Montgomery County Council preliminarily approves FY25 operating budget, reconciles CIP and schedules public hearing on $2M resurfacing appropriation

The Montgomery County Council on May 16 took unanimous straw votes to preliminarily approve the FY25 operating budget, adopt a capital improvements program (CIP) reconciliation scenario and introduce a $2 million FY24 special appropriation to accelerate residential rural road resurfacing.

"The $7,100,000,000 operating budget before us today is a reflection of compromise, collective values, and the complex needs of our growing community," Council President Friedson said as he summarized the council’s priorities, including funding for schools, public safety, affordable housing and climate initiatives.

Budget staff told the council the reconciliation package addresses a six‑year CIP gap that had grown to roughly $227,000,000 after recent revenue write‑downs, state allocations and schedule adjustments. Staff said the reconciliation preserves the council’s six‑year spending affordability guideline of $1,700,000,000 and maintains $165,000,000 in MCPS…