Public Safety Committee backs sheriff—s budget increases for courthouse security, radios and Taser upgrades

The Montgomery County Public Safety Committee voted 3-0 on May 20 to recommend the County Executive—s FY26 budget for the Sheriff—s Office, approving programmatic and staffing enhancements including a reduced security contract escalator, vehicle communications equipment, upgrades to Taser and body-worn camera contracts, and replacement ballistic vests.

Council staff told the committee the County Executive proposed a $2,770,373 increase — about 9% — to the sheriff—s FY25 operating budget. Staff identified roughly $833,000 of that as new programmatic or staffing enhancements and recommended approval with a modest adjustment to the executive—s security-contract request.

The adjustments staff flagged were: - Security guard contract escalator: Executive requested $336,000; council staff recommended approving $320,000 to match recent and projected contract hours that provide screening and security at the Circuit Court Building, the Family…