The Montgomery County Council on Jan. 21 took several unanimous procedural and funding actions during its legislative session.

Votes at a glance

- Supplemental Appropriation 25‑34 (Care for Kids program, Department of Health and Human Services): the council approved a supplemental appropriation to support primary and specialty care for children who do not qualify for Maryland Children’s Health Program or Medical Assistance and whose families have incomes under 250% of the federal poverty level. The transcript lists the item as “in the amount of $332,000,000 $332,000” (as spoken); the exact appropriation figure is not unambiguously stated on the record and is therefore not specified in this report. Committee discussion noted the increase will support projected enrollment of more than 12,000 additional children and address shortfalls in dental, behavioral health and pharmacy services. The committee recommended approval and the council voted unanimously.

- Supplemental Appropriation 25‑35 (HHS infrastructure positions): the council approved $189,087 to fund 11 HHS positions intended to expand administrative capacity for billing and revenue participation; the department said expected costs will be fully offset by additional Medicaid and federal revenue generated by billing activities. The council requested a follow‑up report after positions are filled to verify the revenue will cover costs; the motion passed unanimously.

- Letter to the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) on the Shabberton Sugar/Sugar Loaf Solar application: the council amended a proposed joint county letter (previously drafted in September but not filed when the applicant postponed) by removing a penultimate paragraph requested by the county executive; the letter continues to ask the PSC to give due consideration to local zoning provisions. The amendment and subsequent submission of the joint letter (County Executive and County Council) were approved unanimously.

- Consent Calendar: the council approved the consent calendar unanimously after pulling and then acting on Item 5E (the PSC letter described above).

Committee chairs said the infrastructure positions item will be followed by a report to confirm revenue offsets, and county staff indicated further details on the Care for Kids appropriation amount and implementation are available on departmental materials and the council website. The transcript records roll calls as unanimous votes but does not list individual votes in the reading; motions and seconds were made on the record and the council chair called the votes.