Neighbors:
Today my colleagues and I on the Council approved the County’s $6.6 billion budget for the upcoming year, which funds everything from schools, police, fire and rescue, to roads, parks, and more.
We did so in an environment of state and federal fiscal retrenchment and a highly uncertain economic outlook for our region. As I considered every element of this budget, I did my level best to balance our short term needs in the community with the long term fiscal sustainability of our decisions, all the while keeping center of mind how our decisions affect the daily lives of our residents.
I’d like to share a few highlights today, and will go into more detail in the coming weeks.
- We were able to balance the budget without increasing property or income taxes, contrary to the County Executive recommendations that we do so.
- Combining changes to MCPS’ retiree benefit trust and the County’s local appropriation to MCPS, we were able to fund 99.8% of the school system’s request, that is $210 million above the minimum maintenance of effort (MOE) level.
- County reserves remain at a healthy 11.2%, which will allow us to respond to emerging needs in the community, known and unknown at this time.
- We increased first-time homebuyer downpayment assistance by $1 million, getting the total contribution up to $5 million. We are still short of the $8 million goal set forth in the More Housing HOW package, but we will get there over time.
- We provided the necessary funding to launch a state-of-the-art incubator and innovation network program, to help local entrepreneurs turn their ideas into successful businesses.
- We reversed the County Executive’s $2 million cut to Wheaton Regional Park as well as his proposed $3.5 million cut to Park and Planning’s operating budget.
- We provided $100,000 to the Sports Tourism Task Force to partner with the Maryland Stadium authority to comprehensively analyze opportunities for Montgomery County to capture sports tourism dollars.
- To support our embattled federal workforce, we appropriated $700,000 to Worksource Montgomery to provide employment services (coaching, job matching, networking events, entrepreneurship, skills training) tailored for high-level job seekers transitioning out of federal service.
- As part of our continued investment in community spaces, I’m proud to share that the FY26 Capital Budget includes $400,000 for the planned refurbishment of the Bauer Drive Community Recreation Center. This funding will support the first phase of upgrades, including repairs, HVAC improvements, ADA accessibility enhancements, and interior and exterior modernization.
I’d be remiss to not mention one particularly regrettable result. The County Executive’s proposal to delay the Forest Glen Passageway by two years (now starting construction in FY30, with completion anticipated in FY32) made it into the final budget, despite my vehement opposition. You better believe that I will be fighting to get this project back on track when we take up the full capital budget next year.
Much more to come in the following weeks. In the meantime, please see the flyer below that highlight some great events in and around Wheaton in the next few days.
Arts and Culture Events this Weekend!
May 16, 4pm
Creative Wheaton Launch Celebration
Elkin St. and Price Ave, Wheaton
May 17, 11am
Wheaton Streetery Block Party
Elkin St. and Price Ave, Wheaton
May 21, 4pm
Farmers Market
12701 Goodhill Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20906
May 30 Deadline
Montgomery Parks invites local artists to apply for $30,000 outdoor public art opportunity
Apply here »
