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Garrett Park adopts FY2026 budget amendment and opts into county gas‑powered leaf blower ban
Summary
The council unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 2026‑1 (FY2026 budget amendment) and Ordinance No. 2026‑2 to apply Sec. 31B‑9 of the Montgomery County Code—banning gas‑powered leaf blowers in the town as of Aug. 1, 2026—and asked staff to prepare a resident communications plan.
At the January 12 meeting, the Garrett Park Town Council adopted two ordinances unanimously. Ordinance No. 2026‑1 amends the FY2026 budget; Town Manager Barbara B. Matthews said there were no changes to the ordinance since its introduction on Dec. 8, 2025. Councilmember Phil Schulp moved adoption; Councilmember Gerilee Bennett seconded the motion and the council voted in favor.
The council also adopted Ordinance No. 2026‑2, which allows Garrett Park to apply Sec. 31B‑9 (Leaf Removal Equipment) of the Montgomery County Code starting Aug. 1, 2026. Town Attorney Ron Bolt reported that the County Attorney's Office confirmed the county will enforce the gas‑powered leaf blower prohibition if the town opts in specifically to that section. Councilmember John Stroud moved adoption; Councilmember Bennett seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. The council asked staff to draft and execute a communications plan so residents are aware of the new effective date and enforcement expectations.
What this means: beginning Aug. 1, 2026, the town will apply Montgomery County's provision banning gas‑powered leaf blowers (Sec. 31B‑9) in Garrett Park; enforcement will be handled by the county under the confirmed interpretation.
