County Radio Life Cycle Replacement amendment as submitted. - Expedited Bill 14-26: The committee voted unanimously to recommend approval of the bill as amended, with the clarifying amendments adopted without objection. The next step is full Council action tentatively scheduled for April 28, 2026.

On April 15, 2026, the Montgomery County Public Safety Committee (Chair Sidney Katz, Councilmembers Dawn Luedtke and Kristin Mink) met from 9:30 a.m. to 11:03 a.m. to review the County Executive's recommended FY27 Operating Budget for five agencies: Office of Animal Services, Sheriff’s Office, State’s Attorney’s Office, Circuit Court, and the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation. The committee voted unanimously (3-0) on all items, placing several funding requests on the Reconciliation List and approving each budget as amended. Circuit Court - Discussion: Administrative Judge Carla Smith and staff presented a $1.2 million (6%) increase request for FY27, totaling $21.8 million. A key item was $391,877 to address a funding gap for 29 grant-funded positions (e.g., problem-solving court staff, self-help attorneys, custody evaluators, data analysts) whose state grant reimbursements have not kept pace with county pay raises, threatening pay equity and leverage of state funds. Judge Smith emphasized that losing these positions would reduce access to justice for low-income residents. Chair Katz noted that 87–88% of the court's budget is personnel. - Outcome: The committee unanimously placed the $391,877 on the Reconciliation List and approved the Circuit Court budget as amended. Staff will investigate whether this item can be categorized as a “known commitment” rather than a new expenditure. Office of Animal Services (OAS) - Discussion: Director Caroline Hairfield reported that OAS starts each day at 125% over capacity; surrender rates have risen to 41% (from 38%) driven by housing instability and financial hardship. The shelter is authorized for 15 Animal Care Attendants (ACAs) versus a best-practice recommendation of 24. Animals routinely spend 23 hours a day in cages due to understaffing. Director Hairfield described a “mass casualty incident” environment causing moral injury among staff. The executive’s recommended budget included no new staffing; Chair Katz proposed adding five ACA positions ($437,410) in two tranches (three and two) on the Reconciliation List. - Outcome: The committee (3-0) approved placing two tranches of ACA positions (three positions and two positions) on the Reconciliation List, with the understanding that splitting the request could maximize funding chances. The rest of the OAS budget was approved as recommended. Sheriff’s Office - Discussion: Sheriff Uy reported improving hiring (nine deputies in current academy class, shrinking vacancy rate). The executive recommended a $51,660 increase (0.16%). The only Reconciliation List item was $178,043 (1.31 FTEs) to rebalance workloads previously grant-funded for judicial security—these are filled positions, not new hires. Overtime expenditures have historically exceeded budget; FY26 shows projected decline. A potential reduction of $10,483 in the Taser/body-worn camera contract was noted (invoice came in lower than budgeted). - Outcome: The committee (3-0) placed the $178,043 on the Reconciliation List and voted to reduce the Taser/body-worn camera line item by $10,483 (from $246,929 to $236,446). The Sheriff’s Office FY27 budget was approved as amended. State’s Attorney’s Office - Discussion: State’s Attorney John McCarthy and staff requested a 4.8% increase ($1.3 million, total $28.7 million). Two Reconciliation List items: (1) $314,118 to replace lost federal grant funding for four legal assistant positions in the evidence review unit (filled positions); (2) $225,383 for Axon Justice Premier licenses to improve digital evidence review, redaction, and transparency. State’s Attorney McCarthy noted the licenses are necessary for constitutional discovery obligations and that procurement constraints prevented piggybacking on the police contract. Councilmember Mink flagged the need for enterprise-wide procurement efficiencies. - Outcome: The committee (3-0) placed both items on the Reconciliation List and approved the State’s Attorney’s Office budget as amended. Department of Correction and Rehabilitation (DOCR) - Discussion: Director Ben Stevenson presented a $4 million increase (4.2%, total $99.4 million). Four Reconciliation List items: (1) $182,609 for a dedicated K9 contraband detection unit (no new positions); (2) $131,439 for CPI-driven contract increases (later moved off the Reconciliation List as contractually obligated); (3) $47,422 for full-time instructors to sustain education programs (partially off-ramped if legally required for IEP services); (4) $18,000 to replace obsolete taser units for the emergency response team. The executive also recommended abolishing seven vacant positions in pretrial services and pre-release/re-entry, saving $1.1 million, due to declining program participation and lower average daily population at the pre-release center (currently 60 residents vs. 80 pre-COVID). DOCR’s average daily population is down by about 70–80. Juvenile population has declined to 13. - Outcome: The committee (3-0) placed all four items on the Reconciliation List (with budget change 2 removed per staff recommendation) and approved DOCR’s budget as amended. Staff will follow up on whether part of the education funding is legally obligated and provide an update on pre-release center population in 4–6 months. Key Outcomes - All five agency budgets were approved unanimously (3-0) with the amendments described above. - Several items were placed on the Reconciliation List, including: $391,877 (Circuit Court), $437,410 for ACAs (OAS, split into two tranches), $178,043 (Sheriff’s Office), $314,118 and $225,383 (State’s Attorney’s Office), and $182,609, $131,439 (later removed), $47,422, $18,000 (DOCR). - The committee emphasized distinguishing between ongoing filled positions (needing an “asterisk”) and new expenditures. - Staff will provide additional information to the full Council on the Circuit Court funding gap classification and the DOCR education funding obligation.

The Montgomery County Council met on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, for a full-day session that included morning presentations, a worksession on the FY27-32 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) for Culture and Recreation, a District Council session, a consent calendar, a closed session, afternoon proclamations, six public hearings, and a continuation of the CIP worksession focusing on Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). Key actions included approval of the Public Arts Trust and Recreation CIPs with amendments, introduction of Subdivision Regulation Amendment 26-01, approval of the consent calendar, and extensive debate on MCPS capital priorities, including athletic field funding and a proposed transportation depot. Presentations & Proclamations - Earth Month Proclamation: Presented by the Transportation and Environment Committee. Speakers included environmental advocates and DEP Director Jennifer Macedonia, who highlighted accomplishments such as planting 18,000 trees, composting over 3.5 million pounds of food scraps, and rebates for electric leaf blowers. - Councilmember for a Day: Proclamation recognizing winner Samir Ahmed (10th grader at Winston Churchill High School) for his video essay advocating for increased recreation center funding, especially in upcounty areas. Runners-up Emily Garcia Pinha (student safety) and Christian (pedestrian safety) were also recognized. - World Art Day Proclamation: Presented by the Education and Culture Committee, celebrating the arts. Representatives from local arts organizations spoke, noting the sector's $251 million economic impact and 5,619 jobs. - Immigrant Day of Resilience Proclamation: Presented by Councilmember Mink. Speakers from Students Fair, Moco IRC, CASA, and the County Executive's Office highlighted community resilience and advocacy against federal immigration enforcement. Students Brian Diaz and Holly Riley shared personal experiences. Consent Calendar - Acknowledged Receipt of two Inspector General publications (investigation of prohibited personnel practices at DHCA; review of county's use of paper checks). - Introduced collective bargaining agreements with Municipal and County Government Employees Organization (Local 1994), IAFF Local 1664, Volunteer Fire-Rescue Association, and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 35 for FY27. - Introduced resolution to authorize filing for FY27 Annual Transportation Plan Grant. - Introduced supplemental appropriation 26-67 for North Bethesda Metro Station Northern Entrance ($275,000). - Adopted Resolution 20-1082 extending Council's contract for audit services. - Adopted Resolutions 20-1083 and 20-1084 confirming appointments to the Local Management Board and Workforce Development Board. - Approved unanimously (11-0). Public Comments & Testimony - No registered speakers for any of the six public hearings held in the afternoon (Poolesville Highway Depot, Takoma Park Car Wash, FY27 9-1-1 Fee Rate, Transportation Fees/Charges/Fares, Solid Waste Service Charges, Water Quality Protection Charge, Property Tax Credit for Income Tax Offset). Each hearing was opened and closed without testimony; records remained open for written submissions for varying deadlines. District Council Session - Subdivision Regulation Amendment (SRA) 26-01: Introduced by Councilmember Mink. Prohibits the Planning Board from approving subdivision applications that connect certain low-capacity roads (Neighborhood Street or Neighborhood Yield Street) within a Local Area Transportation Improvement Program (LATIP) area with new development. The county’s only current LATIP is in the White Oak area. Public hearing set for June 9, 2026. Discussion Items - Worksession – Culture and Recreation CIP: - Public Arts Trust: Approved as submitted by County Executive ($2.448 million over six years). Discussion of reviewing the 50-60-year-old statute governing the trust. - Recreation: Approved as amended by the Planning, Housing and Parks (PHP) Committee. The committee recommended deferring the Natural Grass Field at North Potomac Center project. Councilmember Balcombe noted interest in starting discussions on a Clarksburg Recreation Center after the budget is finalized. Approved unanimously. - Worksession – MCPS CIP: The major discussion item of the afternoon. Key topics: - Overall Gap: Staff noted an estimated $400-450 million funding gap across the entire CIP due to differences between planned bond issuance and Spending Affordability Guidelines (SAG). - Cold Spring Elementary: The committee recommended a two-year delay (instead of three) for replacement, citing safety concerns as the only open-concept school in the system. Unanimously supported. - Outdoor Play Space and Athletic Infrastructure: The County Executive had proposed a $34.1 million reduction (removing artificial turf funding while retaining natural grass). The Education and Culture Committee (by a 2-1 vote) recommended reducing the project and redirecting funds to HVAC/urgent systemic work. Legal staff advised that the Council cannot direct MCPS on use of funds; only reduce amounts. After debate, Councilmember Friedson moved to restore the Board of Education’s requested $72.9 million (i.e., add back the $34.1 million). Passed 6-5 (Fani-González, Evans, Friedson, Katz, Luedtke, Sayles in favor; Glass, Jawando, Balcombe, Stewart, Mink opposed). Note: The restoration will compete with other CIP priorities during final reconciliation in May. - Transportation and Regional Support Facilities: MCPS proposed new depot sites on board-owned properties to address overcrowded depots and the county’s direction to vacate Shady Grove Depot. Councilmember Friedson moved to remove the project from the CIP entirely, citing inadequate public outreach. Motion defeated 4-7 (Friedson, Balcombe, Katz, Glass in favor). The committee’s recommendation to delay the project by three years was upheld. - School Security Systems: Councilmember Friedson requested a detailed breakdown and timeline for the $6.5 million in carryover funds for school security projects (digital mapping, door alarms, cameras). MCPS indicated funds are encumbered and part of a broader portfolio approach. - General Process Concerns: Councilmember Glass described the state law governing school budgeting as “broken” and called for modernization. Councilmember Friedson emphasized managing public expectations and the need for transparent processes. - The MCPS CIP was approved as amended by the committee (including the field funding restoration) on a unanimous straw vote. Key Outcomes - Votes: - Approved minutes of March 24, 2026 (10-0; Sayles absent). - Approved Public Arts Trust CIP unanimously. - Approved Recreation CIP (as amended) unanimously. - Introduced SRA 26-01. - Approved consent calendar unanimously. - Approved motion to restore $34.1 million for athletic fields (6-5). - Defeated motion to remove transportation depot project from CIP (4-7). - Approved MCPS CIP (as amended) unanimously. - Public Hearings: All six held without testimony; records open until specified dates. - Closed Session: Held from 9:45-10:39 a.m. on legal advice regarding potential litigation over police powers. No action taken. - Next Steps: - SRA 26-01 public hearing June 9, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. - Committee worksessions scheduled for various items (see agenda). - Final CIP reconciliation and action expected by mid-May. - Council President announced a separate public safety discussion with MCPS, Police, and HHS for the following week (April 21, 2026).

The Planning, Housing and Parks (PHP) Committee met on Monday, April 13, 2026, from approximately 1:30 p.m. to 3:50 p.m. in the 3rd Floor Council Hearing Room to review the FY27 Operating Budget and FY27-32 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) for the Office of Agriculture, the Department of Recreation, and the Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) and Housing Initiative Fund (HIF). The committee recommended approvals with amendments and placed several funding items on the Reconciliation List for full Council consideration. No public testimony was heard during this work session. Consent Calendar - No formal consent calendar was used; routine budget recommendations were approved without objection except where noted. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public testified during this session. Prior public hearings and testimony on the budget were referenced by committee members. Discussion Items Office of Agriculture - The County Executive recommended a $1.6 million FY27 operating budget with no enhancements or reductions. Council staff noted the Office of Agriculture was rated "exemplary" in the OBIT analysis and had made significant strides on racial equity in land access and farming. - Director Scheffel thanked the committee for support. Councilmember Friedson praised the office's work with emerging farmers and culturally competent food programs. - The committee unanimously approved the FY27 Operating Budget and FY27-32 CIP as submitted by the County Executive. Department of Recreation - The County Executive recommended a $71,442,894 operating budget, an increase of $2.9 million (4.27%) over FY26. The department requested a cost-of-doing-business budget to maintain current services. - The committee discussed and placed on the Reconciliation List: - $104,098 for a Program Manager for administration of recreation contracts (one FTE, full annualized cost $138,798). The department currently has one program manager managing 608 contracts; Councilmember Jawando requested a breakdown of contract responsibilities for full Council. - $23,305 for the FBI RapBack System background and fingerprinting verification. Councilmember Friedson called this a legal requirement for child safety; Councilmember Jawando noted it should be a base budget item. The committee requested it be flagged as a legal requirement. - The committee also discussed an Excel Beyond the Bell Elementary (EBBE) expansion at Stedwick Elementary School, proposed by Councilmembers Luedtke and Evans. The minutes list the cost as $459,253; the transcript cites a full-year cost of $429,253 or $229,626 for half a year. The committee supported the request and placed it on the Reconciliation List, directing staff to provide phasing/tranching options for partial implementation. - Other proposed changes, including seasonal staff annualization for the Silver Spring Recreation and Aquatic Center, food bank contract escalation, and other contract escalations, were approved without objection. - Councilmember Jawando flagged a nearly 50% increase in travel expenditures ($297,000 to an unspecified higher amount) and requested a breakdown of potential savings. Department of Housing and Community Affairs and Housing Initiative Fund - The County Executive recommended a total FY27 operating budget of $77.7 million for DHCA across all funds, a decrease of $5.9 million from FY26, driven by increased HIF debt service. - The committee placed on the Reconciliation List: - One position ($125,180) to implement Expedited Bill 31-25 (eviction notification). The department noted over 4,600 eviction notices per year. - One position ($121,320) to implement Expedited Bill 2-25 (PILOT affordable housing amendments). - Compensation for grant-funded positions exceeding federal grant caps ($277,497 for 1.7 FTEs). - Backfill for reduced federal funding for Fair Housing Testing ($25,000). - Councilmember Friedson expressed concern about recurring gaps in federal grant funding and requested an ASAP countywide analysis of the impact on all departments, with a deadline of Thursday/Friday. The department agreed to provide an update. - The committee discussed a $1.3 million revenue decrease in landlord-tenant fees and short-term rental registration fees. DHCA explained that the short-term rental universe was overestimated (actual 700, not 1,400) and that a prior double-counting error inflated multifamily fee projections. Councilmember Friedson stressed the need for more conservative revenue estimates. - The committee approved the following CIP amendments as submitted by the County Executive: Countywide Façade Easement Program, White Oak Commercial Area Improvements and Revitalization, Affordable Housing and Acquisition CIP, and Revitalization for Troubled and Distressed Common Ownership Communities CIP. - The committee approved an additional $4 million in FY27 taxable bonds for the Affordable Housing Acquisition and Preservation CIP to equalize FY27 funding with FY26 approved levels, pending a Council staff analysis. Councilmember Friedson emphasized maintaining level of effort on affordable housing. The amendment was approved 3-0. Key Outcomes - Office of Agriculture: Approved unanimously as submitted. - Department of Recreation: Approved as amended, including Reconciliation List items for the contract manager, FBI RapBack, and EBBE expansion; staff to provide additional information on contract division, travel costs, and EBBE phasing options. - DHCA/HIF: Operating budget and CIP approved as amended, including the $4 million Affordable Housing Acquisition and Preservation CIP increase; staff to provide countywide analysis of grant-funded position shortfalls. - Troubled Properties Regulations: DHCA reported that the regulations were transmitted to the County Executive's office on January 23, 2026, with the fiscal impact statement sent last week. The committee agreed to send a letter if the regulations are not received by the Council by the end of the week. - Note on discrepancies: The meeting agenda listed the session as 1:30–4:30 p.m.; the minutes state 1:15–3:50 p.m. The transcript indicates the meeting began at 1:30. The EBBE funding amount is listed as $459,253 in the approved minutes and as $429,253 in the transcript; the committee requested options for partial implementation.

The Government Operations and Fiscal Policy (GO) Committee met on Monday, April 13, 2026, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:35 p.m. in the 7th Floor Council Hearing Room to review the FY27 Operating Budget and FY27-32 Capital Improvements Program for Technology and Enterprise Business Solutions (TEBS), the Cable TV and Communications Plan, and two Non-Departmental Accounts (Device Client Management and Telecommunications). The committee, chaired by Councilmember Kate Stewart and joined by Councilmembers Shebra Evans and Sidney Katz, heard presentations from TEBS leadership and made several recommendations to the full Council. Technology and Enterprise Business Solutions (TEBS) Budget - Reviewed the TEBS FY27 recommended operating budget of $72,221,974 (a 0.5% decrease from FY26) and discussed AI deployment, the Web 2.0 platform, and the Health and Human Services (HHS) Community Connect Portal (CCP). - TEBS Director Gail Roper introduced the "Ignite" AI framework, a formal process for intake and analysis of AI use cases, and reported progress on data classification, AI literacy training, and the Monty and Scout chatbots. Councilmembers commended the proactive approach and noted Montgomery County's leadership in AI among local governments. - Regarding Web 2.0, the committee learned that a new website will launch on April 20, 2026, and all public-facing content must be DOJ ADA compliant by April 24, 2026. TEBS deployed an AI tool to remediate PDFs in batch, and 90%+ compliance is expected by the deadline. - A joint session with the HHS Committee on April 10, 2026, discussed the HHS CCP. The committee agreed to place $375,000 on the reconciliation list for a TEBS feasibility study focusing on a go/no-go decision regarding enterprise-wide integration, deferring the remaining $425,000 for later budget cycles. The committee also directed staff to inform the HHS Committee chair of this decision. - Three additional reconciliation items were approved unanimously: - $144,000 for a tertiary backup in Microsoft Azure to protect against regional or cyber events. - $170,000 for digital accessibility compliance software to ensure future content is DOJ compliant, offset by reducing contractor budgets by $300,000. - $2,600,000 for a new CIP project "Next Gen Technology Refresh" to upgrade network equipment in critical county buildings (funded from current revenues). - The committee recommended the TEBS FY27 Operating Budget at $71,907,974 (removing the $314,000 placed on reconciliation) to the full Council. Cable TV and Communications Plan - Reviewed the FY27 recommended budget of $7,824,171, a $2,189,000 increase resulting from a realignment of funds previously transferred to Montgomery College (MC) and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) from other accounts. - The committee discussed the transition to a new cable programming model, including pending legal agreements between the County and Montgomery Community Television (MCT) and memoranda of understanding (MOUs) between MCT, MCPS, and Montgomery College. - The committee recommended approval of the budget as submitted and requested that the County Executive provide an update on the status of the contract and MOUs before the full Council votes on the item. Device Client Management Non-Departmental Account (NDA) - The committee approved the FY27 operating budget as submitted by the County Executive. The increase of $1.1 million is due to contractual price escalations for outsourced maintenance and help desk services. No objections were raised. Telecommunications Non-Departmental Account (NDA) - The committee approved the FY27 operating budget as submitted. The account supports legacy phone systems, with ongoing migration to Teams Voice expected to generate future savings. No cuts were made this year. Key Outcomes - Reconciliation List Items (approved unanimously): $375,000 for HHS CCP feasibility study; $144,000 for tertiary Azure backup; $170,000 for digital accessibility software; $2,600,000 for Next Gen Technology Refresh CIP. - TEBS Operating Budget: Recommended at $71,907,974 (excluding above items) to the full Council. - Cable TV Plan: Approved at $7,824,171, with a request for an update on MCT contract and MOUs before Council action. - DCM and Telecom NDAs: Approved as submitted.

The Education and Culture Committee, chaired by Councilmember Will Jawando and joined by Councilmembers Shebra Evans and Kristin Mink, met on Monday, April 13, 2026, to review the FY27 operating budget for several county departments. The committee discussed the Community Use of Public Facilities (CUF) budget, Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL), the Takoma Park Library non-departmental account, and opened the first of four sessions on the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) operating budget. Over 200 residents had testified the previous week on these topics. Consent Calendar - No formal consent calendar was used. The committee approved routine items without objection, including concurrence with the county executive’s other recommendations for CUF and approval of the Takoma Park Library funding increase of 8.04% (based on a statutory formula). Public Comments & Testimony - Public testimony was heard in a prior session (the week of April 6, 2026). Residents spoke strongly in favor of library services, Sunday hours, and school funding. No additional public testimony was taken during this committee meeting. Discussion Items - Community Use of Public Facilities (CUF): Director Janelle Burwell presented the FY27 operating budget. CUF is a non-tax-supported enterprise fund. The county executive recommended a second year of fee increases: 7.5% for Categories A and B (government, county residents, nonprofits) and 12.5% for Category C (out-of-county users). CUF’s expenditures are rising 2.3%, revenues up 9.6% due to fee increases. The fund balance is projected negative in FY26. The Interagency Coordinating Board (ICB) recommended a flat 7.5% increase. Council staff had offered a 5% alternative. After discussion, including concerns about solvency and rising costs, the committee voted to recommend a 7.5% fee increase to the full council. The committee also noted the need to improve the RESJ score (currently Level 4) and to explore subsidies for senior villages. - Public Libraries (MCPL): The county executive recommended a $2.06 million (3.65%) increase, including two reconciliation-list items. The committee discussed the recent reduction of Sunday hours from 10 branches to 9 (open 10 a.m.–6 p.m.) and the need for sustainable staffing. Director Darcel Graham noted that restoring full Sunday service would require 15 additional FTEs beyond the 5 FTEs proposed for abolition. The committee expressed support for a phased restoration of Sunday service and highlighted the importance of security. Two reconciliation-list items were approved: $275,000 one-time funding for the Noise Library for Young Children (collection refresh) and $207,000 for enhanced security guard services at five branches (McGee, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Quince Orchard, Rockville Memorial). The committee also noted the need for passport services and the library’s commitment to diversity despite challenges. - Takoma Park Library Non-Departmental Account: The committee approved the county executive’s recommended increase of $17,780 (8.04%), based on the county code formula. Director Amanda Jones reported strong usage since the new facility opened in September 2025: 47,000+ items checked out, 1,800 new cards, and 200+ programs. - Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Operating Budget (First Session): Superintendent Dr. Taylor and CFO Ivon Alfonso Windsor presented an overview of the $3.8 billion request (5.2% increase over FY26). Key points: declining enrollment (5,000 fewer students) but increasing special education needs; federal funding dropping $8.6 million, including Title I and Title II cuts; the structural deficit in employee benefits ($40 million requested) and the high lapse/turnover assumption ($70 million); the new staffing standards aimed at reducing class sizes; and the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future mandates ($60 million in programs). The committee discussed the dangerously low fund balance (projected $5.97 million vs. a recommended $38 million). No votes were taken; discussion will continue on April 22, 27, and May 1. Key Outcomes - CUF Fee Increase: The committee voted unanimously (3-0) to recommend a 7.5% fee increase for all categories (as recommended by the ICB) to the full council. A resolution will be introduced. - Library Reconciliation List Items: Both items (Noise Library $275,000 and Security $207,000) were approved for placement on the reconciliation list without objection. - Takoma Park Library: Approved without objection. - MCPS: No decisions made; the committee will continue budget worksessions in the coming weeks.

The Transportation & Environment (T&E) Committee met on Monday, April 13, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the 7th Floor Council Hearing Room to review the FY27 Operating Budget and amendments to the FY27-32 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) for the Department of Transportation (MCDOT) and several non-departmental accounts (NDAs). Councilmember Evan Glass chaired the meeting; Council President Kate Stewart and Councilmember Marilyn Balcombe also attended. All agenda items were approved, with amendments and directives for the reconciliation list. Transportation General Fund (FY27 Operating Budget and FY27-32 CIP Amendments) - MCDOT's recommended FY27 operating budget is an increase of $2,785,913 (4.13%) over the FY26 approved budget. This includes $596,166 in program and staffing additions that must be placed on the reconciliation list per the Council President's budget approach. - The committee discussed four reconciliation items: $305,000 for operating budget impacts from various capital projects; $250,000 for civilian parking enforcement (with $80,000 offset by new parking fine revenue, leaving $170,000 in net new General Fund support); $27,900 for new subdivision roads maintenance; and $13,266 for uninterruptible power system (UPS) maintenance. - Councilmember Glass and Councilmember Balcombe expressed strong concern about placing the UPS maintenance and operating budget impacts items on the reconciliation list, calling them non-discretionary operational necessities. The committee recommended that the Council President remove the $13,266 UPS maintenance item from the reconciliation list and that the $305,000 operating budget impacts item be noted as non-discretionary. - The committee recommended approval of a $50,000 reduction to the residential parking permit program and license plate reader increase, lowering it from $71,269 to $21,269, based on lower vendor costs identified through the RFP process. - MCDOT Director Conklin explained that the civilian parking enforcement expansion would target chronic nuisance parking areas, including Littonsville, Germantown, Gateway Center Drive, and park-and-ride lots, with routine patrols to reduce police calls for service. - The executive's recommended reductions of $125,000 for promotional giveaways for school zone pedestrian safety and $450,000 for road resurfacing were noted. Councilmember Stewart requested that Council staff track the road resurfacing reduction alongside the associated CIP resurfacing projects to avoid compounding impacts. - The committee reviewed four CIP adjustments: transferring $238,000 from Beach Drive Bridge and $32,000 from Park Valley Road Bridge to the Burton'sville Access Road project, and a technical adjustment of $2.1 million within the Wheaton Bicycle/Pedestrian Priority Area project. - The FY27-32 CIP, as amended, was recommended for approval. Homeowners Association Road Reimbursement Program NDA - The committee recommended approval of the FY27 operating budget for this NDA as submitted by the County Executive, with no change at $62,089. Weather Response NDA - The committee recommended approval of the FY27 operating budget for the Weather Response NDA as submitted, at $2,884,990. - MCDOT Director Conklin reported that FY26 Snow Creek storm response costs exceeded $40 million, compared to the nearly $3 million budgeted in this NDA plus additional built-in funding in DOT and DGS base budgets totaling about $6 million. He noted that the summer storm season has been a growing cost driver. - Councilmember Balcombe requested historical data for the past ten fiscal years on: total appropriations for snow and storm response (base General Fund and NDA), actual expenditures, and supplemental appropriations required to bridge the gap. Councilmember Glass requested information on Montgomery County Public Schools' annual snow removal budget. - OMB confirmed that the FY26 snow supplemental is assumed in the General Fund reserves, which are estimated at about $236 million. Vision Zero NDA - The committee recommended approval of the FY27 operating budget for the Vision Zero NDA, including a $270,064 increase (119% from FY26). The only reconciliation item is a $30,000 addition for the required 20% county match for a $240,000 federal Safe Streets 4 All grant. The committee expressed strong support for this item, noting the 8-to-1 leverage and that the funds are needed to update the Vision Zero Action Plan and conduct in-person community outreach. - Vision Zero Coordinator Wade Holland reported year-to-date traffic safety statistics: Montgomery County Police have investigated 13 fatal collisions as of the meeting weekend, including 4 motorcycle fatalities and 3 pedestrian fatalities. He noted that this year's motorcycle fatalities already match last year's total. Rockville Parking District NDA - The committee recommended approval of the FY27 operating budget for the Rockville Parking District NDA as submitted, an increase of $7,700 (1.8%) from FY26, driven by a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes increase under the 2003 General Development Agreement. Debt service and library parking charges remain unchanged. Poolesville Highway Depot CIP Amendment - The committee reviewed and recommended approval of Resolution to approve Amendment to the FY25-30 Capital Improvements Program and Supplemental Appropriation 26-62 to the FY26 Capital Budget, providing $500,000 in GO bonds for the Poolesville Highway Depot (No. 502611). The funds will support planning, design, and construction of water/sewer improvements, portable buildings for sleeping areas and administrative offices, and reconfiguration of parking and vehicle circulation at the 19200 Jerusalem Road facility. - DGS Deputy Director Gregory Boykin stated there was no specific incident prompting the request, but rather continual deterioration of the decades-old facility. Councilmember Balcombe highlighted the site's history as a 1925 Rosenwald school, noting it is over 100 years old. - The racial equity impact assessment found the project advances racial equity by improving working conditions for staff, who are reported to be majority people of color. - Council action on this resolution is scheduled for April 21, 2026. Key Outcomes - Recommended approval of the FY27 Operating Budget for the Transportation General Fund, as amended, and the FY27-32 CIP, as amended. - Directed that the $305,000 operating budget impacts and $13,266 UPS maintenance items be flagged as non-discretionary, and requested the Council President remove the UPS maintenance item from the reconciliation list. - Recommended approval of all four NDA budgets as submitted (HOA Reimbursement, Weather Response, Rockville Parking District), with the Vision Zero NDA approved as amended by the $30,000 reconciliation item. - Called for additional data on historical weather response costs and MCPS snow removal budgeting to inform future budget decisions. - Approved the Poolesville Highway Depot supplemental appropriation, with council action scheduled for April 21, 2026.

The Government Operations and Fiscal Policy (GO) and Health and Human Services (HHS) committees held a joint session on April 10, 2026, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:33 p.m. to discuss Supplemental Appropriation 26-25, requesting $3 million from General Fund Undesignated Reserves for the Community Connect Portal (CCP). The request included $2.2 million for the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to continue CCP development and maintenance, and $800,000 for the Department of Technology and Enterprise Business Solutions (TEBS) to conduct a feasibility study on countywide expansion. The meeting revealed significant interdepartmental coordination failures and the appropriation was amended. Discussion Items - Staff Presentation: Legislative Analyst Nicole Rodríguez-Hernández presented an overview. The CCP was launched in FY22 to digitize applications for DHHS programs, currently supporting six programs with seven languages. Approximately $5.9 million had been spent on development with two vendors. DHHS requested $2.2 million for FY26 (phase four) and $2.5 million for FY27. TEBS requested $800,000 for a six-month feasibility study. The analyst noted that no total cost estimate exists, and maintenance alone would cost $1.5–$2 million annually. - DHHS Perspective: Dr. Bridgers (DHHS Director) and Dr. Nembhard (Chief Data Officer) emphasized the portal’s benefits: over 2,000 applications processed, 90% of Working Parents Assistance Program applications are electronic, reduced processing time from 30 days to minutes, and improved client experience. Without funding, services would revert to paper, causing delays and increased staff burden. - TEBS Perspective: Director Roper stated that TEBS was not involved in the initial development (FY22) and was brought in late (October 2025). The feasibility study would assess whether the CCP architecture could be expanded enterprise-wide. She noted that the $800,000 would cover three business analysts and two infrastructure engineers. - Council Concerns: - Councilmember Friedson expressed confusion about the emergency nature of the supplemental, noting that the funding gap was due to a budget omission—no one requested funds for FY26. He criticized the lack of interdepartmental leadership, the absence of OMB, and the conflation of the TEBS study with the emergency funding. He stated that the executive branch spent unauthorized funds without council notification. - Councilmember Katz echoed concerns, calling the situation confusing and highlighting that the request was made after funds were spent. He emphasized the need to keep the portal running but demanded a clear cost breakdown. - Councilmember Stewart (GO Chair) noted that the TEBS portion should be handled in the FY27 budget, given the fiscal year end. She suggested splitting the requests. - Councilmember Sayles (HHS Chair) requested the original contract scope, timeline, and vendor details to understand the full project history. - Councilmember Evans reminded the committee of the portal’s potential to advance racial equity, as stated in the REISJ analysis, and urged caution in disrupting services. - Executive Branch Response: Luisa Cardona (Assistant Chief Administrative Officer) acknowledged the mistake: the funding fell through bureaucratic cracks multiple times. She apologized for the lack of clear communication. The CFO for DHHS provided a breakdown: $888,576 already spent, $975,000 needed for the remainder of FY26, totaling $2.2 million. Councilmembers requested exact documentation and contracts. Key Outcomes - Vote to Remove TEBS Portion: The committee unanimously approved a motion to remove the $800,000 TEBS feasibility study from the supplemental appropriation. The study will be discussed in the FY27 budget context, starting with the GO committee worksession on April 13, 2026. - Vote to Recommend HHS Portion: The committee unanimously voted to recommend approval of the amended request for $2.2 million for DHHS to continue the Community Connect Portal through FY26. The recommendation is contingent on DHHS providing exact expenditure documentation, contracts, and scope of work before the full council acts. - Next Steps: The full council is tentatively scheduled to act on the amended supplemental appropriation on May 5, 2026. The GO committee will discuss TEBS’s budget and the feasibility study on April 13. The HHS committee will review the $2.5 million FY27 enhancement for the portal on April 16. Additional joint committee discussions may follow to address the project’s future ownership and enterprise-wide expansion.

The Government Operations and Fiscal Policy (GO) Committee, chaired by Councilmember Kate Stewart, met on April 10, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (agenda indicated 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., but minutes reflect an earlier adjournment) to review six FY27 operating budgets. The committee heard presentations from department heads and analysts, discussed racial equity and operational challenges, and made recommendations for full Council consideration in May 2026. Ethics Commission - Proposed budget: $312,274 increase (+85.36% from FY26), driven largely by a one-time $273,000 line item for upgrading three IT systems (financial disclosures, outside employment, lobbying). The systems are at least 10 years old (last updated in 2015) and the electronic financial disclosure system is required by law. $10,000 of the upgrade cost becomes ongoing licensing. - Racial equity: Received an ORESJ commitment rating of 5 out of 11 (emergent commitment). The small two-person office (currently one person) is working with the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice on trainings. - Recommendation: Council staff recommended placing the $273,000 IT upgrade on the Council President’s Reconciliation List. The committee concurred. - Speakers: Chief Counsel O’Connor, Chair Kellar, Councilmembers Stewart, Evans, and Katz praised the commission’s work and noted the need for resources. - Key outcome: Recommended approval of the FY27 Operating Budget for the Ethics Commission as amended with the reconciliation line item. Merit System Protection Board (MSPB) - Proposed budget: $18,622 increase (+4.99% from FY26), covering compensation adjustments and operational increases. No reconciliation items. - Racial equity: Received an ORESJ rating of 7 (sustained commitment). The board recently published a racial equity action plan on its website and incorporates implicit bias training and equity components in its mandatory five-year audits. - Staff size: Three board members and two staff (executive director and part-time coordinator). - Context: An independent classification and compensation audit (required every five years) was conducted in CY2024; recommendations are still being implemented. The committee noted future councils may consider postponing the next audit to allow full implementation. - Speakers: Executive Director Haentfling, Chair Hopkins-Laboy, Councilmember Evans emphasized the importance of interpreting the equity rating in context of a small quasi-judicial body. - Key outcome: Recommended approval as submitted by the County Executive. Charter Review Commission Non-Departmental Account (NDA) - Proposed budget: $1,000 decrease from FY26, maintaining $150 level funding for odd-numbered years after the biennial report is published. - Overview: The commission is appointed every four years per §509 of the county charter; reports are due by May 1 of even-numbered years. - Key outcome: Recommended approval as submitted. Office of Public Information (PIO) - Proposed budget: Net decrease of $21,555 (including $128,724 in compensation and other cost increases). A same-services budget with no new initiatives. - Racial equity: Received an ORESJ rating of 4 (emergent commitment). PIO intends to partner with other small departments to combine RESJ activities. The director noted a focus on completing required trainings and reaching underserved communities through alternative media (neighborhood newsletters, faith-based outlets, diverse media) and collaboration with the Office of Community Partnerships. - Staff size: Approximately 17.5 FTEs. - Speakers: Director Anderson, Councilmembers Stewart, Evans, and Katz discussed the importance of equitable outreach given PIO’s external-facing role. - Key outcome: Recommended approval as submitted. Board of Elections (BOE) - Proposed budget: $809,341 increase from FY26, including six specific changes: 1. $200,000 for election judge stipends (anticipated higher turnout and more equipment). 2. $167,319 for 69 seasonal temporary staff. 3. $112,400 for license/software of a new election worker management system (replaces an outdated unsupported system; went live March 2026). 4. $24,453 for maintenance/support of that system. 5. $59,860 for overtime expenses (certification, statewide audit, election year demands). 6. $292 for 2.5% inflationary adjustment to nonprofit contracts (to be reviewed council-wide). - Racial equity: Received the highest ORESJ rating of 11 (proactive and strategic commitment). BOE produces voter guides in five languages (English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, plus French and Korean via waiver), conducts about 300 outreach events per year, and pilots a new equity checklist for outreach. - Election preparedness: Director Brajkovic and Board President Naiman provided an extensive update. Key points: - Primary election: June 23, 2026. - Early voting: 14 sites, same hours as 2024; election day polling places nearly all same (7 changed due to construction). - Mail-in ballots: Voters can receive ballots by mail or print online; return via 58 drop boxes (same locations as 2024), USPS, or in person. Drop boxes will have redesigns to avoid lock confusion. - New state legislation: Voter guide translations for Chinese and Vietnamese; BOE added French and Korean via waiver. - Lawsuit and executive orders: RNC lawsuit challenged list maintenance (BOE dismissed); Supreme Court case on Mississippi mail ballot receipt deadline (decision expected late June/early July); new executive order attempting to restrict mail balloting (challenged in five lawsuits, including by Maryland). - Election judge recruitment: Ongoing; challenges include finding enough Republican volunteers to meet state parity requirements. BOE uses targeted advertising and has a new training center. Future Vote program starts in 6th grade, and 16- and 17-year-old registered voters can serve as paid election judges. - Provisional ballot concerns: Voters who go to the wrong polling place or who requested a mail ballot but vote in person must use provisional ballots. BOE encourages early voting and use of sample ballots and text-to-check services (text CHECK to 77788). - Speakers: Director Brajkovic, President Naiman, Administrative Specialist Merino, Councilmembers Stewart, Katz, Evans. Multiple councilmembers thanked BOE for high equity rating and responsiveness. - Key outcome: Recommended approval as submitted (no reconciliation items). Public Elections Fund (PEF) Non-Departmental Account - Proposed budget: $110,812 increase for the fund, allocated as $50,000 to meet State Board of Elections billing for campaign finance/PEF liaison support and $60,812 to support the state-employed liaison through the election cycle. Base level funding of $333,000 maintained to reach $5 million target. - Fund balance: $2,679,108 as of March 2026 ($77,817 from interest income). - Key outcome: Recommended approval as submitted. Key Outcomes - All six FY27 operating budgets were recommended for approval by the GO Committee, with the Ethics Commission budget amended to include the $273,000 IT upgrade on the Reconciliation List. - The committee did not place any other items on the Reconciliation List. - Full Council consideration for all budgets is scheduled for May 2026. - The committee emphasized the importance of racial equity efforts, particularly for small departments and those with public-facing roles, and encouraged collaboration among small agencies to advance RESJ goals.