Montgomery County Council votes to meet in closed session to discuss public safety planning

The Montgomery County Council voted unanimously on Sept. 22, 2025, to hold a closed session to discuss county public security planning, including the deployment of fire and police services and the implementation of emergency plans, the presiding officer said.

The Chair said the council "intends to meet in closed session to discuss public security, including the deployment of fire and police services and staff and the deployment and implementation of emergency plans," adding that such matters, if discussed publicly, could "constitute a security threat." The Chair cited Maryland Code, General Provisions Article §3-305(b)(10)(i) and §3-305(b)(6) as the legal basis for consulting in private with counsel and discussing security-related deployment plans.

The motion to move into closed session was made by Council Vice President Juwando and seconded by Council member Lukey. The Chair called for those in favor to raise their hands; the Chair reported the vote was unanimous and that all members were present. The Chair announced the closed session would convene at 9:31 a.m. in the Capital Carson Trail Conference Room on the fourth floor, and then adjourned the open portion of the meeting.

Because the meeting moved to a closed session under statutory exemptions for security and legal advice, no further details about the discussion are available in the public record from the open meeting. The council provided the statutory citations and logistical details publicly before recessing.