[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6461224,"mediaKeyId","5825556-e9354effb63ce667b12d885a3dd3f057","parentId",5825556,"title","Elections director: ballot proofing finished; six polling‑place changes approved","audioSeconds",180,"startMs",9376000,"endMs",9556000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5825556-e9354effb63ce667b12d885a3dd3f057&start=9376&end=9556","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5825556-e9354effb63ce667b12d885a3dd3f057/thumbnail_9376000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6461224/Montgomery-County/Pennsylvania/Elections-director-ballot-proofing-finished-six-pollingplace-changes-approved","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6461224-6796816b2b6e5e146e025d5deff42627/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157297&Signature=nXQFTuBnqAB7VnAFMdTzdu2LDMV0DMkkmAKCDbAa4nyPB0ZHbsOsYzNUJCsaYl0IEV~mXil8mT2QL4bYzQ-eTYW6216sNcQc6ydbPw4tehMjeK0vFAaWVSRDSOYJu6Rym5eT12j7jbjMM6W2dDwBOHolzMl1Bpy3HLfUM9m5pys20xMfjiGA-5lkgtoa9maVkz1DICumB1F3sM47S6WHR-rHyoMkoP5mooXlGTl9Tv-WOkSK8uCnHWnDBeOBJUFTTWC~CcnND5m9hWTOHnniY-69lqB8vAh5VZML5P2oC53KR8nqfiDVUrgs09F5zBFsSpcrXf7f50TeOF7dPttccA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Montgomery County, PA","date","2025-09-25T16:47:45.013Z","article","Frank Dean, director of elections, briefed the Montgomery County Election Board on preparations for the November municipal election and requested approval to relocate six polling locations.

Dean said ballot proofing was finished, sample ballots were posted on the county website, and the election office planned to give the print vendor authorization to begin mailing mail‑in ballots \"from the end of the day tomorrow,\" which the office estimated would place the first batch in mailboxes midweek next week. He also reported strong poll‑worker recruitment: more than 1,500 poll workers confirmed, including more than 390 judges and 88 student poll workers.

The board approved six polling‑place relocations after discussion about accessibility and notification timelines. Two moves are returning precincts to earlier locations (Montgomery 4 to a clubhouse previously used after a fire forced last‑year’s relocation; Upper Dublin 61 back to Temple Sinai synagogue). Two Lower Frederick precincts will be consolidated and moved to Perkiomen Valley Middle School West to accommodate growth and provide more accessible space. Cheltenham 51 will move to Myers Elementary School and Horsham 12 to Beaumont Baptist Church for space reasons, the director said.

Dean said the election office would mail updated voter ID cards as soon as the board approved the changes and would publish location changes online and work with local municipalities to publicize them. He also described planned satellite offices for mail‑in ballot services in Pottstown, Willow Grove, Lansdale and Lower Merion and said those sites will open in the two weekends before the mail‑in‑ballot application deadline.

Ending: The board approved the polling‑place changes by voice vote. Dean said logic and accuracy testing would begin Monday and the public demonstration of high‑speed scanners would occur that day as well.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Montgomery County Board of Commissioners Meeting - September 25, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Election director Frank Dean told the board ballot proofing was complete and the office will start mailing absentee/mail ballots at the end of the day on Sept. 25; the Election Board approved six precinct moves and noted plans for satellite offices and poll‑worker training.","taxTitle","Montgomery County, Pennsylvania","taxId",3511,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6461229,"Montgomery County medical officer urges residents to get fall vaccines; county clinics available",350,2992000,3342000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5825556-e9354effb63ce667b12d885a3dd3f057&start=2992&end=3342","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5825556-e9354effb63ce667b12d885a3dd3f057/thumbnail_2992000.jpg","/articles/6461229/Montgomery-County/Pennsylvania/Montgomery-County-medical-officer-urges-residents-to-get-fall-vaccines-county-clinics-available","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6461229-0c5cd715d69e20080c9356e1d04033b8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157297&Signature=jNZgoqaAeBQfW5hsrwWt15mIzJeJNyW1VaWQutvWDn3fbAZhy1WTsAQnPCXFKR3s9MQz5756zYCoCz05lfvnVAcvd8s748QWHCJw1to1Lu7J2u-Hii5mSwYJ2BkRcIY02QEmUxxgn8AJZtvGcV8eeBnLV1u6JXS7nOUYNZe37w5F7dLy7VR3H~6dxu~sF7EoJC9yoUCwyana8vJDYwEeFdGLz7mZ7E5nB6iFzYqrq5eAY4gH7aq7SUH9ooPmACb2xefwzvNNeHl2y0nf0tQMMcZBxpfy4JipfNtJKI7XrLgPz7T6htuiZ60COuJRfHSDZ3C0zVBtyQXoMFzG5ZznnQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dr. Alvin Wong, Montgomery County’s chief medical officer and regional EMS medical director, told the Board of Commissioners on Sept. 25 that fall vaccinations — influenza, COVID‑19 and, for some groups, RSV — remain the most effective tools to reduce hospitalizations and protect vulnerable residents.

\"When we consider seasonal trends, the proven individual and community benefits, the reduction in deaths and hospitalizations, and the guidance of trusted professional organizations ... the conclusion is very clear. Vaccination is the most effective tool that we have to keep Montgomery County healthy through the fall and winter months,\" Wong said during a slide presentation summarizing national and professional guidance.

Wong summarized recommendations from major professional bodies: the American Academy of Pediatrics (children), the American Academy of Family Physicians (general population) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (pregnant patients). He said the groups’ guidance aligns on these points:
- Influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older; getting the flu shot before October is advised to maximize protection before seasonal peaks.
- COVID‑19 vaccines are recommended for people 6 months and older (children) and for adults 18 and older (general guidance), with particular emphasis for those 65 and older, pregnant patients, and people at high risk for severe disease.
- RSV vaccination is a newer option with early data showing benefit for high‑risk groups (infants, older adults, pregnant patients); pregnant patients should consult their OB‑GYN for timing.

Wong told the board that on Monday the Pennsylvania Insurance Department and the governor’s office directed private insurers to cover vaccines recommended on the 2024 Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) schedule, reducing cost barriers for insured residents. He also noted federal programs and county clinic options for uninsured residents.

Where to get vaccinated: Wong said residents should consult primary care providers, pediatrics or OB‑GYN offices first, and also noted county Office of Public Health vaccine clinics, local pharmacies and community health centers. He said the county’s web page and a QR code (displayed during the presentation) list county clinic locations and scheduling information.

Ending: Commissioners responded with personal endorsements and said they planned to receive vaccines publicly to encourage uptake. The county’s nursing team was available after the meeting to provide COVID‑19 and flu shots, Wong said.","Dr. Alvin Wong, the county's chief medical officer, presented evidence at the commissioners' meeting supporting influenza, RSV and COVID‑19 vaccination for the fall and outlined where residents can get shots; Pennsylvania insurers were said to be required to cover ACIP‑recommended vaccines.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6461234,"Montgomery County officials flag growing budget pressures as 2026 planning begins",1540,3628000,5168000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5825556-e9354effb63ce667b12d885a3dd3f057&start=3628&end=5168","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5825556-e9354effb63ce667b12d885a3dd3f057/thumbnail_3628000.jpg","/articles/6461234/Montgomery-County/Pennsylvania/Montgomery-County-officials-flag-growing-budget-pressures-as-2026-planning-begins","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6461234-d7b3d6be084379f10b1be9626995d508/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157298&Signature=RskpgRjh1dNXLPoouznloQh7oO--Nlvfos578hzQLgK3yIjzMnLffv1cMAgbbLEX6UNnNfYAccf8XJZ6Axz9KdhXUzclIB72~ELYLQGQj8d81y68upTARfK3wHY2UC1rc~aRutQwZOivL6KEipJWpyoB82N4zqEK0~jHpsi3ykHFTeE7nuIbm~YiG74aCWmVTdbyxnTEAgrtVB7G52gdC9NiZ2zCRPcCd93V7lgP~0qBCE4-2tHIXreJ8e-P08AMtytbV86L0wSjgYiI2AoUHOpf1y70bmMaLbD6u6UHEG2oFvd5jM-Hg2YTkILyyGE6Zhg0seslwWA9z8OawQKJCQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Montgomery County finance staff told the Board of Commissioners on Sept. 25 that long‑running revenue growth has slowed and several cost pressures could widen a projected gap when the county begins formal 2026 budget deliberations.

The county’s finance presenter said officials collected roughly 73% of revenue budget year‑to‑date through July and had used about 55% of appropriations. Real estate taxes remain the largest revenue source; 97% of property tax budget had been collected, the presenter said, but the county’s real estate assessment base was down 0.10% through Aug. 31 compared with the start of the year.

The presenter framed the numbers as an early look ahead to next year’s budget. \"We are in the process, you know, framing out what the 2026 budget is gonna look like. That's gonna be presented to the board in November,\" the presenter told commissioners.

Why it matters: Montgomery County relies heavily on real estate tax revenue, and the presenter said unfavorable assessment appeals have offset some growth in assessments. At the same time, several mandatory or hard‑to‑cut expenses are rising: an actuarial valuation raised the county’s pension contribution by about $2.1 million for 2025, and health care costs are expected to increase in the high single digits to low double digits, the presenter said. Those two items, plus contractual wage growth, were described by commissioners as the core drivers of the projected long‑term pressure.

Key figures and program details reported to the board:
- Real estate tax collection: about 97% of budgeted property tax revenue received year‑to‑date. 73% of overall revenue budget collected through July; 55% of expenditures expended.
- Real estate assessment base: down 0.10% through Aug. 31 year‑to‑date; the presenter called the current year‑to‑date position \"not a good sign.\"
- Median home sale price (year‑to‑date through July): $490,000, roughly a 4.3% increase from the same period in 2024.
- Volunteer emergency service real estate tax rebate program (first year): about 1,100 volunteers certified; average rebate roughly $600; total rebates issued approximately $664,000 for tax year 2024.
- Identified cost‑containment and savings: $2.5 million of candidate expenditure reductions identified across departments; prescription benefit restructuring expected to save about $1.3 million in 2026; bringing an ombudsman program in‑house projected to save about $300,000 annually; a timing‑related debt service reduction of about $3.5 million for 2025.
- Investment income: performing above the adopted budget and currently projected to outperform by roughly $1.1 million (projection subject to future federal rate changes).

Commissioners pressed for early public framing and more preliminary numbers ahead of November budget presentations. Commissioner DeBello and others asked the finance team for a clear \"status‑quo\" or baseline projection showing the impact of expected automatic growth items (health care, pension, contractual costs) so the board and the public can see the magnitude of shortfalls before formal hearings.

The presenter also noted the county has been using general fund reserves temporarily to continue some state‑funded health and human services while the state budget remained unsettled; those reserves are expected to cover operations through year end but reduce investment income temporarily. The presenters and commissioners said they expect more precise actuarial and vendor numbers this fall ahead of formal budget proposals.

Ending: County staff said they will deliver a proposed 2026 budget schedule and a preliminary high‑level fiscal snapshot to the board in the coming weeks; the presenter reiterated that the proposed 2026 budget will be presented in November and follow the board’s usual public adoption process in December.","County finance staff told commissioners real estate assessment growth has turned slightly negative and several cost drivers — higher pension and health care costs and slower state reimbursements — are increasing pressure on reserves as the 2026 budget cycle starts.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6461220,"Votes at a glance: Montgomery County commissioners approve grant applications, leases, appointments and contracts",283,6801000,7084000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5825556-e9354effb63ce667b12d885a3dd3f057&start=6801&end=7084","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5825556-e9354effb63ce667b12d885a3dd3f057/thumbnail_6801000.jpg","/articles/6461220/Montgomery-County/Pennsylvania/Votes-at-a-glance-Montgomery-County-commissioners-approve-grant-applications-leases-appointments-and-contracts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6461220-e50161111884ed7c8c2dcd348e391dbd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157298&Signature=cE5Z~rbMXK7JIdK1UMbH0aKer9hqniW7FzyWD7R~m2vQ1qphhj8TQvkXPZgw3r0nBd6AcBFHDSR~cFqAErHdJdIXeyVwdMqWT~RP0cISwYG3jchXk9DRLYG7kqpZAt~4ehUmIFio708-hKwNjLyFS46aBF0HcXDinB~lOnc2LaHr0hrr-2t-3lSEKaAb0yVqKtWoZSSz-vYJluLur2mCn~OUzh0tkqNwtu4iAvdHVWWUgSN7sZ2i2vLeHY5sXzPfjHMkDPzJTU53El6oWlROvxSCv5FOs8uLEmAjCsFRzNyquh4x9rwvmNHV8NtvpiNTy0n1U9MyNKI1xgKeUDlXAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Montgomery County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 25 approved a set of routine resolutions, appointments and contract actions by voice vote. The board handled grant authorizations, a lease for Norristown property, multiple appointments and reappointments, the county personnel list and a package of contracts and awards.

Highlights of actions approved at the meeting (all motions carried unless noted):
- Resolution 1: Authorized submission of a grant application for the Celebrate America program funding. Motion moved and approved by voice vote.
- Resolution 2: Authorized submission of a grant application for a residential substance abuse treatment program. Motion moved and approved by voice vote.
- Resolution 3: Authorized entering a lease with Ramco LLC for property in Norristown (for asset infrastructure). Motion moved by Commissioner Winder and seconded; approved by voice vote.
- Resolution G4: Approved appointments to the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention board.
- Resolution G5: Approved appointments and reappointments to county Boards of Health.
- Resolution D6: Approved appointments and reappointments to the Citizens Advisory Council for the Office of Children and Youth.
- Personnel list: The county personnel list dated Sept. 24, 2025, was approved; commissioners noted many new positions are grant‑funded.
- Bids and RFPs: The board authorized advertisement of shortlisted bids and RFPs (exhibit A).
- Contracts and awards (exhibit B): The board approved a package of contract awards, amendments and renewals, including a staff note that moving several contracted aging services positions in‑house will save approximately $200,000 compared with the prior external contract.
- Salary board: The county Salary Board approved personnel actions, with the commissioners later approving the salary board minutes and adjournment.

Most votes were taken by voice and recorded as \"Aye\" with no roll‑call tallies provided in the minutes. The board approved motions to move forward with the listed programs and contracts; where applicable the presenter or department will complete follow‑up steps (for example, vendor notice and contract execution).

Ending: Commissioners and staff said they would publish supporting exhibits and post final documents to the county website; several commissioners asked staff to brief the board publicly on the larger 2026 budget implications of personnel and contract decisions.","At the Sept. 25 meeting the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners approved a series of routine resolutions and appointments, including grant applications, a lease for Norristown property, board appointments, personnel and contracts; items were approved by voice vote.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Elections director: ballot proofing finished; six polling‑place changes approved

Montgomery County medical officer urges residents to get fall vaccines; county clinics available

Montgomery County officials flag growing budget pressures as 2026 planning begins

Votes at a glance: Montgomery County commissioners approve grant applications, leases, appointments and contracts