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Council unanimously backs WSSC exemption bills, citing access for nonprofits and childcare centers
Summary
The council unanimously supported delegation amendments to a WSSC bill (MCPG 10125) that limit an open‑meetings exemption to site visits/tours when no organizational business is conducted, and separately supported clarifying language and exemptions for system development charges to help nonprofits (including leased childcare providers).
Montgomery County Council members voted unanimously to support delegation amendments to a Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) bill and to back changes aimed at expanding system development charge exemptions for eligible nonprofits.
County staff summarized MCPG 10125 as narrowing an open‑meetings exemption to project site visits and educational field tours if no organizational business is conducted; the council heard that the delegation adopted that amendment. On a separate WSSC‑related matter, staff explained a bill that would clarify eligibility for system development charge exemptions — including removing an ownership requirement that had prevented some leased childcare centers and other nonprofits from obtaining refunds.
Staff noted the county currently has a sizable surplus in its system development charge allocation — on the order of $9,000,000 — and that the council’s annual resolution sets a $500,000 cap for exemptions with the ability to carry unused allocations into future years. Staff also said delegates were considering removing confusing "first‑come, first‑serve" language and ensuring there is no deadline for applicants to seek a later refund if they learn they were eligible after having paid a charge.
Council members had questions about operations and fiscal implications; one member asked whether WSSC would need new infrastructure (meters) to implement some changes. After discussion, the council made and seconded a motion to support the bills as presented and voted in favor unanimously.
The council requested staff follow any substantive amendment language as it develops and to report back when specific legislative language is finalized.
