Public Meetings - Montgomery County, Maryland

On May 4, 2026, the Montgomery County Council held a full-day worksession (9:34 a.m.–1:40 p.m., with a recess from 11:55 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) to review the FY27 Operating Budget and amendments to the FY27-32 Capital Improvements Program (CIP). The Council considered committee recommendations for multiple agencies, took straw votes, adopted collective bargaining agreements, and set a course to close a $152.1 million budget gap after rejecting the County Executive’s proposed property tax increase. Status Report – Overview of Revenues and Expenditures - Council Executive Director Mr. Howard reported that committees had recommended resource changes resulting in a net decrease of $162.4 million in available funds, primarily from rejecting the Executive’s property and income tax increases and adopting a progressive income tax structure. - Committees recommended $10.3 million in reductions and placed $214.2 million on the Reconciliation List (including $179.6 million for MCPS and $28.9 million for county government enhancements). The remaining gap to a balanced budget stood at $152.1 million. - Council President Fani-González stressed that the county cannot continue past spending patterns, called for a revised labor negotiation process, and announced a fall roundtable with MCPS, unions, and county executive nominees to address systemic issues. Ethics Commission - Action: Straw vote to approve the FY27 operating budget as recommended by the Government Operations and Fiscal Policy (GO) Committee, including a $273,000 enhancement for IT system upgrades placed on the Reconciliation List. Passed 11-0. - GO Committee Chair Stewart noted the Ethics Commission’s e-filing system (mandated by law) crashed after a server migration in April, requiring urgent upgrades. The commission’s one-person operation needs the system to remain operational. Historical Activities Non-Departmental Account (NDA) - Action: Straw vote to approve the FY27 budget as recommended by the joint Education and Culture (EC) and Planning, Housing and Parks (PHP) Committees, including $15,000 for the Black Oral History Initiative on the Reconciliation List. Passed 11-0. - Montgomery History requested $50,000; the committees placed $15,000 to maintain community engagement momentum. The oral history project has recorded interviews from seven communities and aims to preserve African American history. Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) - Action: Straw vote to approve the FY27 budget as recommended by the PHP Committee. Passed 11-0. - The Park Fund received a 4% increase (same as County Executive’s recommendation). The committee placed $2.7 million on the Reconciliation List to reduce salary lapse from 10% to 8% in tranches, enabling hiring for park police and maintenance positions. - Planning department faced a 7% request but a 3.6% increase; $118,000 in planning enhancements placed on the Reconciliation List. Departments reported that staffing has not kept pace with county growth: county agencies saw a 26% increase since 2009; planning saw a 6.9% increase. WSSCWater - Action: Straw vote to approve a 5% volumetric rate and fixed fee increase, a 2.4% increase in the System Development Charge, and the FY27 operating budget as recommended by the Transportation and Environment (TE) Committee. Passed 11-0. - General Manager/CEO Powell reported that the Potomac Interceptor repair cost estimate rose from $20 million in January to approximately $59 million (including planned and urgent work). WSSC’s share is about 30.9%, or roughly $20 million, to be funded through the rate increase. - The winter season saw approximately 1,908 pipe bursts from November through March. The Bi-County meeting with Prince George’s County to approve WSSC items is scheduled for May 14, 2026. Washington Suburban Transit Commission (WSTC) - Action: Straw vote to approve Montgomery County’s share of the WSTC administrative expense budget at $171,793. Passed 10-0 (Councilmember Katz temporarily absent). Technology and Enterprise Business Solutions (TEBS) - Action: Straw vote to approve the FY27 operating budget as amended by the GO Committee, with an additional $400,000 reduction on a motion by Councilmember Jawando. Passed 10-1 (Councilmember Evans opposed). - The amendment reduced the “Re-align: contractual support offset by elimination of long-term vacancies” line item from $1,098,453 to $698,453. TEBS Director Roper argued the reduction would impact services, but Councilmember Jawando stated the CAO confirmed no operational impact. - Three items were placed on the Reconciliation List: $375,000 for an HHS Community Connect portal study, $144,000 for a cloud-based backup system, and $170,000 for digital accessibility compliance software. Cable TV and Communications Plan - Action: Straw vote to approve the FY27 operating budget at $7,824,171 as recommended by the GO Committee, which rejected the Executive’s consolidation plan pending final contracts. Passed 11-0. - The GO Committee recommended maintaining the status quo (direct fund transfers to MCPS and Montgomery College) because the new contract with MCM/MCT was still under review by the County Attorney. The County Executive’s consolidation would yield about $300,000 in savings; the committee’s recommendation retains that assumption but reverts to the previous funding structure for FY27. Property Tax Rate Options - Action: Straw vote to approve the GO Committee’s recommendation to keep the weighted real property tax rate at $1.0255 per $100 of assessed value (no increase from FY26), rejecting the County Executive’s proposed 6.3-cent increase. Passed 10-0-1 (Councilmember Mink abstained). - Councilmembers cited economic hardship, federal job losses, and affordability concerns. Council President Fani-González reiterated plans for a fall roundtable on structural budget issues. Compensation and Benefits for All Agencies - Action: Without objection, the Council approved technical corrections to the MCGEO resolution (updating legislation dates, revising Deputy Sheriff salary increase to 3.77% and Corrections officer increase to 1.56%) and approved all compensation packages for FY27. Collective Bargaining Agreements - Action: Adopted en bloc Resolutions 20-1097, 20-1098, and 20-1099, approving FY27 collective bargaining agreements with MCGEO (Local 1994), IAFF (Local 1664), and FOP (Montgomery County Lodge 35). Each passed 11-0. - The Council also approved: FY27 pay adjustments for non-represented employees (motion by Jawando, 11-0); FY27 allocations for group insurance (motion by Balcombe, 11-0); FY27 retirement allocations (motion by Jawando, 11-0); and compensation-related NDAs totaling $36 million along with budget resolution language requiring council approval for hazard pay over 10 consecutive days (motion by Luedtke, 11-0). Key Outcomes - The Council rejected the County Executive’s proposed property tax increase and will work to close a $152.1 million gap through reductions, with final budget action scheduled for the following week. - All straw votes and resolutions passed with broad bipartisan support; only TEBS faced a split vote (10-1). - A fall roundtable will be convened with education, labor, and county executive stakeholders to reform the budget process. - The meeting adjourned at 1:40 p.m.

On May 1, 2026, from 9:37 to 11:08 a.m., the Montgomery County Council's Education and Culture Committee held its fourth and final session on the FY27 Operating Budget and FY27-32 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). The Committee reviewed technology modernization, facility planning, materials management, relocatable classrooms, and remaining budget enhancements, then made a funding recommendation. Present were Chair Will Jawando, Councilmember Shebra Evans, Councilmember Kristin Mink, and MCPS staff including Chief of Staff Ms. McGuire, Chief Technology Officer Kimberly Fields, Deputy Chief of Facilities Andrea Swiatocha, and Executive Director of Financial Oversight Carly Thompson. Technology Modernization (TechMod) - MCPS Chief Technology Officer Kimberly Fields reported that $27.3 million was appropriated for TechMod in FY26, with $11 million remaining unspent due to the normal summer refresh timing. The Board of Education requested $33.9 million for FY27; the County Executive recommended reducing that to $16.9 million. - Ms. McGuire stated that the $16.9 million level would not sustain the year without a one-time bridge using the $11 million, and that the reduction would affect the planned device refresh. The Committee accepted the County Executive's recommendation without objection. Facility Planning - The Board requested increased funding for an area-wide elementary school boundary study and a feasibility study for a potential P3 partnership to redevelop the Carver Educational Services Center (CESC). The County Executive recommended funding switches, removal of $2.5 million for P3 costs, and level-of-effort reductions of $350,000 per year in FY29-32. - MCPS Deputy Chief Swiatocha said the reduction would limit the ability to hire an advisor to evaluate alternative financing. Councilmember Evans urged addressing the aging Carver building. Council staff had recommended supporting the Board's expenditures pending reconciliation, but the Committee adopted the County Executive's changes. Materials Management Building Relocation - This $13.1 million current-revenue project funds interior construction of a new leased space for the materials management warehouse. The County Executive zeroed out $10.6 million in new FY27-28 expenditures, leaving $2.5 million previously approved. - Ms. McGuire stated that even if restored, the project cost has grown to approximately $18-20 million, requiring an additional $5-7 million above the $10 million cut. The Committee reluctantly accepted the County Executive's reduction. Relocatable Classrooms - Due to declining enrollment, MCPS requested gradually declining funding for relocatable classrooms and did not submit a supplemental appropriation. The County Executive recommended no changes, and Council staff recommended approval. The Committee approved the project as proposed. Additional Budget Enhancements - The Committee reviewed unreviewed enhancements: $6.4 million for nonpublic special education tuition (driven by a 7.5% Teacher Parity Act tuition increase and 49 additional students), $3.7 million for technology services, $4 million for transportation, $1.6 million for an additional SEIU Local 500 training day, $1.5 million for an additional instructional staff professional development day, and $2 million for professional development. - Staff highlighted that MCPS included more than $10 million in base budget reductions and 41 FTEs for a second consecutive year. Funding Recommendation Discussion - Chair Jawando opposed raising property taxes and opposed balancing the budget solely on MCPS. He proposed reducing the requested increase by $30 million, in three tranches of $10 million, while establishing $149 million as a floor. - Councilmember Evans said cuts would hurt working families and preferred that the full council make the funding decision without a committee recommendation. - Councilmember Mink argued that MCPS has already made deep base cuts, that $90 million in reductions would be untenable, and that the requested funding supports essential school-based positions. She supported the $149 million floor. - Ms. McGuire said any reduction at or above $30 million would affect positions because MCPS has very few vacancies, and an untenable figure like $90 million would threaten contracts and jobs. Key Outcomes - The Committee voted 3-0 to place the entire $179 million request above FY26 local funding on the Reconciliation List for full council consideration. - The Committee voted 2-1 (Jawando and Mink in favor; Evans opposed) to recommend that $149 million be treated as the minimum/floor for additional local funding, with the remaining $30 million considered in three tranches of $10 million each. - The Committee requested that MCPS provide vacancy counts and scenario guidance for the full council's upcoming straw vote. - The Committee recommended approval of the FY27 Operating Budget for MCPS, as amended. - Note: The approved minutes state "10 tranches of $17.98 million each," but the transcript and the committee's final discussion reflect three tranches of $10 million after the $149 million floor; this summary uses the transcript language.

The Economic Development Committee (ECON) of the Montgomery County Council met on April 30, 2026, at 1:32 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room to review the FY27 Operating Budget and FY27-32 Capital Improvements Program for several departments and non-departmental accounts. The meeting concluded at 4:22 p.m. The committee made recommendations on fee increases, staffing, and funding for economic development programs, including a flat 15% fee increase for the Department of Permitting Services, adjustments to the Business Center Team and Small Business Support Services NDA, and funding for the Incubator Programs and BioHub Maryland. Discussion Items Department of Permitting Services (DPS) - The County Executive proposed a split-rate fee increase of 25% for commercial permits and 10% for residential permits. Council staff recommended a flat increase, citing the complexity of the split-rate approach. The committee discussed the need to address a declining fund balance (projected to be 19.3% under the Executive's proposal) and the fact that fees had not increased since FY20. After debate, the committee approved a flat 15% fee increase for all permits, which would yield a projected fund balance of 16.3%. - The committee also considered two new positions: a fast-track permitting position and a fire code enforcement position. The fast-track position was rejected. The fire code enforcement position was split 2-2 (Councilmembers Balcombe and Sayles in favor, Fani-González and Glass opposed), so it was not recommended. The committee instead directed DPS to pilot a concierge service for small businesses using existing cross-trained staff, with a report due next budget season. Business Center Team - The committee received a briefing on the Business Center Team's work over the past year, including outreach to thousands of businesses. The team reported serving diverse demographics (33% Black/African American, 31% White, 17% Latino, 16% Asian). The committee recommended approval of the FY27 budget as submitted by the County Executive, without changes. Small Business Support Services Non-Departmental Account (NDA) - The committee reviewed the shift of two positions from the Incubator Programs NDA to this NDA, recharacterizing it as an enhancement. They also addressed a $77,836 shift from non-economic development contracts in the County Executive's budget, recommending it be placed on the Reconciliation List. The committee approved the budget with these adjustments, including a new open solicitation process for business support services. They requested quarterly updates on the new process and standardized metrics for measuring success. Incubator Programs NDA - The committee discussed funding for a third-party manager for the incubators. The County Executive had proposed $2 million in FY26, but the contract was delayed. After debate, the committee approved a plan: $500,000 from the FY26 encumbrance will be used for transition costs, and $1.5 million will be released to the General Fund reserves. The FY27 budget will retain the $2 million base for the contract. The committee also noted that 37 of 42 incubator graduates have remained in Montgomery County. BioHub Maryland at Montgomery County NDA - The committee received an update from the Maryland Tech Council on the BioHub program, emphasizing its role in workforce development and economic resilience amid federal policy changes (e.g., NIH cuts, FDA slowdowns). The committee recommended approval of the FY27 budget as submitted by the County Executive, noting the program's plan to achieve financial self-sustainability by 2029. Key Outcomes - Department of Permitting Services: Approved a flat 15% fee increase for all permits. Rejected both new positions (fast-track and fire code enforcement) but directed a pilot concierge service. - Business Center Team: Approved FY27 budget as submitted. - Small Business Support Services NDA: Approved with recharacterization of two positions as enhancement and $77,836 placed on Reconciliation List. - Incubator Programs NDA: Approved FY27 budget with $2 million base, releasing $1.5 million from FY26 to reserves. - BioHub Maryland: Approved FY27 budget as submitted. - All recommendations will be forwarded to the full County Council for consideration.

The Health and Human Services (HHS) and Planning, Housing and Parks (PHP) committees held a joint meeting on April 30, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. in the Council Hearing Room to review the FY27 Operating Budget for rental assistance programs funded through the Housing Initiative Fund (HIF). The discussion focused on the proposed $28.3 million in rental assistance (out of $52.3 million total HIF budget), the use of a $4.3 million contingency (15% of rental assistance), and the impact of potential federal cuts to housing programs. Councilmembers Laurie-Anne Sayles (HHS Chair), Andrew Friedson (PHP Chair), Natali Fani-González, Will Jawando, Dawn Luedtke, and Kristin Mink participated, along with staff from DHCA, HOC, and DHHS. Discussion Items - Budget Overview: Legislative Analyst Naeem Mia presented the rental assistance programs, which are funded by recordation taxes restricted to rental assistance. The FY27 recommended budget includes $28.3 million for rental assistance, a 3% increase for most programs (HHS, HOC) and a 12.6% increase for DHCA programs. The contingency is set at $4.3 million (15% of rental assistance), a 79% increase over FY26 approved. - Contingency Use: Director Scott Bruton (DHCA) and Christine Hong (DHHS) recommended leaving the contingency as is to provide flexibility for potential federal cuts—specifically, a likely 40% reduction in federally funded housing programs (Continuum of Care NOFO) that could affect 350 people and $4.3 million in funding. They argued that the contingency could help offset cuts and allow for agile responses. Council staff proposed an alternative: use $1.4 million of the contingency to offset general fund dollars for rapid rehousing, which would free up general fund flexibility but reduce HIF flexibility. The committee discussed the trade-off, with most councilmembers supporting the department's recommendation to maintain the full contingency. - Federal Cuts Context: Ms. Hong explained that a recent appropriations bill set Tier 1 funding at 60% (down from the typical 95%), meaning the county could only renew 60% of its permanent supportive housing and rapid rehousing programs. This would leave about 350 vulnerable households without funding, requiring local replacement funds. - Recordation Taxes and Carryover: Chair Sayles inquired about total recordation tax revenue and the FY26 HIF carryover. Director Bruton estimated a $3.3 million carryover from FY26, which could be used for loans or reappropriated for emergencies. Ms. Hong noted that the move-up and youth bridge programs at HOC were decreased to reallocate funds to the Community Choice Homes program for individuals with disabilities, per HOC's request. - Coordination Call: Council President Fani-González urged a reimagining of housing assistance across agencies (DHCA, HHS, HOC) to better coordinate and simplify programs, suggesting a fall review before the new government takes office. Key Outcomes - Decision: The committee unanimously approved the County Executive's recommendation for the FY27 HIF-funded rental assistance programs at a funding level of $28.3 million, keeping the contingency at the 15% level ($4.3 million) as recommended by staff. The motion passed without objection. - Directives: The committee requested that DHCA, HHS, and HOC collaborate on any future shifts in funding and keep the council informed. Staff will provide information on total recordation tax revenues and out-year projections. - Next Steps: The full council will review the committee's decision during the FY27 operating budget deliberations the following week.

The Public Safety Committee (Chair Katz, Members Luedtke and Mink) met from 1:31 p.m. to 3:29 p.m. to review the FY27 Operating Budget and FY27-32 Capital Improvements Program for the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS), Office of Consumer Protection (OCP), Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS), and a Memorandum of Agreement between the County and the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire-Rescue Association (MCVFRA) for FY2027. Discussion Items Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS) - The committee reviewed three reconciliation list items transferring funding from Urban Area Security Initiative grants to general fund reserves: $800,000 for the Everbridge Alert System (Alert Montgomery), $425,000 for response equipment (including replacement of 601 public access trauma care kits and expansion to 12 new facilities), and $93,274 for a fiscal/administrative position. All were approved 3-0. - A major discussion centered on the Public Safety Joint Operations Center (PSJOC). The County Executive proposed reducing the project scope to electrical/cabling infrastructure only, cutting funding from $2.4 million to $848,000 to free up $1.2 million in cash for FY27 operating needs. The committee recommended maintaining the original $2.4 million appropriation and scope, with Councilmember Mink voting in opposition. (Note: During discussion, Mink initially expressed openness to the reduced scope but ultimately voted against it.) The decision was 2-1. - Additional FY26 adjustments included a technical correction ($420,331) and a grant enhancement ($279,861). The committee also noted a $500,000 supplemental for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) - The committee recommended approval of the FY27 operating budget as submitted by the County Executive, a $97,005 increase (3%) for compensation and other adjustments. The OBE2 equity score was 10. No changes were proposed. Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) - The committee reviewed several budget items, including overtime overspend (FY26 projected $11.7 million supplemental), a new state law requiring overtime after 168 hours in 28 days (effective October 2028, estimated $10.6 million impact), and equipment/contract adjustments. - Two staffing changes were considered: (1) reducing 9 FTEs from the Hillandale aerial tower (station 724) to save $1.79 million, but maintaining the apparatus; (2) removing 6 FTEs from Laytonsville Rescue Squad and adding 6 FTEs to the Travilah Medic Unit (converting from day-work to 24-hour operation, net $0). Committee members expressed concerns that these were operational decisions being presented as budget items and that East County and upcounty areas would bear service impacts. All three members voted to place both items on the reconciliation list, specifying they should travel together. - Other budget changes (risk management, insurance, contracts, hazmat, medical director, PPE cleaning, fire simulators) were approved 3-0. - Chief Smedley updated the committee on NIOSH recommendations following Lieutenant Higgins’ line-of-duty death, noting progress on four-person staffing at two stations and ongoing work on staffing. Memorandum of Agreement with MCVFRA - The committee reviewed the FY2027 MOA (covering July 1, 2026–June 30, 2029). Key provisions include a 2.5% funding increase for the association, increased nominal fees for volunteers, a new training course ($50,000), and enhanced physical exams/cancer screenings. The LOSAP adjustments are contingent on separate legislation. - Committee recommended approval of the resolution with a technical update to section B (reflecting receipt of proposed legislation). The vote was 3-0. Council action is tentatively scheduled for May 9, 2026. Key Outcomes - OEMHS: Recommended approval of FY27 operating budget and CIP as amended (with three reconciliation items). PSJOC: recommended maintaining original $2.4M scope (2-1 vote). - OCP: Recommended approval of FY27 budget as submitted. - MCFRS: Recommended approval of FY27 budget as amended, with Hillandale and Laytonsville/Travilah changes placed on reconciliation list (3-0 votes). - MCVFRA: Recommended approval of resolution with technical update. - Next step: Council consideration in May 2026.

The Planning, Housing and Parks (PHP) Committee met on April 29, 2026, from 1:32 p.m. to 2:35 p.m. to review the FY27 Operating Budget and FY27-32 Capital Improvements Program for four agencies: the Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC), Board of Appeals, Office of Zoning and Administrative Hearings (OZAH), and Office of the People’s Counsel (OPC). The committee recommended approvals and added several items to the Reconciliation List while noting the tight fiscal environment. Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC) – Operating Budget & CIP - Operating Budget: The County Executive recommended an increase of $378,371 (4.13%) for same services. HOC requested $2.72 million in additional funding, broken into four items: resident services headquarters support ($772,000), parking offset ($200,000), temporary general cost assistance ($1.3 million), and Fatherhood Initiative grant replacement ($616,736). The committee recommended placing $272,000 (one tranche of the resident services request) and $200,000 (parking offset) on the Reconciliation List. The parking offset was added as a placeholder pending further analysis from OMB and the Parking Lot District. The other requests were not advanced. - CIP Projects: The committee approved three projects as submitted by the County Executive: Elizabeth House Demolition ($250,000 in current revenue, partial match of a state grant), Cider Mill Apartments Capital Improvements ($2.1 million over two years, $950,000 in FY27 and $1.15 million in FY28), and Supplemental Funds for Deeply Subsidized HOC Owned Units Improvements (continued at $1.25 million per year). - Housing Production Fund (HPF) Language Change: The committee unanimously approved a change to the Budget Resolution allowing HOC to grant short-term extensions for HPF loans beyond five years if there is a gap in project funding. This change is pending review by County Bond Counsel. Board of Appeals - The County Executive recommended an increase of $17,796 (2.93%) for compensation and inflation. The committee unanimously approved the FY27 Operating Budget as submitted, noting a commitment to racial equity while respecting the board’s quasi-judicial role. Office of Zoning and Administrative Hearings (OZAH) - The County Executive recommended a net decrease due to the removal of a one-time temporary staff cost. The committee unanimously approved the FY27 Operating Budget as submitted, praising the reduction in cost while maintaining service levels. Office of the People’s Counsel (OPC) - The County Executive recommended an increase of $202,445 to restore funding not provided since FY2010. The committee voted 2-1 to accept the County Executive’s recommendation as a full reduction (i.e., not fund the office). Councilmember Jawando voted in opposition, supporting placement on the Reconciliation List. Chair Friedson and Councilmember Fani-González voted for the reduction, citing the lack of legislative changes to address prior concerns. Key Outcomes - HOC: Approved operating budget as submitted; added $272,000 for resident services and $200,000 for parking offset to Reconciliation List; approved HPF language change (pending bond counsel); approved all three CIP projects as submitted. - Board of Appeals: Approved FY27 Operating Budget (3-0). - OZAH: Approved FY27 Operating Budget (3-0). - OPC: Recommended full reduction of $202,445 (2-1); not added to Reconciliation List. - Next Steps: Items on the Reconciliation List will be considered by the full Council as part of final budget adoption. The parking offset analysis will be conducted by OMB and the Parking Lot District.

The Government Operations and Fiscal Policy (GO) Committee of the Montgomery County Council met on April 29, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. to review several FY27 Operating Budget items, including the Office of the County Attorney, Department of Finance, Risk Management and State Property Tax Services NDAs, Debt Service, and tax rate proposals. The committee made recommendations on property and income tax rates, the Income Tax Offset Credit, and the Working Families Income Supplement. Consent Calendar - No formal consent calendar was used; items were considered individually. Office of the County Attorney - Recommended placing the Microsoft Azure AI Search Tool on the Reconciliation List. - Recommended approval of the OCA FY27 Operating Budget as amended. Department of Finance, Risk Management NDA, and State Property Tax Services NDA - Recommended reducing special tax district administration ($180,265, 3.00 FTEs) and special tax district implementation ($50,000) per the Council President's budget approach. - Recommended approval of the FY27 Operating Budget for the Department of Finance, as amended, and approved the Risk Management NDA and State Property Tax Services NDA as submitted. Debt Service - Reviewed the FY27 Debt Service budget as recommended by the County Executive. - Declined to recommend approval or suggest changes, noting the difference between the Executive's $340 million GO bond issuance assumption and the Council-approved SAG limit of $300 million, which would reduce FY27 debt service by $1 million. Property Tax, Income Tax, ITOC, and Working Families Income Supplement - Discussed the County Executive's recommendations and the Council President's April 17, 2026, proposal for a progressive income tax. - Did not support the Executive's proposed weighted real property tax rate; recommended a rate of $1.0255 per $100 of assessable base for FY27. - Recommended a progressive income tax structure with brackets: $0-$50,000 at 2.5%, $50,001-$150,000 at 2.8%, and greater than $150,001 at 3.3%. - Recommended an Income Tax Offset Credit of $0 for FY27. - Recommended that the estimated $50 million in additional resources from setting ITOC to $0 be used for Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) in the FY27 Capital Budget. - Recommended a $33,066,050 appropriation for the Working Families Income Supplement NDA. - Did not support the Executive's recommended 4.0% increase to the county's match to the State for the Working Families Income Supplement (kept at 56%). Key Outcomes - The committee recommended a variety of budget adjustments and tax policy changes to be considered by the full Council. These include: - Approval of OCA budget with AI search tool on reconciliation list. - Reductions in special tax district administration and implementation. - No recommendation on Debt Service. - Recommendation of a property tax rate of $1.0255 per $100 of assessable base. - Recommendation of a progressive income tax structure with three brackets. - Recommendation to set ITOC to $0, using the resulting $50 million for PAYGO in the capital budget. - Recommendation to maintain the WIFIS appropriation at $33,066,050 and not increase the match percentage. - The full Council will take up the budgets on Monday, May 4, 2026.

The Montgomery County Council convened on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 9:15 a.m. in the Council Hearing Room. The session included proclamations recognizing peaceful protest, child abuse prevention, and the National Pan-Hellenic Council; a worksession on the FY27 Operating Budget compensation and benefits; a public hearing on a supplemental appropriation for the North Bethesda Metro Station northern entrance; introduction of a zoning text amendment and a police hiring bill; and final enactment of two immigration-related bills (the Unmask ICE Act and the Vehicle Recovery Act). The meeting adjourned at 1:54 p.m. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of the April 7 Council session and April 8 and 9 public hearings (9-0; Jawando and Mink temporarily absent). - Introduced Supplemental Appropriation 26-71 for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program ($500,000). - Introduced Supplemental Appropriation 26-68 for 4th District Police Station Move and Space Modifications ($994,000). - Introduced Supplemental Appropriation 26-45 for Montgomery County Correctional Facility Refresh ($481,000). - Introduced Supplemental Appropriation 26-73 for MCPS reappropriation of fund balance to offset winter weather impacts ($8,500,000). - Introduced Supplemental Appropriation 26-72 for the National Capital Strategic Economic Development Program ($500,000). - Adopted Resolution 20-1094 confirming Aline Hull to the Board of License Commissioners. - Adopted Resolution 20-1095 confirming appointments to the Board of Social Services (Vanessa Allen, Armando DelToro, Hannah Friedman, Sue Liu, Teresa Lopez). - Added item 1.5: Adopted Resolution 20-1096 extending time to review FY27 collective bargaining agreements (10-0; Jawando temporarily absent). Public Comments & Testimony - During the morning proclamation, community members (including representatives from Empowered, Indivisible MoCo Women, and the Montgomery County Progressive Asian American Network) expressed full support for the right to peaceful protest and urged the council to protect residents' First Amendment rights and prepare for potential surveillance issues. - The public hearing on Supplemental Appropriation 26-67 (North Bethesda Metro Station Northern Entrance, $275,000) had no registered speakers; the record remained open until close of business April 28. Discussion Items - FY27 Operating Budget Worksession – Compensation and Benefits for All Agencies (9:35 a.m. – 10:37 a.m.): Council staff presented the County Executive’s proposed $4.9 billion tax-supported compensation package, a 4.5% increase from FY26. Key elements included negotiated salary increases (ranging from 6.0% to 7.9% for various employee groups), retirement plan enhancements (RSP/GRIP contributions increasing from 8% to 10% over two years, and a new annuity option), and a $27 million shift of teacher pension unfunded liability from the state to the county. Council Vice President Balcombe raised concerns about exceeding the Spending Affordability Guideline (SAG), long-term sustainability, and the fiscal liability of the Guaranteed Retirement Income Plan (GRIP). Several councilmembers requested additional data on comparability with neighboring jurisdictions and the vacancy/lapse rate assumptions. MCGEO President Renne defended the contracts as necessary for recruitment and retention. No final decisions were made; straw votes are scheduled for the week of May 4. - Proclamations (1:00 p.m.): Recognized Child Abuse Prevention Month (sponsored by Katz with the County Executive) and the Montgomery County Chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (sponsored by Jawando, Evans, and Sayles). - Zoning Text Amendment ZTA 26-08 (1:35 p.m.): Introduced by Councilmember Friedson to allow reinstatement of nonconforming uses abandoned for less than five years. Public hearing set for June 16. - Bill 18-26 – The Continued Excellence in Public Service Act (1:40 p.m.): Introduced by Councilmember Glass to require additional background review for former DHS law enforcement agency hires applying to Montgomery County Police. Public hearing set for June 9. Key Outcomes - Enacted Bill 5-26 – Police – Mask or Facial Coverings – Prohibited (The Unmask ICE Act): Enacted unanimously (11-0) with amendments. The bill prohibits law enforcement from wearing masks or facial coverings while on duty (with exceptions for medical, safety, and weather emergencies), requires identification display, creates an online complaint portal, and sunsets upon adoption of a statewide policy by the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission. - Enacted Expedited Bill 14-26 – Motor Vehicle Towing – Redemption of Vehicle – Proof of Ownership or Control (The Vehicle Recovery Act): Enacted unanimously (11-0) with amendments. The bill allows vehicle redemption by an authorized agent (family or household member) upon presenting proper identification and documentation of relationship or shared residence, and includes indemnification provisions. The law sunsets after four years. - Public Hearing Held: Supplemental Appropriation 26-67 for the North Bethesda Metro Station Northern Entrance ($275,000). Action tentatively scheduled for May 5. - Zoning Text Amendment Introduced: ZTA 26-08 (Nonconforming Use – Reinstatement) with public hearing June 16. - Bill Introduced: Bill 18-26 (Continued Excellence in Public Service Act) with public hearing June 9.

The Education and Culture (EC) and Health and Human Services (HHS) committees held a joint work session on April 27, 2026, from 1:34 p.m. to 3:56 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room. Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles (HHS Chair) and Councilmember Will Jawando (EC Chair) presided. The meeting focused on the FY27 Operating Budget and FY27-32 Capital Improvements Program for the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) – Children, Youth, and Family Services (CYFS) and School-Based Services and Partnerships. Major topics included a departmental reorganization, the Lighthouse Initiative, school health services, and several program reductions and enhancements. Consent Calendar - Approved two contractors to provide Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Protective Service Clearances: $160,000 (Councilmember Mink temporarily absent). - Approved reduction to Nurse Management Staffing Ratios (assuming January 2027 start): $340,055. - Approved continuation of Head Start contractual nurse staffing to annualize FY26 Supplemental Appropriation: $261,103. - Approved support for the Rapid Response Hotline: $151,610 (Councilmember Mink temporarily absent). Discussion Items - MCPS Protective Service Clearances: DHHS requested $160,000 for two additional contractors to process CPS clearances, addressing a backlog from an Inspector General report. The item was placed on the reconciliation list. - Nurse Management Staffing Ratios: $340,055 added to reduce the nurse manager-to-nurse ratio from 1:25 to 1:19. Placed on reconciliation list. - Head Start Nurse Staffing: $261,103 to annualize a supplemental appropriation for five contractual nurses. Placed on reconciliation list. - Rapid Response Hotline: $151,610 requested for a new contract with CASA to support immigration-related crisis calls. The committee clarified that this line is distinct from a reduced health information line; a memo will be provided to full council to explain the funding changes. - George B. Thomas Learning Academy (Saturday School): The County Executive originally recommended cutting $722,579, then reinstated it after MCPS could not absorb the program. Councilmember Friedson moved to reduce the MCPS budget by the same amount to guarantee funding outside the reconciliation list. The motion passed 3-2 (Jawando, Evans opposed; Mink later noted opposition). The enhancement will still go on the reconciliation list with a note of the committee’s recommendation. - Washington Youth Foundation Programs: Two reductions were approved: $62,585 for after-school/weekend tutoring (Evans opposed) and $92,638 for a care mentoring program, with participants to be transitioned to existing services. - Long Branch Area Green Space and Gardening Program: Reduced $29,503; program moved to competitive Office of Food Systems Resilience grants. - Positive Youth Development Gang Training: Reduced $40,000 to actual spending level; virtual training no longer needed. - Substance Abuse Contract at Youth Opportunity Centers: Eliminated $80,000 due to expired contract and duplication with Identity Inc. - After-School Programming at Carroll Ave/Quebec Terrace: Reduction of $133,523 was deferred to full council pending written confirmation from MCPS that students can be transferred to Excel Beyond the Bell and MCPS High Dosage Tutoring. - School-Based Health Center Somatic Services: Reduced $349,121 to operate two elementary school health centers three days per week instead of five, with staff reassigned. Approved without objection. - Lighthouse Initiative: Restored continuation as a three-year grant program with administrative support: $4,594,294 and 4 FTEs (item 2.10). Also approved continuation of wraparound services: $2,564,375 and 7 FTEs (item 2.11). Both items were placed on the reconciliation list. - Linkages to Learning at Twinbrook Elementary: Councilmember Katz requested $200,000 for a small team (family care manager and child therapist). The motion was approved and added to the reconciliation list. Key Outcomes - Votes: - MCPS Protective Service Clearances – approved without objection. - Nurse Management Staffing Ratios – approved without objection. - Head Start Nurse Staffing – approved without objection. - Rapid Response Hotline – approved without objection (with request for explanatory memo). - George B. Thomas Learning Academy – enhancement approved via 3-2 vote to reduce MCPS budget offset; Mink later recorded opposition. - Washington Youth Foundation tutoring reduction – approved (Evans opposed). - Washington Youth Foundation mentoring reduction – approved. - Long Branch Green Space reduction – approved. - Positive Youth Development Gang Training reduction – approved. - Substance Abuse contract elimination – approved. - After-School Programming at Carroll Ave/Quebec Terrace – deferred. - School-Based Health Center somatic services reduction – approved. - Lighthouse Initiative items – approved without objection. - Linkages to Learning Twinbrook – approved without objection. - Next Steps: Council consideration tentatively scheduled for May 2026. Council staff to provide a clarifying memo on hotline funding and to obtain written confirmation from MCPS regarding the transition of after-school program participants. Councilmember Jawando requested an update on the MOU between MCPS and DHHS for the George B. Thomas Learning Academy before the FY28 budget transmittal.