Montgomery County residents press Council over proposed FY26 budget — taxes, parks, schools and social services draw heavy testimony

Montgomery County Council held the first of five public hearings on the proposed FY26 operating budget, where dozens of residents and representatives of nonprofits, neighborhood groups and businesses urged elected officials to change spending priorities. Testimony focused on an executive proposal that would raise local revenues while cutting or underfunding department requests, with the county executive's budget drawing particular attention for reduced funding to Parks and Recreation and a proposed increase in the property tax rate.

Speakers told the council the budget matters because it sets services for schools, parks, public safety and human services across the county. Many asked the council to restore funding the executive cut or to reject the proposed revenue increases as the county faces federal workforce layoffs and rising costs for residents.

The most repeated requests were to (1) restore parks funding to the department's requested level, (2) fully fund Montgomery County Public Schools' staffing priorities, (3) preserve or increase funding for libraries, nonprofit contracts and safety-net services, and (4) explain large planned spending tied to the Dickerson incinerator and to proposed fee increases.

Property taxes and county revenue

Several speakers objected to the county executive's proposed tax and fee increases. The Montgomery County Taxpayers League urged the council to reject a package of tax and fee hikes including a property tax increase and higher user fees. Business and homeowner speakers said rising assessments, coupled with proposed tax increases, would exacerbate housing affordability and strain fixed-income residents.

"We oppose rate increases, fee increases ' for the 911 call center, solid waste, until alternatives are presented to the public," said Gordy Brennley of the Taxpayers League.

Parks funding and maintenance

Park advocates…