Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the 4th District Relocation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Public safety committee approves $994,000 to relocate 4th District police administrative operations
Summary
The Montgomery County Public Safety Committee approved a $994,000 supplemental appropriation to move administrative functions for the 4th District from the Wheaton station to a Reedy Drive location, affecting roughly 150 employees and serving as a step toward building a new station; evidence and prisoner processing will be handled at Park Police headquarters.
The Montgomery County Public Safety Committee on Monday approved a $994,000 supplemental appropriation to fund a temporary relocation of administrative functions from the 4th District police station in Wheaton to a Reedy Drive facility.
Council President Katz said the move is necessary because the current Wheaton station is “not habitable,” and staff presented the transfer as an interim step ahead of a planned capital improvement project to construct a new 4th District station. Farag, a council staff presenter, told the committee the funds — drawn from general‑fund undesignated reserves — would cover the move of about 150 employees and related costs and that the department anticipates moving between September and November 2026 if the appropriation is approved.
The police department said evidence handling and prisoner processing will remain at Park Police headquarters on Lehi Hill Road, under a memorandum of understanding that is under review by the county attorney’s office. "There was a public hearing on May 12 for this," Farag said, and council staff recommended approval as submitted.
Captain David Smith, 4th District commander, described ongoing outreach to the local business community and planned communications from the department’s public information office, including a monthly update video, to ensure residents know where to seek front‑facing services during the temporary relocation. "We're gonna be working with our PIO to . . . put out engagement on where exactly to go for front facing services," Smith said.
Officials also told the committee the appropriation was partially funded by liquidation of a prior‑year purchase order; Farag said that liquidation had increased the general fund by about $680,000 and that the $994,000 request is available without new external borrowing.
The committee approved the appropriation by acclamation, with members indicating unanimous support. The chair said the action would allow the department to vacate the dilapidated facility and begin procurement for furniture and other work needed at the Reedy Drive location.
What happens next: staff said the MOU with Park Police would be finalized after county attorney review, and the department will coordinate community notifications and operational details ahead of the planned fall move.
