Circuit Court to add MDOT grant support for problem-solving courts; committee endorses package

Circuit Court leadership told the Public Safety Committee that the County Executive's recommended FY26 operating budget is about $21 million, roughly a 6% increase from FY25 that includes $134,000 in programmatic enhancements. Staff noted a $72,000 Maryland Department of Transportation grant to support problem-solving courts covering contractual services, drug and alcohol testing and a part-time Spanish-speaking contractual case manager.

"The county executive has recommended about a $21,000,000 budget for FY '26 for the circuit court, and this is an increase of about 1,600,000 or 6% from the FY '25 approved operating budget," staff told the committee during the presentation. The court also described an OBET analysis provided by the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice using the GARE framework; staff highlighted the court's new grant-funded access-to-justice coordinator position and plans for advisory board and training to advance racial equity.

Members thanked court leadership and raised concerns about courthouse safety and staffing; the court noted a 10% drop in open pending criminal matters over the prior six months and said two judge appointments are pending. Committee members requested returning to security needs as more information becomes available; staff recommended approval of the packet's items as submitted.