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 Justice Center and the Child Support Office. Council staff described the $16,398 reduction as a technical adjustment to reflect department needs and fiscal responsibility. - Mobile data computers and radios: A one-time $275,000 recommendation to equip newly purchased vehicles so they can operate as public-safety vehicles. - Taser and body-worn camera contract escalator: Funds to move to a newer Taser model and expand total Tasers in use to 100 units; staff said the new model matches the county public safety training academy device and improves range and cartridge capacity. - Ballistic vest replacement: Approximately $69,000 to replace vests that have reached the end of their useful life.

Council staff also repeated concerns raised previously about persistent overtime. The packet included an updated overtime table showing overtime spending rising in recent years; staff noted that the council approved an overtime increase for FY25 but unbudgeted overtime costs have remained roughly consistent.

Sheriff Weah, who presented the office—s opening remarks with staff including budget analyst Mona Cabrera, Family Justice Center director Tom Mannion and Assistant Sheriff Keenan Jones, emphasized recruiting and mentoring efforts. "I am committed to ensuring that we take into account diversity, equity, inclusion," the sheriff said during his remarks. He thanked non-sworn professional staff for sustaining operations amid staffing challenges.

Committee members expressed appreciation for the sheriff—s office work and pressed staff on some package details. Council member Mink asked how staff determined the recommended $320,000 figure for the security contract escalator; staff said the reduction reflected an analysis of mandated screening stations and an effort to be fiscally responsible while maintaining necessary coverage. Council member Katz and others praised the office for courthouse security collaboration.

The committee recorded a 3-0 recommendation to approve the staff-recommended adjustments to the sheriff—s budget and enhancements as presented. Votes recorded in committee were yes from Council member Katz, Council member Luedke and Council member Mink.

The committee packet notes the sheriff—s office received a $31,000 state recruitment and retention grant in FY25 and is continuing active recruitment and training. Council staff also noted the sheriff—s office is not required to submit an Operating Budget Equity Tool to the county—s Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice because the office is judicially distinct, though staff said the office provided a narrative on racial-equity efforts.

Next steps: The committee—s recommendation will be forwarded to the full council as part of the FY26 operating budget deliberations; any final changes or additional questions would be addressed during full-council review.