Apr 29, 2026 - PS Committee Worksession

The Montgomery County Public Safety Committee held a worksession on April 29, 2026, focusing on the operating budget for FY27 through FY32 and the capital improvements program. Key procurement-related discussions included the transition of funding for the Everbridge alert system and emergency response equipment from federal grants to general funds, with allocations of $800,000 and $425,000 respectively. The committee reviewed a $2.4 million capital project for the Public Safety Joint Operations Center, debating scope reductions and funding reallocations due to affordability concerns and grant limitations. Several contract renewals and price escalations were discussed, including a $900,000 annual contract with Bound Tree for medical supplies and a $150,000 contract for PPE cleaning and maintenance. The committee also considered budget-neutral operational changes in Fire and Rescue Services, such as staffing adjustments and apparatus deployment, which were noted as operational rather than budget decisions. Finally, the memorandum of agreement with the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association for FY27 was reviewed, including provisions for volunteer benefits and funding impacts estimated between $8,000 and $9,000. The committee voted 3-0 to place certain items on the reconciliation list for further consideration and expressed appreciation for the ongoing efforts of emergency management and fire services personnel.