Montgomery County commissioners opened a public hearing on the proposed $632,700,000 2026 county budget and heard a mix of endorsement and critique from service providers, municipal officials and residents.

Fire and police leaders urged the board to back investments in communications and training. "Reliable communications are essential to police operations," Mike Jackson, chief of police for Lower Providence Township and vice president of the Montgomery County Police Chiefs Association, said, urging bulk purchases of radios and upgrades to the public-safety training campus. Bill Henderson, representing the Montgomery County Municipal Fire Officers Association, asked the county to fund an interest-free loan program for first-responder radios, replace aging modem equipment in vehicles and design and build a new burn building at the county fire academy.

Higher-education and housing advocates likewise urged continued support. "We appreciate your consideration of our proposed increase to 0.49 millage," Dr. Vicky Vaztechi Perez, president of Montgomery County Community College, said, asking the commissioners to approve a rise from 0.39 mills and pledging a three-year tuition freeze if the increase is granted. Bj Bridal, an elected official from Lansdale Borough, thanked the county for targeted investments in short-term supportive housing and noted a $250,000 award for ADA park improvements in Lansdale.

Nonprofit leaders described how county funding supported emergency services and food access. "The county's investment and seed money through the ARPA grant to scale Montco Anti Hunger Network has been transformative," said Shannon Isaacs, executive director of the Montco Anti Hunger Network, citing emergency purchasing and Nourish MontCo grants that expanded food distribution. Laurel House Executive Director Stacy Dougherty said the shelter and housing programs served thousands of survivors and asked for sustained funding to maintain those services.

Several residents pressed commissioners on budget growth, staffing and spending choices. "I have reviewed in detail the proposed $632,700,000 Montgomery County budget for 2026," said David Reich, a Harleysville resident, who said the county budget has risen roughly 51% since 2019 and criticized large increases in administrative budgets, including what he called a 217% jump in the commissioners' budget. Janet Lower Salford asked the board to review recent additions to county headcount and questioned county-paid car service used by Commissioner Mahitra, asking that any improper expenses be reimbursed. Sandra Levine said mailing postage-paid thank-you letters to election inspectors was an unnecessary expense that could be replaced by email.

Commissioners framed the proposal as a difficult balancing act. One commissioner reminded residents the county had worked to shave a roughly $55,000,000 shortfall earlier in the process and pursued more than $30,000,000 in reductions, including eliminating unfilled positions. Supporters and critics alike asked the board to weigh the trade-offs between essential services, safety infrastructure and controlling long-term operating costs.

Before the hearing concluded for the morning, a motion to recess until 5:30 p.m. was made and seconded by Commissioner Winder; the board voted "Aye" and the hearing was recessed.

Next steps: the commissioners may consider adoption at their regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 10:00 a.m., and the hearing will resume at the scheduled evening session.