Residents urge council to reject proposed FY26 property tax increase at lengthy public hearing

A wide‑ranging public hearing on April 22 drew sustained opposition to the Montgomery County Executive’s proposed FY26 real property tax rate increase, with more than two dozen speakers urging the County Council to reject a roughly 3.5¢ increase earmarked largely for education spending.

The hearing opened with a series of speakers representing real estate associations, condominium and homeowner groups, business chambers and taxpayer organizations. Samantha D'Amato, speaking for the Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors, told the council "Do not set us up for a more difficult budget discussion decisions ahead" and urged rejection of a second tax‑rate increase in two years, warning it would deepen housing unaffordability.

Multiple speakers emphasized the disproportionate effect on renters, working families, seniors and Latino households. Diana Casaraco, who identified herself as a Hispanic real estate professional, said Latinos now make up over 20% of the county population and warned that a tax hike "would push even more of us into financial precarity, displacing working families and small landlords who provide affordable rentals." Several speakers cited recent assessment increases and state tax actions that they said have shifted more burden onto Montgomery County residents.

Others focused on school spending and accountability. Gordy Brennning of the Taxpayers League urged the council to tie spending to measurable academic results and control MCPS overhead. Barbara Moskowitz, a 50‑year Bethesda resident, said repeated assessment increases and "mansionization" in neighborhoods have driven tax bills higher even without rate changes.

Business groups also opposed the change. Angela Franco, president and CEO of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, told the council increasing property taxes would harm the county’s ability to attract and retain businesses and urged a budget that "lives within our means." Stephanie Helsing of the Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce said the proposed tax hike combined with other fees will deter investment and disproportionately affect small and minority‑owned businesses in Silver Spring.

Several residents recounted personal hardship tied to assessments, rising insurance costs and flat incomes. Jenny McAtee and Carol Plata described the compounding effects of fee increases and assessment jumps on condominium owners and fixed‑income seniors. Patricia Toomey, who testified earlier during the emergency rental assistance hearing about her own housing instability, and other speakers noted that while some programs aim to address affordability, increased taxes will worsen immediate burdens.

Speakers urged alternatives ranging from expanding housing supply, targeted first‑time buyer programs, spending reforms, and holding MCPS accountable for outcomes rather than assuming continued rate increases. Jeremiah Pope, representing working families, encouraged the council to pursue "smarter budgeting, elimination of unnecessary expenditures, and investments in more efficient service delivery models."

The public hearing was extensive; the council closed the hearing after the scheduled speakers and took no immediate vote on the FY26 real property tax rate during this session. The record shows the council collected a broad cross‑section of opposition and requests for more fiscal restraint and targeted policy changes.

What happens next

A Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee work session on the item was scheduled for May 1, 2025; the council will consider written materials submitted by April 24 and may take further action after committee review and budget reconciliation.