Public Meetings - Montgomery County, Maryland

The Education and Culture (EC) Committee of the Montgomery County Council met on Monday, April 27, 2026, from approximately 9:49 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. in the 3rd floor Council Hearing Room, Rockville, Maryland. The committee reviewed the FY27 Operating Budget and Capital Improvements Program for four major agenda items: Montgomery Coalition for Adult English Literacy (MCAEL) Non-Departmental Account, KID Museum Non-Departmental Account, Montgomery College Operating Budget and amendments to the FY27-32 CIP, and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Operating Budget (continued). Committee members present were Chair Will Jawando, Councilmember Shebra Evans, and Councilmember Kristin Mink. MCAEL Non-Departmental Account - Discussion: MCAEL Executive Director Gerard Etienne spoke on behalf of the coalition and partners, urging the committee to reject proposed cuts in the Council President’s budget approach memo. He noted that MCAEL funded 30 programs through 24 organizations in FY26. Enrollment declined in the first half of FY26 due to fear from immigration enforcement and rising costs, but demand remains high: MCAEL received 40 grant applications for FY27 (a 21% increase over last year), requesting a total of $2.35 million (a 25% increase), compared to $1.5 million distributed in FY26. Director of Programs Rudy Jeung presented mid-year data: 3,185 unique learners enrolled in FY26; the latest ACS data shows over 144,000 adult residents with limited English proficiency. The committee heard that reducing MCAEL’s budget would shrink system capacity, reduce classes, and impact hundreds of learners. - Key Outcome: The committee voted unanimously (without objection) to recommend approval of the FY27 Operating Budget for MCAEL as submitted by the County Executive (same services budget, including the 2.5% inflationary increase), pending full Council action on other budget items. KID Museum Non-Departmental Account - Discussion: Founder and Executive Director Cara Lesser testified alongside a student (Mohammed Benmansour), a teacher (Joe Doerrman), and board members (Robbie Brewer, Yamina Leggett-Wells). They emphasized KID Museum’s impact: 84% of middle schoolers report increased STEM confidence; a maker math pilot showed 9 percentage point gains in math scores for underperforming students; and 91% of teachers reported stronger student engagement. KID Museum serves 35,000 people annually through direct programs and reaches 40,000 more through teacher training. Over 60% of students identify as Black or Latino, and over 50% are from under-resourced communities. The nonprofit warned that a funding reduction would be “catastrophic,” undermining its financial model and forcing severe program cuts. Director of Recreation Albornoz noted the synergy between KID Museum and county recreation programs. - Key Outcome: The committee voted unanimously (without objection) to recommend approval of the FY27 Operating Budget for KID Museum as submitted by the County Executive (same services budget with inflationary increase), pending full Council action on the overall budget reconciliation list. Montgomery College Operating Budget and CIP Amendments - Discussion: Senior Legislative Analyst Prouty presented three funding options. Chair Jawando proposed a creative solution: authorize the use of $4.6 million from Montgomery College’s OPEB trust (now 86% funded, with $101 million in assets) to reduce the tax-supported appropriation, and remove the remaining $1.7 million increase above Maintenance of Effort from the Reconciliation List. This would fully fund the College’s requested $6.3 million increase (a 1.3% increase, only the second above-MOE request in five years). The committee also supported restoring $3.625 million for the College’s Information Technology program, but that will remain on the Reconciliation List for full Council consideration. - Key Outcome: The committee unanimously approved Chair Jawando’s proposal: (1) authorize drawing $4.6 million from the OPEB trust, (2) recommend that the full Council not place the remaining $1.7 million increase on the Reconciliation List, and (3) support the IT restoration of $3.625 million as part of reconciliation. Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Operating Budget (Continued) - Discussion: This was the third of four worksessions. Council staff presented staffing and compensation details: the Board of Education proposes a net decrease of 84.5 FTEs ($13.5 million) and an increase of $189.7 million for compensation (3.25% COLA plus step increases averaging 3.5%). The employee benefit fund (EBP) contribution increases by $40 million, offset by a $20 million reduction in local pension costs. Superintendent Dr. Taylor and staff discussed vacancies (411), involuntary transfers (401), and the high lapse rate ($70 million) as a budget red flag. Councilmember Mink requested a comparison of starting teacher salaries with neighboring jurisdictions; it was noted that MCPS starting salary is $2,000 less than DCPS and below Baltimore City, despite higher cost of living. Councilmember Evans inquired about the shift from Parent Community Coordinators to Family Engagement Specialists in a cluster model, and the impact on family touchpoints. Marcus Jones, Director of School Safety, discussed the elementary security assistant rollout: FY27 budget includes 28 new positions, with a goal of one per school over four years. Councilmember Jawando requested future reports on the cost of Restorative Justice interventions and the impact of expanded security presence. - Key Outcomes: No vote was taken; the committee will make a funding recommendation at the next worksession on Friday, May 1, 2026. The committee requested additional data: comparison of salaries/benefits with other area school systems, cost analysis of Restorative Justice, and an update on security staff placement. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comment period was held. All testimony was provided by invited agency representatives and stakeholders as part of the agenda items.

Note: The agenda, minutes, and transcript indicate the meeting occurred on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 2:05 p.m. to 3:12 p.m. However, the instruction for this summary specifies the date as April 24, 2026. This discrepancy is noted. The Montgomery County Public Safety Committee, chaired by Councilmember Sidney Katz, met to review four FY27 operating budget items and related resolutions. The committee approved a 9-1-1 fee increase, recommended additional funding for the Police Accountability Board's special counsel, and advanced numerous budget changes for the Police Department, including additions for AEDs, trial boards, and technology upgrades. Discussion Items Police Accountability Board Non-Departmental Account (NDA) - Staff reported a $19,400 increase (2.59%) over FY26, mainly for compensation adjustments. The ACC's special counsel expenditures were projected at $8,600–$14,300/month, potentially exceeding the current $150,000 appropriation. The committee agreed to add $50,000 to the Reconciliation List to cover anticipated shortfalls and approved the budget as amended (3-0). Resolution to Adopt FY27 County 9-1-1 Fee - The resolution would increase the county portion of the 9-1-1 fee from $1.47 to $1.93 per subscriber line per month, generating an additional $9 million to close the gap between ECC expenditures ($32M) and current revenues ($18.5M). The committee approved the increase 3-0, noting the fee remains within the range of neighboring Maryland counties. Prisoner Medical Services NDA - Level funding of $20,000 was recommended (no increase). The NDA covers unpredictable medical costs for persons under arrest but not yet in DOCR custody. Approved 3-0 as submitted. Police Department Budget (FY27 Operating and FY27-32 CIP) - The County Executive recommended a $33 million increase (9.37%) over FY26. Committee reviewed 12 budget changes for the Reconciliation List and other items. Key discussions included: - AED Replacements ($532,227): 213 units needed; previous funding was denied, creating backlog. Approved for full amount (3-0). - Trial Board Resolutions ($300,000): 42 pending cases; over 90% of officers appeal disciplinary recommendations. Approved (3-0). Councilmember Mink suggested post-budget process review. - Case Management Software ($180,000): For investigative services; addresses inefficient manual tracking. Approved (3-0). - Vehicle Recovery Software ($180,000) and Manager III Position ($160,458): Modernization needed; currently relies on post-it notes and multiple systems. Both approved (3-0). - Fixed ALPR Technology ($150,000): 50 fixed poles at entry points to combat auto thefts (up 33% in Q1 2026). Approved (3-0) with suggestion for future public awareness update. - Crossing Guards for Greenwood and Burtonsville Elementary ($117,162): Three guards added; Burtonsville new school will have 90% walkers. Approved (3-0) with asterisk noting PTA request. - Police Accountability Board Public Portal ($33,000): Joint project for complaint filing and transparency. Approved (3-0). - New Investigator Position ($1,859): Replaces contractor at net minimal cost. Approved (3-0). - Mid-FY26 Action for ECC Staffing ($1,992,606): 25 positions to reduce mandatory overtime; committee opted to reduce funding by $629,244 (mid-year hiring lag) while preserving all 25 positions, placing the remaining $1,363,362 on the Reconciliation List (3-0). - Homeland Security Grant Loss ($120,000): Shifts grant-funded lieutenant to general funds. Approved (3-0) with asterisk. - Crime Analysis Software ($29,096): Risk terrain modeling tool. Approved (3-0) with request for additional information before full council. - Other items (contractual increases, camera contract, drone program adjustments) were noted without controversy. - CIP – 4th District Police Station: $40 million placeholder; design begins FY27. Approved as submitted (3-0). - CIP – Outdoor Firearms Training Center: $300,000 for program of requirements. Motion to restore funding was split 2-1 (Katz and Luedtke in favor, Mink opposed) due to concerns about potential obsolescence and budget constraints; will be discussed further at full council. Key Outcomes - Police Accountability Board NDA: Approved with $50,000 added to Reconciliation List (3-0). - 9-1-1 Fee Resolution: Approved (3-0). - Prisoner Medical Services NDA: Approved as submitted (3-0). - Police Department Budget: Approved as amended, with 12 items placed on the Reconciliation List (including the reduced ECC funding). Total additions: approximately $3.3 million (net after reduction). The committee noted several items require asterisks explaining prior funding history or operational context. - CIP – 4th District Station: Approved (3-0). - CIP – Outdoor Firearms Training Center: Vote split 2-1; deferred to full council with additional information to be gathered.

The Government Operations and Fiscal Policy (GO) Committee met on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:13 a.m. in the County Council Hearing Room, Rockville, Maryland, as part of the FY27 Operating Budget and FY27-32 Capital Improvements Program review. Councilmember Kate Stewart chaired the meeting; Councilmembers Shebra Evans and Sidney Katz also participated. Staff from the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice, the Office of Grants Management, the Office of Management and Budget, and council staff presented the items. All decisions were made without an enumerated roll-call vote. Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice (ORESJ) FY27 Operating Budget - The County Executive recommended an FY27 operating budget of $1,766,779 for ORESJ, an increase of $90,331, or 5.39%, over the FY26 approved budget. This included $1,526,780 in personnel costs, a 6.2% increase, for 8.5 FTEs, and $239,999 in operating costs, a 0.7% increase. The office’s Operating Budget Equity Tool score was 11 out of 11. - Director Ward said the office is fully staffed and has created about 11 training mechanisms, together with a community engagement team working on community engagement tools and implementation of the Racial Equity and Social Justice Act. - In discussion, staff reported that survey responses identified staffing/capacity as a barrier for 53% of departments and resources as a barrier for 45%; 33% cited competing other factors. Director Ward emphasized that OBET narrative analysis often points out where additional resources could strengthen racial equity work. - The committee recommended approval of the budget as submitted by the County Executive, with no items placed on the reconciliation list. Executive Regulation 30-25: Extending the Deadline for Racial Equity Action Plans - Executive Regulation 30-25, transmitted by the County Executive on March 25, 2026, would extend the deadline for department racial equity action plans from 2025 to 2027. Staff noted that the regulation is under general method two, requiring council approval or disapproval within 60 days, and that the regulation contains a statement of no fiscal impact and a draft resolution. - Director Ward reported that about 10 of 41 applicable departments have completed racial equity action plans and that many more remain in progress. ORESJ staff said they plan to provide templates, training, technical assistance and a guidance manual to the remaining departments. - The committee recommended approval of the extension and asked that the deadline be expressed as a definite date — December 31, 2027 — if legally possible in the resolution. Final Council action was tentatively scheduled for May 2026. Community Grants Non-Departmental Account (NDA) - The County Executive recommended an increase of $301,283, or 2.25%, for the Community Grants NDA. The proposal includes a $1.5 million continuation of the Nonprofit Federal Resiliency Grants program, originally created during the fall 2025 special appropriation in response to the 43-day federal shutdown. - Director Murphy and OGM described that 21 applications were received for the resiliency grant, but many applicants could not demonstrate that they had suffered the required federal funding loss or that their expenses were eligible under the original NOFO. OGM plans to release a revised NOFO allowing projected, in addition to demonstrated, federal funding losses if the funding is approved. - The committee approved the County Executive’s recommended reductions, including $819,545 for the FY24 Underserved Community Projects awards, whose three-year grant term ended, and other legacy-renewal and community-grant reductions. OGM reported that 10 of its previous 97 legacy renewal awards were not recommended for renewal. - Council staff had noted that the committee could reduce the $1.5 million resiliency item by $500,000 under the council president’s guidance. The committee decided instead to place the full $1.5 million on the reconciliation list for final decision by the full Council. Office of Grants Management (OGM) FY27 Operating Budget - The County Executive recommended a slight decrease of $2,000, or 0.17%, from the FY26 approved OGM budget. The office has six FTEs, with no net change; compensation adjustments total about $74,000. - The committee approved the Consolidated Software shift recommended by the County Executive, transferring $150,000 for the Euna grants management software from the Departments of Environmental Protection, Transportation, and Police to OGM. The shift provides countywide access and allows OGM to share use of the private grant database. Note: the transcript contains varying dollar references for this shift, while the approved minutes state the shift as $150,000. - Director Murphy highlighted the scale of OGM’s work, including FY25 federal award expenditures of $232 million, over 500 applications processed, and expansion of Department grants assistance, and he recounted that a direct calculation would require property taxes by about 8.9% or income taxes by about 0.95% to replace that federal spending if it were lost. - OGM also reported on reduced use of outside grant writers — from seven assignments in FY24, then five in FY25, and one in FY26 — because departments are building in-house capacity, supported by OGM trainings and grants attorneys. - The report also referenced public hearing on the OGM budget held noon April 7, 8 and 9, 2026; no public commentary accompanied this committee session. - The committee recommended approval without further reduction. Cost Sharing: MCG - Staff disclosed packet errors and corrected important figures: the FY26 approved amount was $6.4 million, not the lower figure originally printed, and the FY27 County Executive recommendation was $5.5 million. The County Executive recommended a $900,000 reduction, or about 14% from the FY26 approved base. - The committee reviewed a $2.5 million recommendation, split between $2 million in federal aid and $500,000 in County funds, for the CASA Inc. workforce development center renovations at the former county animal shelter on Rothbard Drive in Rockville. - The packet proposed $200,000 as a direct appropriation to the Charles E. Smith Life Communities Reimagining Ring House project. State funding for that project was reported at $950,000 in the FY27 capital budget. The issue was that the County Executive proposed taking the $200,000 out of the $2 million allocated for non-arts competitive cost-sharing capital grants, reducing the competitive pool to $1.8 million. - Chair Stewart expressed concern that the NOFO for the competitive cost-sharing grant had already opened, making the reduction confusing to applicants. She moved to address $200,000 to the reconciliation list and preserve the full $2 million for the competitive non-arts grant pool. The committee agreed. - Staff was directed to work with OMB on additional transparency and detailed project information for the full Council packet before further Council action. Key Outcomes - Recommended approval of the FY27 ORESJ Operating Budget as submitted. - Recommended approval of Executive Regulation 30-25, with a proposed specific deadline of December 31, 2027, and full Council action tentatively in May 2026. - Recommended the Community Grants NDA FY27 budget, with the $1.5 million federal resiliency item placed on the reconciliation list and the Executive recommended reductions accepted. - Recommended approval of the OGM FY27 Operating Budget and the $150,000 software-funding shift recorded in the minutes. - Recommended approval of the Cost-Sharing MCG consolidated votes, but added clarity: restored the full $2 million competitive capital-grants pool and moved a $200,000 direct appropriation for Charles E. Smith Life Communities to the reconciliation list. - With that, the committee adjourned. The exact local times were 9:30 a.m. to 11:13 a.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026.

The Planning, Housing and Parks (PHP) Committee met on April 23, 2026 from 2:16 p.m. to 4:28 p.m. to review the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) FY27 Operating Budget and FY27-32 Capital Improvements Program for the Park Fund and Administration Fund. The committee considered staff recommendations, heard presentations from M-NCPPC leadership, and voted on proposed reductions and reconciliation list items in the context of a challenging fiscal environment requiring approximately $189 million in decreases countywide. Discussion Items Park Fund – Compensation Lapse Rate The Park Fund requested a decrease in its salary lapse rate from 10% to 8%, costing $1.4 million, to allow filling 12–14 vacant positions including park police and maintenance roles. Staff recommended splitting the request into three tranches on the reconciliation list: $412,582 (9% lapse), $498,330 (8.5% lapse), and $498,327 (8% lapse). The committee voted unanimously to place all three tranches on the reconciliation list. Park Fund – Known Operating Commitments M-NCPPC sought $2.5 million for major known commitments (risk management, utilities, contracts, supplies). Staff proposed grouping Tier 1 items into two tranches on the reconciliation list: $667,687 (risk management/operating budget impacts) and $592,422 (contractual and inflationary increases). The committee voted to place both Tier 1 tranches on the reconciliation list but did not support the Tier 2 item ($438,990 for additional chargebacks). Park Fund – Ballfield Maintenance The committee accepted a $342,337 reduced transfer from the general fund due to lower-than-expected bids. Administration Fund – Commissioner’s Office M-NCPPC offered a $3,000 cut for training and a $5,800 cut for internship hours. The committee voted 2-1 (Friedson opposed) to not place the internship funding on the reconciliation list, effectively reducing the office budget by $8,800. Planning Department – Master Plan Funding The Planning Department requested $200,000 additional ongoing funding for master plan professional services (total annual $400,000). The committee agreed to maintain the base amount with inflation ($212,000–$215,000) and place approximately $80,000 on the reconciliation list to reach $300,000, reflecting last year’s unfunded request. The vote was unanimous. Planning Department – Climate Resilience Functional Plan and Other Initiatives The committee placed $29,741 for the Climate Resilience and Adaptation Functional Plan on the reconciliation list. Two studies (Greater North Bethesda implementation and industrial land assessment) were not funded; planning will use existing resources. Planning Department – New Positions The department requested six new positions (five on reconciliation list). The committee did not support any new positions in this budget cycle. Central Administrative Services (CAS) The committee supported a $40,010 reduction to the CAS budget (Montgomery County share), which must be agreed upon with Prince George’s County. Non-Departmental Account (NDA) The committee placed $153,318 on the reconciliation list for compensation adjustment markers to ensure competitive salaries. Development Review Special Revenue Fund M-NCPPC requested a $3.9 million transfer from the Administration Fund. The committee supported $2.4 million (including $900,000 for staff salaries) over the County Executive’s $1.5 million recommendation, but did not place the additional $1.2 million on the reconciliation list. Water Quality Protection Fund (WQPF) The Planning Department requested $2.08 million from the WQPF for staff time. The committee did not support the revenue transfer at this time, directing DEP and M-NCPPC to meet after the budget to develop a more equitable funding mechanism. The status quo (funding from general fund/Admin Fund) will continue, with a target for a briefing by September 30, 2026. Capital Improvements Program – State Aid The committee recommended approval of $10.485 million in additional state aid and Program Open Space funding for park projects, including $10,485,000 total from Legislative Bond Initiatives and other sources. Key Outcomes - Reconciliation List Additions (Park Fund): $2,669,348 in three tranches for lapse reduction (9%, 8.5%, 8%) and $1,260,109 in two tranches for Tier 1 known commitments. Tier 2 ($438,990) not added. - Reconciliation List Additions (Administration Fund/Planning): $117,979 for professional services (climate plan and master plan support); $153,318 for NDA compensation markers; $29,741 for climate plan; plus $80,000 for master plan funding (to reach $300,000). - Reductions Adopted: $485,460 from Park Fund; $8,800 from Commissioner’s Office; $1,263,762 from Planning Department; $40,010 from CAS; $93,682 from NDA. - Transfer to Development Review Fund: Supported $2.4 million (not $3.9 million); no reconciliation component. - Water Quality Protection Fund: No change; meetings to follow. - CIP: Approved additional state funding of $10.485 million. - Overall, the committee’s recommendations will be forwarded to the full Council.

On April 23, 2026, the Montgomery County Council's Planning, Housing, and Parks (PHP) and Public Safety (PS) committees held a joint work session on the FY27 Operating Budget and FY27-32 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) Park Police. The agenda listed the session as 1:45-2:00 p.m.; approved minutes record the meeting as 1:50-2:04 p.m. Councilmember Sidney Katz chaired, and Senior Legislative Analyst Susan Farag presented the staff report. Montgomery Parks officials, Park Police Chief Robinson, and an OMB fiscal analyst participated. No public testimony or public items were included and none was taken. Discussion Items - Budget Context: Farag explained that M-NCPPC is budgeted differently from most county agencies, using Tier 1 and Tier 2 non-recommended reductions, so any restoration must be placed on the Reconciliation List. The County Executive's recommended budget includes about a $1 million increase for the Park and Planning budget, with no new positions. The Park Police budget is approximately 117.6 full-time-equivalent work years, reflecting 127 positions, 98 of them sworn, and 8 sworn vacancies. - Parks and Equity Initiatives: Park Police serve a park network with more than 14 million visitors a year. Though not technically required to submit an operating budget equity analysis, the department highlighted ongoing racial equity and social justice work, including an autism engagement program at the Woodlawn facility, Long Branch community meetings with the Latino community, participation in a Juneteenth event at Cabajon Park, the 134th anniversary of the Lincoln Park Community at Mount Calvary Baptist Church, Sligo Fest, and a women's empowerment conference with Prince George's County Park Police. - Overtime: A $30,000 overtime increase is included in the base budget. Total projected FY27 overtime is $894,000; the department spent $648,000 through March 31 in FY26. Chief Robinson said current vacancies, including five vacant officer positions, require overtime to cover shifts, though there is no shortage of candidates; hiring may be held up budgetarily by lapses. - Body-Worn Camera Maintenance: Farag recommended restoring $1,000 for body-worn camera maintenance as operationally necessary because body cameras and in-car videos are out of warranty and maintenance costs have increased. - Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD): The CAD item totals $212,000, of which $80,000 is included as a Tier 1 non-recommended reduction for upgrades to the current dispatch system and $132,000 is no longer needed. Council staff called the current CAD system critical, and Farag recommended restoring the $80,000. - Ruggedized Laptops: A Tier 1 item for ruggedized police laptops requested a lower-than-cycle total of $64,000 for FY27, up from last year's $35,000. Each laptop costs approximately $5,000; the recommended replacement cycle is 20 laptops per year, but the requested amount is below that annual replacement estimate. Farag listed ruggedized laptops among her operational priorities, but the final-recorded committee recommendation only included the body-worn maintenance and CAD items. - Testing and Other Contracts: Farag discussed $10,000 for proficiency testing services required for officer promotions from police officer II to police officer III and police officer III to police officer IV. Other Tier 1 contract increases include Blue Peak Logic, Powered DMS, and VersaTerm, with Farag recommending the underlying items for restoration. Key Outcomes - The joint committee recommended approval of the M-NCPPC Park Police FY27 Operating Budget as amended. - The committee recommended placing the $1,000 body-worn camera maintenance item and the $80,000 Computer-Aided Dispatch upgrade on the Reconciliation List, amended and agreeing these are Tier 1 non-recommended reductions. - The $132,000 CAD item was not recommended for restoration, because the department no longer needs the separate dispatch system it would have purchased. The $30,000 overtime increase remains in the County Executive â??s recommended base budget and did not require additional preservation action. - Farag identified ruggedized laptop funding as an operational priority, but no separate laptop restoration was listed in the final recorded committee action. - No roll-call vote was recorded; the committees reached consensus on the recommendation for full County Council budget consideration.

The Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee met on April 23, 2026, from 9:34 a.m. to 1:48 p.m. to consider the FY27 Operating Budget and FY27-32 Capital Improvements Program for the Department of Health and Human Services, as well as a supplemental appropriation. The committee reviewed funding for homelessness services, public health programs, and minority health initiatives, approving most recommendations and placing several items on the reconciliation list for full Council consideration in May 2026. Consent Calendar - Supplemental Appropriation 26-14: $3,064,158 for emergency family shelter services (motel overflow and Stepping Stones shelter capacity) – approved by consensus. - FY27 Services to End and Prevent Homelessness (CEPH): Approved all County Executive recommendations including $2 million for SHARP, $1.9 million for overflow shelter, $1.1 million for adult shelter gap, and $438,909 for outreach gap. - Public Health Services – Montgomery CARES: $1.5 million for primary care reimbursement rate increase – approved. - Montgomery CARES Endodontic Care: $19,440 – approved. - Care for Kids Dental Equipment: $50,000 – approved. - Care for Kids Specialty Dental: $8,761 (5% increase) – approved; committee added additional $62,947 on reclist to serve 125 more children. - Contractual General Dentist Hourly Rate Increase: $196,642 – approved. - Dental Equipment Replacement: $75,000 – approved. - East County Dental Pilot 5% Increase: $15,000 – approved. - Emergency Preparedness Response Staff (1 FTE): $185,000 – placed on reconciliation list. - Nursing Home Inspection Staff (5 FTEs): $400,000 – placed on reconciliation list (MOU pending). - Ryan White Grant Reduction (1 FTE): $362,122 – approved. - Babies Born Healthy Program (1.5 FTEs): $201,905 – approved. - Tobacco Enforcement (1 FTE): $77,561 – approved. - TB Program Backfill: $170,000 – approved. - Hospice Volunteer Training Reduction: $17,715 – approved. - Medical Reserve Corps Reduction: $27,715 – approved. - American Diversity Group Free Clinic: $202,600 – approved. - Asian American Health Initiative (AAHI) Conversion: 3.5 FTEs from contract to merit – approved. - African American Health Program (AAHP) Conversion: 4 FTEs from contract to merit – not approved; committee requested more information on scope, evaluation, and unspent funds before decision. - Latino Health Initiative (LHI) Reductions: The committee restored $537,562 in case management cuts and placed on reclist, noting that legal/housing services would be covered by the Lighthouse initiative (to be discussed separately). - Maryland Vietnamese Mutual Association (MVMA) Contract Elimination: $92,638 – restored on reclist per Councilmember Mink’s amendment; contract funds tutoring and senior wellness services. - Montgomery County Pride Center: $500,000 (two tranches of $250,000) added on reclist to maintain FY26 funding level. - Muslim Community Clinic Oral Health: $135,548 added on reclist to achieve parity with other dental providers. Public Comments & Testimony - No public testimony was taken during the meeting. Written testimony from the Montgomery CARES Advisory Board and Commission on Aging was noted in the packet. Discussion Items - Services to End and Prevent Homelessness (CEPH): - Chief Hong presented an overview of CEPH operations, including a 26% reduction in point-in-time homelessness (1,117 counted), driven largely by the SHARP program which housed 299 families (nearly 1,000 people). - Councilmember Friedson raised concerns about moving from a shelter-focused strategy to a Housing First model. Chief Hong affirmed commitment to housing first principles but acknowledged need for more individual housing interventions (chronic homelessness increased 14%). - Discussion on outreach challenges across 500 square miles; understaffed teams (3-4 FTEs per region) and risk of reduction if outreach budget gap not filled. - Committee requested detailed contract-by-contract information on outreach funding by geographic area before full Council. - Public Health Services: - Dr. Ashford highlighted a 38% reduction in dental wait times and successful East County dental pilot. - Discussion on tuberculosis services: state grant reduced from $170,000 to $25,000; county backfill needed to maintain compliance. - Emergency preparedness: FEMA and HUD grants uncertain; one position moved to general fund to avoid loss of capacity in a landscape of reduced federal support. - Nursing home inspection MOU with state still pending; training takes one year; committee deferred funding until MOU is finalized. - Minority Health Initiatives (MHIPs): - AAHI requested conversion of 3.5 FTEs (community health workers and grants administrator); approved. - LHI presented reductions in case management and helpline due to declining call volume and duplication with Lighthouse program; committee restored funding pending further clarification. - AAHP requested 4 new merit positions (manager, maternal health nurse, data analyst, program specialist) citing underperformance of current contractor and need for data-driven evaluation. Committee declined due to insufficient information about unspent contract funds and lack of standardized evaluation across all MHIPs. - Chair Sayles emphasized the need for a standardized, third-party evaluation process across all three MHIPs moving forward. Key Outcomes - Supplemental 26-14 approved for $3,064,158; Council consideration in May 2026. - CEPH FY27 budget approved as submitted by County Executive; all four line items (SHARP, overflow, adult shelter, outreach) approved. - Public Health Services budget approved with amendments: Care for Kids dental increase placed on reclist; emergency preparedness FTE placed on reclist; nursing home staff placed on reclist; Pride Center, Muslim Clinic, and MVMA funds added to reclist. - AAHI conversion (3.5 FTEs) approved. - AAHP conversion (4 FTEs) not approved; committee directed staff to provide detailed scope, unspent fund analysis, and a standardized evaluation framework for MHIPs before a decision at full Council. - LHI case management reduction restored ($537,562) and placed on reclist; county executive’s staff clarified that legal/housing services will be covered by Lighthouse. - Tobacco enforcement FTE approved as state-mandated. - Next Steps: Full Council consideration of all budget items scheduled for May 2026. A joint HHS-PHP work session on rental assistance programs will be held April 30, 2026.

On April 23, 2026, the Montgomery County Government Operations and Fiscal Policy (GO) Committee, chaired by Councilmember Kate Stewart, met from approximately 9:30 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. in the 7th floor Council Hearing Room. The committee reviewed the FY27 Operating Budget and FY27-32 Capital Improvements Program for 11 departments and non-departmental accounts (NDAs). The committee recommended several amendments, placing certain items on the Reconciliation List for full Council consideration, and unanimously recommended approval of most budgets as submitted or as amended. Discussion Items Office of Procurement - The committee reviewed a recommended budget of $7,289,479 (a 21% increase). The $816,170 increase for an e-procurement system was placed on the Reconciliation List per the Council President’s budget approach. Director Shetty and Dr. Toregas emphasized that Montgomery County is the only jurisdiction in the region without an e-procurement system, and that the lack of technology is hampering efficiency and staff morale. The committee supported reducing the budget to $6,473,309 and moving the e-procurement item to the Reconciliation List, with a note that this is the second year it has been requested. Department of General Services (DGS) - The committee discussed the FY27 Operating Budget and a CIP/Supplemental Appropriation (26-61) for the Takoma Park Car Wash ($200,000 state grant). DGS Director Dise and Deputy Director Boykin explained the budget increase of 6.75%, driven partly by postage costs. A new apprenticeship program (6 FTEs for plumbers, electricians, and HVAC workers) was placed on the Reconciliation List at $274,000. The committee also placed $125,000 for BlackRock Center for the Arts on the Reconciliation List, following a request by Council Vice President Balcombe to restore one-time funding removed by the Executive. The committee noted that BlackRock provides community services (e.g., showers for unhoused populations, cultural festivals) beyond the arts. The $625,000 reduction in porter (custodial) services was discussed; the committee asked DGS to report back on whether a portion could be restored for sanitary needs. The CIP amendment for the car wash was recommended for approval. Community Engagement Cluster (CEC) - The committee reviewed a 4.26% increase ($436,706). Two items were placed on the Reconciliation List: realignment of personnel costs ($80,042, 0.5 FTE) and a $25,000 one-time mural for Wheaton Library and Community Recreation Center. The committee discussed the CEC’s OBET score of 6, noting that the department’s equity work is not fully documented. CEC Director Ellis and regional directors committed to improving communication on their racial equity efforts. Councilmember Evans expressed concern that budget cuts (e.g., advertising, community initiatives) could hinder equity work, but directors stated they would find creative solutions. Office of the County Executive - The budget of $442,904 (5.57% increase) was recommended as submitted by the County Executive, with no items placed on the Reconciliation List. The budget is straightforward with contractual increases. Payments to Municipalities NDA - The committee recommended approval of $26,123,633 as submitted. Chair Stewart and Councilmember Katz strongly opposed any reduction, recounting the years of negotiation that led to the 2021 formula. The committee expressed that this NDA should not be targeted for cuts. Future Federal/State/Other Grants NDA and Grants to Municipalities in Lieu of Shares Tax NDA - Both accounts were recommended for approval at $20 million and $20,020 respectively, unchanged from FY26. Office of Human Resources (OHR) - The committee recommended approval of $13.7 million general fund and $449 million employee health fund (7.04% increase). OHR Director Anderson reported a 91% customer satisfaction rating and a new AI chat bot. A $180,000 item for the hiring displaced federal workers initiative was originally on the Reconciliation List, but Chair Stewart moved it to a direct reduction (cut) because OHR indicated the funds may not be needed. The committee concurred. Other large items (e.g., $29.8 million for claims, $72,717 for fire/rescue medical services) were approved without objection. Office of Labor Relations (OLR) and Labor Management Relations Committee (LMRC) NDA - OLR’s budget increased by $214,589. The LMRC NDA requested an additional $100,000, which was placed on the Reconciliation List. OLR Chief Harling explained that unused balances had been spent down and the new appropriation is needed for joint training and projects. The committee noted that prior year funds had sufficient rollover, but moving forward the account will have no balance. The OBET score of 4 was discussed; Harling acknowledged the need to formalize racial equity integration and has engaged the RESJ office. A non-reconciliation $30,253 increase from a classification study was approved. Key Outcomes - Office of Procurement: Recommended budget reduction to $6,473,309, with $816,170 for e-procurement placed on the Reconciliation List. - Department of General Services: Recommended FY27 Operating Budget approval as amended, adding to the Reconciliation List: apprenticeship program ($274,000, 6 FTEs) and BlackRock Center for the Arts ($125,000). Also recommended approval of CIP Amendment 26-61 for Takoma Park Car Wash. - Community Engagement Cluster: Recommended approval as amended, placing personnel realignment ($80,042) and Wheaton mural ($25,000) on the Reconciliation List. - Office of the County Executive: Recommended approval as submitted. - Payments to Municipalities NDA: Recommended approval as submitted; committee strongly opposed any reduction. - Future Federal/State/Other Grants NDA: Recommended approval as submitted. - Grants to Municipalities in Lieu of Shares Tax NDA: Recommended approval as submitted. - Office of Human Resources: Recommended approval as amended, with the $180,000 displaced federal workers initiative moved from the Reconciliation List to a direct reduction (cut). All other adjustments approved. - Office of Labor Relations and LMRC NDA: Recommended approval, with $100,000 for LMRC placed on the Reconciliation List. OLR classification study adjustment approved. - All committee recommendations will be forwarded to the full Council for final action in the FY27 budget process.

The Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee met on April 23, 2026 (the approved minutes are dated April 20, 2026, a discrepancy noted) to review the FY27 Operating Budget and FY27-32 Capital Improvements Program for four areas: the Office of Human Rights, DHHS Aging and Disability Services, DHHS Behavioral Health and Crisis Services, and the new DHHS Social Services Office. The committee recommended approval of several budget items, added multiple items to the Reconciliation List for full Council consideration, and discussed service trends, provider supplements, and the impact of federal and state changes. Council action is scheduled for May 2026. Office of Human Rights - The County Executive recommended a FY27 operating budget of $2,117,091, a decrease of $28,394 (-1.32%) from the FY26 approved $2,145,485, with staffing reduced from 11.6 to 11.0 FTEs. - Director Stowe and Enforcement Manager Garcia described a status-quo budget with increases only for compensation and non-discretionary expenses. They reported an uptick in complaints, particularly regarding national origin, disability, source of income, and displaced workers. - The committee recommended approval of the Office of Human Rights FY27 budget as submitted. Aging and Disability Services - The County Executive recommended an increase of $1,937? (unclear in transcript; likely a larger figure) and $76,34? in enhancements (transcript numbers are incomplete). Specific recommended items included: - 2.5% increase to the developmental disability provider supplement: $558,621 - 2.5% increase to the adult medical day care provider supplement: $62,392 - Increase for senior nutrition food costs: $142,761 - Community First Choice nurse monitoring (fully revenue-offset): $73,167 - The committee supported, without objection, Councilmember Mink's motion to add $10,000 for the Commission on Aging's annual public forum and $60,000 (in two $30,000 tranches) to support villages in underserved areas. - The committee supported, without objection, Councilmember Friedson's motion to add an additional 2.5% increase to both the developmental disability and adult medical day care provider supplements, for a total of 5% (two 2.5% tranches each), stressing parity. Councilmember Friedson also requested a staff analysis of the gap between state and county minimum wages and the actual provider pay rates. - The committee recommended approval of the FY27 Operating Budget for Aging and Disability Services, as amended. Behavioral Health and Crisis Services - The County Executive's recommendation showed a 48% increase ($31.9 million) compared to FY26 approved, largely due to DHHS reorganization; versus the realigned FY26 budget, the increase is about 5%. - The committee supported an item for the Reconciliation List: replacement of operating budget impact for the Diversion Center Behavioral Health Crisis Stabilization Center: $3,104,903 and 18 FTEs. - Other recommended changes (not on Reconciliation List) included: - Enhance substance use disorder interventions and evidence-based prevention for upper elementary and lower middle school grades: $300,600 (opioid abatement funds) - 1 FTE Crisis Center Contractual Conversion: $0 - 1 FTE Adult Drug Court Case Management Contractual Conversion: $0 - Reduction to Human Services Contract with Maryland Treatment Center: $200,000 - Elimination of ARPA-funded mental health grant expenditures: $462,720 - Elimination of Wrap-Around Youth Services Contract: $1,050,568 - Reduction of Residential Rehabilitation Provider Supplement: $458,422 - Councilmember Luedtke moved to add a 2.5% inflationary adjustment to the Residential Rehabilitation Provider Supplement: $10,934, which the committee supported without objection. - The committee recommended approval of the FY27 Operating Budget for Behavioral Health and Crisis Services, as amended. Social Services Office - This is a new service area resulting from DHHS reorganization; the County Executive recommended a decrease of $2,409,146 (3%) from FY26 approved. - The committee supported adding to the Reconciliation List an enhancement of $800,968 and 7 FTEs for conversion of unfunded long-term contractor positions in the Office of Eligibility and Support Services to support Medicaid eligibility. - The committee accepted two recommended reductions: elimination of Crisis Stabilization Services for Child Welfare Services ($56,359) due to contract expiration, and elimination of the Youth Mentoring Services Non-Competitive Contract ($141,469), with transition to other providers. - Councilmember Friedson requested detailed data on MCPS child protective services clearance workloads for the April 27 joint committee meeting. Chair Sayles requested data on youth referred to crisis stabilization services since August 2024. - The committee recommended approval of the FY27 Operating Budget for the DHHS Social Services Office, as amended. Key Outcomes - Recommended approval for all four budgets, as amended, with a total of 10 items added to the Reconciliation List for full Council consideration in May 2026. - Requests for additional information: minimum wage gap analysis for provider supplements, historical village data in underserved areas, MCPS clearance workload details, and crisis stabilization referral data for youth. - Noted next steps: Council action scheduled for May 2026; a joint EC/HHS committee session on school-based mental health and MCPS clearances is scheduled for April 27, 2026.

The Education and Culture (EC) and Health and Human Services (HHS) committees met jointly on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, to review the County Executive’s recommended FY27 Operating Budget and FY27-32 Capital Improvements Program for the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Early Care and Education program area, the Early Care and Education Non-Departmental Account (NDA), and the Children’s Opportunity Alliance (COA) NDA. Councilmember Will Jawando (EC chair) and Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles (HHS chair) led the session. Staff participating included Legislative Analyst Nicole Rodríguez-Hernández, DHHS Director Dr. Bridgers, DHHS COO Mark Hodge, DHHS Senior Administrator Jennifer Arnáiz, COA Executive Director Kimberly Rusnak, and OMB analyst Ms. Lambert. The agenda listed the meeting from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.; the approved minutes record 1:36 to 3:10 p.m. Budget Overview and Recommendations - The county executive recommended a decrease of about $3.8 million, or 6.3%, for the entire Children, Youth, and Families service area, largely due to an HHS reorganization that moved some services to behavioral health and crisis services. For the early childhood services program area, the recommendation was an increase of $310,339, or 1.4%. The early care and education NDA would increase by $652,485, or 4%, and the Children’s Opportunity Alliance NDA would receive a 2.5% inflationary increase of $19,387. ECE NDA FTEs would rise from 16 in FY26 to 23 in FY27. - Analyst Rodríguez-Hernández noted that the early childhood services program area now includes child care subsidies and Head Start, and that DHHS is realigning positions for efficiency, including support for the Community Connect Portal. Program Access, Waitlists, and WPA Funding - COA Executive Director Kimberly Rusnak said the system increased from serving 11,000 to 12,000 children. Of approximately 57,300 children under age five in the county, about 32,000 are eligible for subsidized care, and in 2025-26 the system is serving about 37% of those in greatest need. - The Working Parents Assistance (WPA) program currently subsidizes 766 seats at about $7.5 million annually; 561 of those children are ages 0-5 and 245 are ages 6 or older. Since February 22, 2026, DHHS cleared the WPA waitlist and brought a combined 130 children into WPA, including applicants from the state child care scholarship waitlist. - The state Maryland Child Care Scholarship waitlist stood at about 690 Montgomery County families in the staff report, but DHHS reported roughly 1,000 children on the state waitlist by the time of the meeting. - The county executive recommended adding $500,000 to the ECE NDA base budget to move 23 children from the state child care scholarship waitlist to WPA, with approximately $300,000 for 13 infants/toddlers and $200,000 for preschool-age children. Councilmember Sayles moved to add a second $500,000 tranche to reach a total of $1 million. The transcript records that motion as approved without objection; the approved minutes list only the original $500,000 item. Budget Adjustments and Position Conversions - The committee approved shifting existing operating expenses to personnel costs to add seven merit staff positions supporting the Early Care and Education Initiative: one family resource specialist, three government assistance eligibility specialists, one office services coordinator, and two Blueprint grant support positions. The FY28 annualization cost is estimated at $405,462, offset by about $285,050 in contractor savings, for a net impact of about $120,000. - The committee approved reducing Child Development Associate training reimbursement and foreign degree equivalency funding by $12,000 to the level of spending. DHHS cited lower demand due to expanded state scholarships and a pause in Maryland’s credential reimbursement process; $5,000 in general funds and $500,000 in the ECE NDA remain for related credentials. - The committee approved reducing Child Care Support Services trainings by $25,000 because $25,000 in existing Child Care Resource Center grant funds will support the trainings. In FY25, 338 trainings served more than 5,000 educators; as of March 2026 in FY26, 210 trainings had served about 2,700 educators. Workforce, Quality, and Head Start - DHHS reported Head Start enrollment is down approximately 12%, attributed anecdotally to family fears related to immigration. A new community-based Early Head Start program for 75 infants and toddlers is being implemented with 11 child care programs. - About 44 programs achieved EXCELS level 3-5 ratings in FY26, with 20 more in progress; the county saw a 9% increase in EXCELS-rated level 3-5 programs, and roughly 89 programs moved to a higher quality level. Councilmember Dawn Luedtke asked for a future joint committee worksession on increasing provider participation in Maryland EXCELS. - DHHS provided 209 scholarships to Montgomery College early care and education students, a 45% increase over prior years. The shared services alliance is operating with 20 child care providers, and the facility fund awarded about $2.2 million for 175 new or improved seats. - Regarding the upcounty child care center in Gaithersburg, staff materials cited a fall 2027 anticipated opening, but Councilmember Luedtke corrected that the opening is June 5, 2026, with a 15-year lease already secured; she thanked Senator King for additional state bond funds. COA System Investments and Website/Portal Debate - COA requested $125,000 for a state-level early care and education workforce advocacy/education staff position, saying the position would support a state coalition and advance policy changes such as categorical eligibility for educators. Councilmember Kristin Mink moved to add the $125,000 to the reconciliation list, Councilmember Shebra Evans seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. - COA also requested roughly $30,000 to $50,000 for a centralized ECE resource website and related outreach. Councilmember Evans initially expressed support for adding that request, but Councilmember Jawando said he was not supporting funding for an external website, arguing the county could add external resources to existing websites and the Community Connect Portal. Councilmembers agreed to revisit the portal and website interoperability in a future worksession. Councilmember Andrew Friedson stressed that agencies should coordinate before bringing budget requests. - COA noted it had raised private philanthropy, polled that 70% of Montgomery County voters prioritize early care and education, and recommended increasing WPA investments from $500,000 toward a potential $16 million to serve an additional 1,000 children, with a county common agenda goal of 18,000 children served by 2030. Key Outcomes - Recommended approval of the FY27 operating budget and FY27-32 CIP for DHHS Early Care and Education, including the ECE NDA, Children’s Opportunity Alliance NDA, and the Early Childhood Services program, as amended. - Items sent to the reconciliation list: $500,000 for WPA (state scholarship waitlist children); a second $500,000 WPA tranche according to the transcript; and $125,000 for the COA state-level ECE workforce position. The approved minutes do not include the second WPA tranche. - Approved without reconciliation-list additions: seven merit staff position conversion; $12,000 reduction to CDA/foreign degree reimbursement; $25,000 reduction to child care support services trainings funded instead by a grant. - The committees requested future joint worksessions on Maryland EXCELS participation (Luedtke) and the Community Connect Portal (Jawando). - Full Council action is tentatively scheduled for May 2026.