Council reviews Montgomery College and library CIP amendments, committee recommends approval

Montgomery County Council work sessions on the FY26 capital improvements program reviewed amendments for Montgomery College and the county public library system.

Vice President Jiwanda (committee chair) said the Education and Culture Committee on March 20 unanimously recommended amendments to Montgomery College’s proposed CIP that increased the previously approved CIP by about $12,400,000 for a total of $410,600,000. The committee cited upgrades including renovations at the Germantown and Rockville campuses, library renovations, and capital renewal projects. Montgomery College President Dr. Williams said the projects support workforce development and student access, noting recent events such as a life‑sciences job fair for displaced federal workers and a World of Work event that hosted more than 5,000 eighth graders.

Separately, the committee reviewed Montgomery County Public Libraries’ refurbishment program and recommended a modest increase of approximately $1,860,000 (about 6.8%) to keep branches modern and accessible. Director Darcel Graham told the council library buildings are seeing greater engagement and require improvements to HVAC, furniture, lighting, and digital services. The Clarksburg Library project received a small cost reduction of about $180,000 based on updated estimates. The committee deferred consideration of a separate 21st Century Library Enhancements amendment that has operating budget impacts so it can be addressed in the operating budget process.

Committee members and presenters described unanimous recommendations on the CIP amendments and noted the projects’ roles in workforce training, college enrollment growth, and community services. No final appropriation votes were recorded in the work sessions; the items will proceed through the regular capital budget approval process.