Council takes up $8 billion budget proposal - Newsletter from Council President Fani-González

Neighbors:

Last week, County Executive Marc Elrich released his Recommended Fiscal Year 2027 Operating Budget proposal. Now, it’s time for the Council to dig into the details and make sure every dollar in this more than $8 billion operating budget proposal goes toward its highest and best use.

There’s no doubt the budget decisions the Council makes this year will be some of the most challenging since the Great Recession. We must balance growing community needs with limited resources and new financial obligations hoisted upon us from the federal government. 

Over the next several weeks, we will be closely scrutinizing the proposed tax increases, including the 6.3 cent property tax increase, 3.3 percent local income tax rate, increased solid waste charges to fund long haul trucking of our trash to another undisclosed community, and the creation of special taxing districts.

As working families struggle to manage rising food, housing, utility, and energy costs, the proposal to increase taxes is a huge ask. We will be reviewing the budget with all of these considerations in mind.

I encourage residents to share your feedback with the Council as we move through the budget process. Sign up to testify at one of the Council’s 5 budget public hearings scheduled for April 7 and April 8 at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and April 9 at 1:30 p.m. Submit written, audio or video testimony through the Council’s webpage.

Immigration Protections Bills

As Council President, I have promised to bring all immigration-related bills to the full Council for a vote as soon as they get approved in committee, even as we work on the budget. Community feedback is welcome as we work through these important measures. At our next Council session on Tuesday, March 24, we will hold:

• Council vote on the County Values Act (Bill 3-26)
• Public hearing on the ICE Out Act (Bill 13-26)
• Public hearing on the Vehicle Recovery Act (Bill 14-26)

Additionally, the Public Safety Committee is scheduled to take up the Unmask ICE Act (Bill 5-26) on April 17 at 9:30 a.m.

Council Passes Biohealth and Housing Development Measures

Earlier this week, the Council passed two zoning measures that will accelerate the development of biohealth and mixed-income housing projects. Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 26-03 – Biohealth Priority Campus Eligibility, will expand opportunities for companies to qualify for an expedited regulatory review process, saving companies time and money. The measure aims to attract biohealth companies to Montgomery County. ZTA 26-04, Mixed-Income Housing Community Eligibility, establishes an expedited review process for housing projects that meet certain eligibility requirements. I’m proud to cosponsor both measures, with ZTA 26-03 led by Councilmember Andrew Friedson and ZTA 26-04 led by Councilmembers Friedson and Laurie-Anne Sayles.

Council Adopts Resolution Supporting the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women

I was proud to lead the Council in adopting the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), often described as an international Bill of Rights for women. The treaty aims to establish a comprehensive international framework to eliminate discrimination against women and advance gender equity. Thanks to the League of Women Voters for their partnership on this significant recognition.

51st Annual Public Safety Awards

It was an honor to join Lt. Governor Aruna Miller, County Executive Elrich, and public safety leaders at the annual Public Safety Awards to uplift all the amazing work being done by our dedicated public safety personnel. This year’s honorees are a shining example of the professionalism and courage that our public safety professionals bring to the job every day. Thanks to our public safety professionals for answering the call of duty and keeping our community strong!

Citizenship Clinic on April 11

In partnership with the Governor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, the County's Office of Community Partnerships, and the County's Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center, we will host a free Citizenship Clinic on April 11 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Wheaton Community Recreation Center. Stop by to check your eligibility and receive free, confidential legal assistance with your naturalization application from trained experts, with multilingual services available in seven languages. Space is limited; advance registration is required.

Register here or by calling 240-777-4940. A follow‑up application assistance event will be held on May 2.

MCDOT Hosts Virtual Meeting on Proposed Sidewalk Projects Around Glen Haven Elementary School and Sligo Middle School on March 26

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will hold a virtual public meeting on the proposed plan for new sidewalks at various locations within the Glen Haven Elementary School and Sligo Middle School walksheds on Thursday, March 26, at 7 p.m. Ask questions about the plan and hear from MCDOT reps on the project’s next steps. 

The meeting will be held virtually on Microsoft Teams. Learn more.

County Executive Elrich and I announced this week that the County will provide $500,000 in additional funding to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program directed toward current recipients experiencing increased security staffing needs as a result of escalating hostilities in the Middle East. We stand with our communities of faith and nonprofits providing critical services to our most vulnerable residents, particularly when the times are the toughest. These additional funds will go a long way in bolstering security right here in Montgomery County.

Sincerely,

Natali Fani-González
Council President