Committee advances $994,000 supplemental appropriation to relocate 4th District police staff to Reedy Drive

The Montgomery County Public Safety Committee approved a $994,000 supplemental appropriation to move 4th District Police Department staff from the Wheaton station to a Reedy Drive location, county staff said. The funding—sourced from general fund reserves—will pay for relocation, furniture and workspace modifications and is the first step toward a capital improvement to build a new 4th District station.

"This is a supplemental appropriation in the operating budget for $994,000 which will fund, if approved, the move of all staff functions from the 4th District police station in Wheaton over to the Reedy Drive location," said Ms. Farrag, the council staff presenter, describing the fiscal impact and timeline and noting the department anticipates moving between September and November 2026 pending approvals. Farrag told the committee that approximately 150 employees will relocate and that evidence and prisoner processing will be carried out at Park Police headquarters on Lehi Hill Road to avoid overburdening the Reedy Drive space.

Council members questioned whether the county and Park Police had finalized an MOU to use Park Police facilities for evidence and prisoner processing. Darren Frank, Chief of Patrol, said the MOU is under review by the County Attorney and will be circulated to Park Police for coordination and final approval. "The MOU is being reviewed by our Office of the County Attorney just to make sure it meets the needs of both Park Police and us," Frank said.

Staff told the committee the relocation proposal followed multiple briefings and a May 12 public hearing (one police‑union speaker testified in favor). The packet shows the funding is available because a prior‑year purchase order was liquidated; staff said that liquidation yielded about $1.7 million and, after obligations, increased the general fund by roughly $680,000, allowing the $994,000 appropriation without new outside funding.

Councilmember Lukey described the current Wheaton station as "not habitable" and said the temporary move is a long‑overdue but necessary measure. County staff said they have done a two‑month assessment of walk‑in activity at the Wheaton station and believe front‑facing services and community access will be minimally disrupted. Commander David Smith described outreach plans including meetings with the Wheaton District Urban Advisory Committee, the Chamber of Commerce and a monthly update video from the district to inform residents where to obtain services.

The committee acted by acclamation to approve the appropriation for the relocation and move the matter forward for implementation steps, with a follow‑up MOU review and coordination with Park Police and the County Attorney's office.