May 6, 2026 - Council Budget Worksession (PM)

The Montgomery County Council held a budget worksession on May 6, 2026, focusing on the FY27 operating budget and FY27-32 capital improvements program. Key procurement-related discussions included approval of the urban districts' operating budget with a $149,335 reconciliation item for a 5% compensation increase for the Bethesda Urban Partnership. The council also reviewed fee rate increases for community use of public facilities, approving a 7.5% increase to support operational costs. The Department of General Services presented a reconciliation list item of $274,242 for a new apprenticeship program with six new FTEs and discussed CIP amendments involving state aid for facility renovations and improvements. The council approved motor pool and utilities non-departmental accounts, including funding for a resiliency hub and school bus depot utilities. A significant portion of the meeting addressed the Department of Environmental Protection's budget, including acceptance of a $1.27 million state grant and deliberations on the solid waste disposal fund. The council voted to approve the current operations budget for the Resource Recovery Facility (incinerator) while deferring decisions on its closure and transition to long-haul waste disposal, emphasizing the need for further community engagement and contract approvals before changes. Motions were passed to require County Executive approval for any contract changes related to solid waste disposal. The meeting highlighted ongoing challenges in waste management procurement, budget allocations for urban district services, and investments in apprenticeship and community facility programs.