May 7, 2026 - Council Budget Worksession (AM)

This was a budget worksession held by the Montgomery County Council on May 7, 2026, focusing on the FY 2027 operating budget and FY 2027-2032 capital improvements program, particularly for the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The council reviewed and approved various budget items related to public health services, aging and disability services, behavioral health and crisis services, and homelessness prevention. Key procurement-related discussions included funding allocations for community health programs, contractual nursing staff for Head Start, school-based health centers, and behavioral health crisis stabilization centers. The council addressed contract supplements for residential rehabilitation providers and adult medical day care, and discussed the Community Connect portal, a significant IT investment for eligibility and application processing, with concerns about its cost-effectiveness and user-friendliness. Several motions were passed to move certain funding items from the reconciliation list into the base budget, including support for organizations like the MOCO Pride Center and the American Diversity Group. The council also deliberated on the sustainability of village programs for seniors and the need for ongoing funding. The meeting included unanimous votes on multiple budget items and emphasized the importance of maintaining critical services amid federal funding uncertainties and rising community needs.