Apr 23, 2026 - HHS Committee Worksession

This was a budget worksession held by the Montgomery County Council's Health and Human Services Committee on April 23, 2026, focusing primarily on supplemental appropriations and the FY27 budget for the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), particularly the Services to End and Prevent Homelessness (SEF) program. The committee reviewed and reached consensus on a supplemental appropriation of approximately $3 million to support emergency family shelter services, including motel overflow sheltering and the Stepping Stones Family Shelter operating at full capacity. Discussions emphasized the success of the SHARP program in reducing family homelessness and the need for continued funding to maintain and expand housing-first strategies. The committee also considered budget requests to fill gaps in adult shelter and outreach services, with funding increases of $1.1 million and $438,909 respectively, to avoid contract reductions. Additionally, the meeting covered multiple public health services budget items, including funding for dental services, emergency preparedness staff, nursing home inspection staff, and programs addressing HIV care and tobacco enforcement. Several contract amendments and funding requests for community health initiatives, such as the Montgomery County Pride Center and culturally specific health programs, were also discussed. The committee placed some items on a reconciliation list or rack list for further review, particularly concerning grant-funded positions and contract-to-merit staff transitions. Votes were taken to approve supplemental appropriations and budget recommendations, with some items deferred for additional information before full council consideration. Overall, the meeting involved detailed procurement and budget deliberations related to homelessness services, public health programs, and community health contracts.