Circuit Court staff recommend grant-funded additions for problem-solving courts; committee backs budget

The Montgomery County Public Safety Committee on May 20 recommended approval, 3-0, of the County Executive—s FY26 Circuit Court operating budget, which the executive proposed at about $21 million — a roughly $1.6 million increase over FY25 that includes a $72,000 Maryland Department of Transportation grant for problem-solving courts.

Ms. Farag, presenting the packet for the circuit court, told the committee the recommended increase included roughly $134,000 in programmatic and staffing enhancements and about $1.14 million for compensation and required operating expenses. "The county executive has recommended about a $21,000,000 budget for FY '26 for the circuit court," she said.

Council staff and court leadership described the $72,000 MDOT award as funding for contractual services, indirect costs, drug testing and monitoring for problem-solving courts (DUI court, drug court and mental health court), a part-time Spanish-speaking contractual case manager, ethyl glucuronide testing for DUI court alcohol testing, and travel to training for three court members to attend a national conference.

Other packet items included converting a part-time senior-judge coordinator position to full time (about $62,000), shifting a state position supplement NDA to county-funded assistants (about $60,000), and a $10,000 increase for mediation training under the Alternative Dispute Resolution grant. Council staff said most of the recommended budget represented a continuation of current services.

Judge James Bonifant, administrative judge for the Circuit Court, and court staff were present. Bonifant and court staff highlighted efforts to expand an access-to-justice coordinator post (grant funded) and creation of advisory and DEI-related training to improve court interactions and reduce compounding system impacts. "The circuit court has recently created a grant funded access to justice coordinator position and that position will be responsible for identifying, addressing, and implementing policies and practices that advance racial equity," Ms. Farag summarized from the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice analysis included in the packet.

Committee members noted ongoing concern about courthouse security and asked that the subject be revisited after additional task-force recommendations and expert input. Committee chair and members indicated support for the court—s budget as presented and recommended approval to the full council; recorded committee votes were yes from Council member Katz, Council member Luedke and Council member Mink.

Next steps: The recommended budget and grant items will move to full council consideration during the FY26 review process.