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County code limits February adjustments to SAG to 10% for first two years, constraining executive CIP adoption
Summary
Staff reminded the committee that county code restricts February changes to the SAG for years 1 and 2 to a maximum 10% increase from the fall-approved guideline; a larger increase would require an 8-vote threshold after February 3.
Council staff and committee members clarified the legal constraints that shape what the council can adopt in February. The county code permits the council to amend spending affordability guidelines by the first Tuesday in February if conditions significantly change, but it limits increases for years 1 and 2 to no more than 10% above the previously set guideline. As the presenter explained, "if you're at 300, the most you could do is go to 330. The executive's number was 340 in year 1."
Committee members also noted that after February 3 the council can adopt an aggregate capital budget that exceeds the guidelines only with 8 or more affirmative votes, highlighting the procedural hurdles to accepting the County Executive's higher near-term recommendations. The committee discussed these limits in the context of public messaging and the need for coordination among the executive, OMB, and council staff to avoid confusing public expectations.
