Montgomery County board raises real-estate levy, adopts $285.7 million FY2026–27 budget in 5–2 votes

The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors voted to increase the real estate property tax levy from $0.76 to $0.81 per $100 of assessed value and adopted a $285,739,377 fiscal year 2026–27 budget following debate at its April 20, 2026 meeting.

Supervisor John King argued against the increase, saying residents are "struggling" and that the county should avoid hiring new staff or raising taxes while the local economy remains weak. "I just do not feel this is the time to raise taxes," King said, urging the board to "give the citizens time to catch up with the economy." King voted no on both measures.

Several other supervisors defended the advertised increases as necessary to address fixed costs and limited new revenue. Supervisor Biggs said the county expects roughly $1 million in new revenue and framed the changes as addressing "needs, not wants," while Supervisor Grafsky noted the budget includes about $4.1 million for schools to cover rising education costs and to raise support-staff pay. Grafsky and other supporters said the increases are modest relative to the district’s needs and the state’s unresolved role in school funding.

The board recorded a 5–2 vote to adopt the advertised tax levies. The clerk recorded the votes as: Mr. Fitzikowski — No; Ms. Biggs — Aye; Mr. Grafsky — Aye; Ms. Caron — Aye; Mr. Kitts — Aye; Mr. King — No; Chairwoman Monts — Aye. The advertised levies listed at the meeting were: real estate tax levy increased to $0.81 per $100 of assessed value (from $0.76); personal property tax levy remained $2.55 per $100; machinery and tools $1.82 per $100; mobile homes increased to $0.81 per $100; aircraft tax levy remained $1.23 per $100.

After the tax-levy vote, the board read a short resolution adopting the county’s annual budget for fiscal year 2026–27 in the amount of $285,739,377. The resolution passed on a 5–2 roll call with the same yes/no pattern.

Supporters emphasized the limited scope of new spending beyond staff pay increases, saying less than $1 million of new investments are planned outside of salary adjustments. Several supervisors urged continued work with the school division and efforts to pursue alternative revenue tools — including commercial/industrial growth and other taxes — and to press state legislators in Richmond for additional education funding.

The meeting opened with a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance led by County Administrator Angie Hill. No members of the public spoke during the public-address segment; the board moved into a work session for budget discussion and then returned to the public meeting for the votes. The board adjourned and scheduled its next regular meeting for Monday, April 27, 2026.