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FY18 Budget Update

In this newsletter you will find my thoughts on the FY18 Budget, which was passed by the Council on May 25, 2017. There is also a fairly comprehensive summary of the major items and actions in the operating budget, the amendments we made to the Capital Improvements Budget, and the Council and County Executive's community grants. As always, I welcome your thoughts, suggestions and comments.

Sincerely,      

Marc Elrich
Councilmember At-Large

FY18 Operating Budget Passes

Last week we passed the operating budget for fiscal year 2018, which provides support for Montgomery County Public Schools, Montgomery College, the County’s public safety programs, and safety net services.  The 2.8 percent increase over last year’s budget generally reflects the realities of our situation: since the Great Recession, we cut spending, and now we are struggling to restore and maintain services within our existing resources given that the economic recovery is slow – at best. (For some of the steps taken to control the budget over the last decade, see pages 8-13 of the County Executive's budget briefing presentation.)

While it is mostly a hold-the-line budget, we were able to take some important steps forward.  We gave the school system a modest increase, which reflects our optimism that the current administration is leading our schools in a better direction.  Despite the positive progress, I continue to remind people that we will not close the long-standing “achievement gap” in a short time, and our partners in the non-profit community are critical to that effort.

As chair of the Public Safety Committee, I was pleased that we restored overnight staffing for the Police Department and added six new positions to address crime hot spots. Particularly noteworthy is the addition of an ALS chase car, which meets the need for increased emergency services in Fire and Rescue without building another station—a great example of right-sizing government. We also heard the concerns of residents and Takoma Park leaders and added a paramedic to their fire station. With support from Court Watch Montgomery, the County Executive and my colleagues, we created the first County-operated Supervised Visitation and Exchange Center, providing a safe place for child visitation exchanges for victims of domestic violence. 

The budget also funds some other important projects, including a renewed focus on improving services for small businesses via the Business Solutions Group.  Additionally, I am pleased that we have included funding to implement my recently adopted tenant legislation. The budget provides increased funding for housing inspections and enforcement, as well as two positions to assist tenants in resolving complaints. Tenants make up about a third of our county’s residents and they deserve decent housing and living conditions. Some of the funds in the Housing Initiative Fund will go to eligible first-time home buyers for help with down payment and closing costs.

I appreciate the reasonable and responsible collective bargaining agreements reached with County employees. Our important obligations for collective bargaining combined with the preservation of the existing budget did not leave much room for new initiatives.  While we added some funding for social services, schools, consumer protection and public safety, we must find new ways to address the growing list of unmet needs for our residents within the revenue resources available to us. Given the slow pace of the continuing economic recovery, these realities only reinforce my view that we must look within our existing budgets, where I’m convinced there are opportunities for creative solutions to address problems and move the County forward.

Follow this link if you’d like to listen to my statement about the budget.

Below is a summary of the major items and actions in the FY18 operating budget and amendments to the Fiscal Years 2017-22 Capital Improvements Budget. Lots more information about the budget is available here.

FY18 Education Budget Details

Montgomery County Public Schools

• Approved 100 percent of the Board of Education’s request for a total of $2.52 billion for the FY18 MCPS operating budget. This represents an increase of $64.6 million (2.6 percent) compared to the FY17 approved budget.
• Includes a local contribution that is $19.0 million above the State-mandated Maintenance of Effort (MOE) level for FY18. The required MOE contribution for FY18 is $1.64 billion, an increase of $28.1 million over the FY17 approved total County contribution due to enrollment increases. The Board requested a local contribution of $1.67 billion.
• Includes $58.6 million for the local contribution to State retirement for teachers, as required by the General Assembly in 2012.
• Includes funding for an additional 103.8 full-time employees over the approved FY17 level, for a total of 22,284.3. The increase is primarily in teacher positions (91.2).
• Funding will enable MCPS to meet needs of projected total enrollment of 161,302 for FY18. This is an increase of 2,292 over the actual FY17 enrollment. Comparing enrollment projections (which affect the budget changes year to year), the FY18 budget projection is an increase of 2,286 over the budgeted FYI7 level. Enrollment of students with Limited English Proficiency is projected to increase by 500, for a total of 23,150 students for FY18.

Montgomery College

• Approved total budget of $314.7 million. The tax-supported budget is $262.8 million.
• Council added $3.2 million over the County Executive’s recommended budget to fund compensation and benefit increases for College employees.
• The college’s budget assumes an increase in tuition of 1.6 percent ($2 per semester hour for in-County students, $4 per semester hour for in-State students and $8 per hour for out-of-state students).

Montgomery Coalition for Adult English Literacy (MCAEL)

• FY18 budget of $1.66 million includes an increase of $200,000 over the FY17 level.
• $50,000 to support additional Adult ESOL programs in schools with Linkages to Learning programs.
• $50,000 for support for Adult ESOL in workplace programs.

FY18 Public Safety Budget Details

Consumer Protection

• FY18 approved budget of $2.4 million is an increase of 12.1 percent from the FY17 approved budget.
• $104,706 for a Manager III position.
• $49,314 to fund part-time administrative specialist. 

Correction and Rehabilitation

• FY18 approved budget of $66.7 million is a decrease of 0.09 percent from the FY17 approved budget.
• Budget assumes savings of $56,250 by implementing Telestaff workforce scheduling software package used by many public safety organizations.
• Budget assumes savings of $112,500 by implementing automated record-keeping platform Electronic Health Records that will allow more efficiently manage medical records, medical services and communications with hospitals and other community medical service providers.

County Attorney

• Approved FY18 budget of $6.3 million, an increase of 6.18 percent from the FY17 approved budget.
• Includes funding to create a unit to handle information requests for electronically stored information. The increase in requests for electronically stored information has created a major challenge for the County to meet its obligations to respond to discovery demands in litigation cases, as well as for Maryland Public Information Act requests.

Circuit Court

• Approved FY18 budget of $14.8 million is a 3.0 percent increase from the FY17 approved budget.
• Includes $209,972 for two administrative assistants and associated operating expenses related to the hire of two new judges.
• Includes $29,952 to continue the Mental Health Court.
• Includes $100,000 to prepare for the Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) case management system, development of which begins the second quarter of calendar 2017.FY16Actual

Emergency Management and Homeland Security

• Approved FY18 funding of $2.1 million is an increase of 4.4 percent from the FYI 7 approved budget.

Fire and Rescue Service

• Approved FY18 budget of $214.9 million.
• Includes recruit class expected to graduate 65 firefighters. Five of those positions will support the Advanced Life Support (ALS) chase car at Aspen Hill (Station 40) and the remaining 60 will replace personnel lost through attrition.
• Includes $190,500 and one new captain position to provide liaison services at the WMATA Rail Operations Control Center.
• Added $450,000 for five full-time employees to staff a paramedic position at Takoma Park Station 2.

Police

• Approved FY18 budget of $275.0 million is a 3.7 percent increase from the FY17 approved budget.
• Increases staffing to 1,940 employees including 1,291 sworn positions.
• Includes six new patrol officers for 2D (Bethesda); five new patrol officers for 6D (Gaithersburg/Montgomery Village); two new patrol officers for Community Engagement; one new Forensic Scientist and associated supplies to expedite DNA testing; one new part-time crossing guard for new middle school in Bethesda/Chevy Chase; three new police aides for School Bus Camera program; 36 new civilian call takers in the Emergency Communication Center (27 shift from Fire and Rescue); one new Term Captain position in the ECC; one new Quality Assurance position for the Body Worn Camera program; and one pooled position (3.25 full-time employees) for the Cadet Program.
• Two recruit classes were added, one starting in July with 32 candidates and the other will start January with 36 candidates.
• Added $363,585 to restore Overnight Station Services to Sectors 2D and 6D.
• Added $262,725 for five new patrol officers in Sectors 4D and 5D.
• Added $33,586 for a sergeant in Sector 6D.

Liquor Control

• Approved FY18 budget of $65.2 million represents an increase of 3.2 percent from the FY17 approved budget.
• Earnings transfer to the General Fund is estimated to be $22.7 million, with $19.0 million of that total unrestricted.
• Reflects debt service payments of $11.0 million.
• Funding will support continued progress on DLC Improvement Action Plan.
• Significant enhancements planned for FY18 related to wholesale pricing and markups, warehouse scanning system, updating existing retail stores, improved marketing strategies and classifying more special order items as stock to improve availability.
• Includes funding to purchase of four new delivery trucks (in addition to the 12 new trucks purchased in FY17).

Sheriff’s Office

• Approved budget of $24.2 million for FY18 is a 5.3 percent increase over the FY17 approved budget.
• Includes funding for two recruit classes in FY18, which will produce a total of 20 graduates.

State’s Attorney

• $16,618 to convert assistant truancy prevention coordinator position from contract to permanent.

FY18 Transportation and Environment Budget Details

Energy and Environment

• Approved FY18 overall budget for the Department of Environmental Protection of $126.7 million, which is an increase of 5.4 percent from the FY17 approved budget.
• Budget includes $96.5 million for Solid Waste Services (a 4.7 percent increase from FY17), $27.4 million for the Water Quality Protection Fund (an 8.3 percent increase from FY17) and $2.8 million for the DEP General Fund (a 1.6 percent increase from FY17).
• Voted along with Prince George’s County Council to increase water and sewer volumetric charges for the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission by 3.5 percent. No changes were made in the Account Maintenance Fee or the Infrastructure Investment Fee.  The rate increase will add approximately $1.46 per month – or $4.38 per quarter -- to the average customer’s bill.
• Funds 55 miles of WSSC water main reconstruction and associated house connection renewals.
• Reflects no increases in overall solid waste charges for single-family, multi-family and non-residential property owners.
• Reflects a $4.00 increase in the standard refuse tipping fee (from $56 to $60 per ton for weights exceeding 500 pounds). Loads weighing less than 500 pounds are still free.
• Reflects a $4.00 increase in the tipping fee for open top containers (from $66 to $70 per ton).
• $125,000 for pesticide outreach and education (Bill 52-14).                                

General Services and Fleet Management

• Approved FY18 budget of $38.7 million for the Department of General Services is an increase of 3.9 percent from the FYI 7 approved budget.
• Approved FY18 budget of $80.1 million for Fleet Management Services is an increase of 0.1 percent the FYI7 approved budget.
• Includes funds to replace 201 vehicles (46 percent are Public Safety, 7 percent are administrative, 47 percent are heavy equipment).
• $150,000 for enhanced deferred maintenance and cleaning of libraries.
• $100,000 for enhanced deferred maintenance and cleaning of recreation facilities.
• $15,000 for AFI Silver Theatre.

Transit Services

• $31.5 million included for Fiscal Years18-20 for study, design and right-of-way purchase for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), including $6.0 million for the U.S. Route 29 line.  The details of station locations and other elements of this BRT line will be identified during FY18.
• $1 million to initiate a new, limited-stop Ride On Extra route on Route 355 between Lakeforest Mall and the Medical Center Metro Station, starting in October.
• Nearly $700,000 to operate a new Ride On express route from Clarksburg to the Shady Grove Metro Station.
• $200,000 to extend Ride On to serve the Clarksburg Premium Outlets.
• $33,000 to increase the Saturday hours of Seniors Ride Free on Ride On and Metrobus to 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., starting Sept. 2.
• Raised Ride On fares by 25 cents, effective June 25, to match the fare increase on Metrobus approved by the WMATA Board of Directors.
• $732,748 for new Ride On service on U.S. 29 starting Jan. 2018 from Burtonsville Park and Ride On via Briggs Chaney Park and Ride, Stewart Lane and Lockwood Drive to the Silver Spring Transit Center.  The service will run every 15 minutes during weekday rush hours.  It will have limited stops, similar to MetroExtra service.  Revenue offset is $115,350.

Transportation

• Increased the budget for residential street resurfacing in FY17 from $3.9 million initially to more than $16.2 million, and for FY18 from $3.1 million initially to nearly $12 million.
• Did not expand charging parking hours until 10 p.m. weeknights in Silver Spring (as had been recommended by the County Executive).
• Did not expand charging parking hours to Saturdays in lots and garages in Bethesda (as had been recommended by the Executive.)  Instead, the parking fee will increase by 25 cents per hour, a proposal from the Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce.
• $496,889 to restore tree planting to FY17 level.
• $25,000 for distinctive brown street name signs to better identify Rustic and Exceptional Rustic Roads.
• Accelerated the design for a bikeway along Bowie Mill Road by one year.
• $646,600 to install 12 new bikeshare stations.

Vision Zero

• $100,000 for program.

FY18 Government Operations Budget Details

Board of Elections

• FY18 approved budget of $8.04 million is a 2.4 percent increase from the FY17 approved budget.
• Includes $28,380 for an 11^th early voting center for the 2018 election.
• $100,000 for scanners for polling places.
• $72,000 for off-site election judge training.

Community Engagement

• FYI8 approved budget of $3.8 million is an increase of 3.3 percent from the FY17 approved budget.
• Includes increase of two part-time positions and half of a full-time position.
• Funds $40,000 to the Community Partnerships program to establish the Montgomery Senior Volunteer Network. The Volunteer Center aims to establish a program to identify County residents who are at least 55 years old, possess a specific skill-set or interest and are willing to contribute a significant amount of time and effort to a non-profit or government agency.
• $25,000 for regional service centers matching funds for community events.

County Executive

• $50,000 for Innovation into Action Challenge.
• $240,000 to create Business Solutions Group.

Device Client Management

• $100,000 for Homework Gap computer expansion. 

Human Resources

• FY18 budget of $251.9 million is a decrease of $2.1 million (0.83 percent) from the FY17 approved budget.
• Adds $101,385 for additional support for EEO compliance and diversity management team.
• Includes $57,000 to implements candidate assessment system.
• Includes $38,000 to enhance the Police Stress Management program.  

Finance

• Approved FY18 budget of $81.4 million is an increase of $3.6 million (4.7 percent) above the FY17 budget.
• Includes an increase of $3.3 million (5.1 percent) for the Self-Insurance Fund.

MC311

• Approved FY18 budget of $3.8 million for the MC311 centralized customer service center, an increase of 0.5 percent from the FY17 approved budget.
• $108,140 for two customer service representatives II (at least one bilingual).

Public Election Fund

• Provided $5.095 million for the Public Election Fund for the 2018 election cycle.
• Including the amount already reserved in the fund brings total amount in the fund to $11 million available for distribution to eligible candidates for eligible expenditures.

Public Information

• $10,000 to augment outreach and translation services for senior community.

Technology Services

• Approved FY18 budget of $43.2 million represents an increase of 3.9 percent over the FY17 approved budget.

County Employees

The Council unanimously approved the employee pay increases in each collective bargaining agreement negotiated by the County Executive for FY18 with organizations representing County employees.

• The agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 35, will provide a 2 percent general wage adjustment for all bargaining unit members effective on the first pay period beginning after July 1, 2017, 3.5 percent service increments for all eligible members on their anniversary and 3.5 percent longevity increments for bargaining unit members with 20 years of service.
• The agreement with Local 1664 of Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters Association of the International Association of Fire Fighters, AFL-CIO will provide a 2 percent general wage adjustment beginning on the first pay period beginning after October 1, 2017, a 3.5 percent longevity increment for eligible bargaining unit members with either 20 or 24 years of service and a 3.5 service increments for all eligible bargaining unit members on their anniversary.
• The agreement with Local 1994 of the Municipal and County Government Employees Organization of the United Food and Commercial Workers, AFL-CIO (MCGEO) provides a 2 percent general wage adjustment beginning on the first pay period after Aug. 1, 2017, for members in the OPT/SLT, Deputy Sheriff Uniform, and Correctional Officer salary schedules. It provides an increase of 25 cents per hour for seasonal employees, a 3.5 percent service increment for all eligible members on their anniversary and a 3.5 percent longevity increment for eligible members with 20 years of service.
• Effective the first full pay period after Aug. 1, the Council approved a 2 percent general wage adjustment and adjustment to the minimum and maximum of each grade in the salary schedules for County Government non-represented employees. 

FY18 Health and Human Services Budget Details

Health and Human Services

• FY18 budget for the Department of Health and Human Services is $312.8 million, an increase of 4.7 percent from the FY17 approved budget.
• $1.76 million to provide a 2 percent increase to eligible contracts with non-profit services providers.  This funding restores the 1 percent reduction to contracts and omission of a 1 percent increase mistakenly included in the County Executive’s recommended budget and provides an additional 1 percent increase to non-profit contracts.
• $30,000 added for the Senior Connection program that provides ride services for seniors.
• $5,140 for public information on selecting caregivers.
• $185.286 to expand the Senior Cold Meal Program to five days per week, and four additional weeks per year.
• $34,409 for part-time staff for Senior Nutrition Program.
• $225,910 for Safe Space Program in Wheaton and Montgomery Village.
• $50,000 to be combined with $50,000 recommended by the Executive for the Collaboration Council’s Disproportionate Minority Contract Reduction Coordinator.
• $100,719 for Care for Kids to meet program demand.
• $78,983 for Care for Kids Behavioral Health.
• $76,893 for Montgomery Cares 1,000 visits to meet demand.
• $147,560 for Montgomery Cares increase of reimbursement rate by $2 (to $73).
• $70,395 for Montgomery Cares On-site Quality Assurance Review.
• $161,906 for dental clinic director, dentist services, and oversight.
• $76,588 for Healthcare for the Homeless nurse case manager.
• $76,700 to increase capacity for the mobile dental program for the homeless
• $80,000 for Food Security Plan ongoing implementation.
• $150,000 for weekend food for elementary school students.
• $78,783 for Department of Health and Human Services contract monitoring unit (senior financial specialist).
• $2 million to increase WPA subsidies for children birth to 5 years old.
• $79,616 for full-time administrative specialist for support administering $2 million in additional WPA subsidy.
• $50,000 for Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless security for men’s shelter.
• $132,288 for supervised visitation center (two guards, three observers—28 hours, metal detectors, security cameras, transportation).
• $342,000 for Pre-K services for 40 3-to-5 year-olds (delivered by Centro Nia).
• $2,186,180 to support expansion of 10 MCPS Head Start classrooms to full school day programs.
• $50,000 for Childcare Resource and Referral Center higher education scholarships for providers to build quality workforce to expand Pre-K services.

Arts and Humanities Council

• FY18 approved budget of $5.4 million includes an increase of $100,000 increase over FY17 for grants.
• Increase for grants to be divided between grants and programs for small size organizations/individuals and advancement grants.
• $100,000 to enhance funding for large organization operating support grants, grant and programs support to mid-size organizations, advancement grants, administration and Wheaton cultural project grants.
• Provided $150,000 for operating support for the National Philharmonic.

 Human Rights

• FY18 approved budget of $1.2 million is an increase of $88,427 (7.7 percent) above the FY17 approved budget.
• Includes increase of $100,000 to develop an electronic system for compliance with the provisions of Bill 24-15 regarding minimum wages businesses pay to tipped employees.

 Libraries

• FY18 approved budget of $42.7 million for Montgomery County Public Libraries is an increase of $1.07 million (2.6 percent) over the approved FY17 budget.
• Includes an increase of 8.7 full-time employees.
• Includes $232,672 to add the Deaf Culture Digital Library.
• $394,100 to expand hours at three branches (Kensington Park, Little Falls and Twinbrook).

FY18 Planning, Housing and Economic Development Budget Details

Historical Society

• $110,000 included for the Montgomery County Historical Society, a $32,750 increase from FY17--the first increase since FY14.

Housing Initiative Fund (HIF) and Housing First

• Approved $59.1 million in capital and operating budget resources to be available for program uses in the Housing Initiative Fund (HIF). 
• Allocated funding within the HIF to ensure funding for the permanent supportive housing needed for the Inside (not Outside) initiative to house the County’s chronically homeless.
• Allocated $1.02 million in the HIF to fund non-profit organizations through the Neighborhoods to Call Home program.  FY18 funding includes $300,000 to Re-Building Together and $200,000 to A Wider Circle.
• Allocated up to $1 million from the HIF for closing cost and down payment programs to recognize the new Montgomery Homeownership Program that provides up to $40,000 in down payment assistance for households using the Maryland Mortgage Program.
• In addition to HIF funding, the budget authorizes up to $16.2 million in payment in lieu of taxes agreements to support affordable housing.

Housing and Community Affairs

• Approved $7.5 million in General Fund operations for the Department of Housing and Community Affairs, more than a 22 percent increase from the FY17 approved budget.
• $1.3 million of the new funding will be used for Code Enforcement Inspectors and staff associated with the enhanced code enforcement required in Bill 19-15 that requires a two-year intensive inspection program for multi-family rental housing.
  • Added $30,000 for IT support and general operating expenses for the Common Ownership Community program and activities of the Commission on Common Ownership Communities.
  • Added $210,000 to enhance tenant advocacy and outreach services focused on assisting tenants in resolving complaints.

Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission

• Total tax-supported FY18 operating budget expenditures, including park debt service, is $131.4 million, an increase of $6.0 million compared to the adopted FY17 tax-supported budget.
• The approved tax-supported budget for the administration fund, which includes the Planning Department, is $30.8 million.
• The Council’s restorations to the administration fund budget included adding $70,113 to restore funding for a partnership with the University of Maryland Center for Smart Growth and $300,000 for partial restoration of transfer to Development Review Special Fund.
• The approved tax-supported budget for the Parks system, which includes 418 parks, is $100.6 million, a $1.6 million increase over the County Executive’s recommendation.
• The Council’s restorations to reductions that would have been required to meet the Executive funding recommendations include:
  • $125,000 for activating urban parks.
  • $625,463 for improving ballfields.
  • $212,269 to enhance/expand the trail system.
  • $109,541 for operating budget impacts for new and expanded parks.
  • $236,699 for inflationary increases to sustain current level of service at parks/facilities.
  • $81,329 for a Program Access Outreach Specialist to assist with ADA compliance by providing inclusionary services for patrons of park facilities and programs.
• Also provided a $117,628 transfer from the Water Quality Protection Fund for the Weed Warrior Program and for a resource analyst.
• Approved $100,000 transfer from the Cable Fund for a “WiFi in the Parks” pilot program.

Conference and Visitors Bureau

• Approved FY18 budget of $1.5 million, an increase of 6.3 percent from the FY17 approved budget.
• Increase is from additional projected revenue from the County’s Room Rental and Transient Tax ("Hotel/Motel Tax"), which is an excise tax imposed on room rental rates.

 Montgomery County Economic Development Corp. / Economic Development

• Approved $5.0 million appropriation for FY18, an increase of 19.9 percent from FY17, for County’s independent organization that replaced the County’s Department of Economic Development.
• Includes $750,000 for marketing.
• Approved $3.3 million for Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO) grants.
• Most of the MEDCO expenditures support debt service and facility-related payments for the facilities that were previously part of the County's Business Innovation Network (BIN). The BIN network consists of three physical locations: the Silver Spring Innovation Center (SSIC) on Georgia Avenue.  the Rockville Innovation Center (RIC) in Rockville Town Square and the Germantown Innovation Center (GIC) on the campus of Montgomery College.
• $125,000 to enhance BioHealth Innovation services as part of MECO grant.
• Approved $4.1 million for County’s Economic Development Fund.

Permitting Services

• FY18 budget of $38.9 million is an increase of 3.0 percent over the FY17 approved budget. The Department of Permitting Services is treated as enterprise fund and does not require funding from taxes.
• No changes in permitting fees are proposed for FY18.

 Recreation

• Approved a total budget of $37.8 million for the Department of Recreation, an increase of $3.5 million (10.1 percent) over the FY17 approved budget.
• Includes net increase of six full-time and three part-time positions—the sixth straight year the number of positions have increased (although the total number of positions remain fewer than pre-recession levels).
• To increase senior management strength, added $200,075 for one Manager II position and one Manager III position.
• Added $298,092 for an additional Dream Academy Program to allow a program at JoAnn Leleck at Broad Acres and Harmony Hills elementary schools. Funding will also support the staffing needed for program oversight and expansion.
• Added $52,742 for an additional day of programming each week at the new Dream Academy site (Leleck at Broad Acres) for half-year.
• Added $52,742 for an additional day of programming each week at the second highest need Dream Academy program (Harmony Hills) for half-year.
• Added $97,898 for an additional day of programming each week at the existing Dream Academy program at South Lake Elementary School for full year.
• $50,000 to expand Youth Coding, including staff to administer program.

WorkSource Montgomery

• Approved budget of $1.7 million for organization that tries to match the talents and skills of workers with employers’ needs.
• About 55.4 percent of the organization’s expenditures are for the County's job centers from federal grant funding. County contributions will account for 37.5 percent of WSM's FYI8 revenues.

Urban Districts

• $15,000 added to the Silver Spring Urban District for marketing the businesses in Fenton Village.

FY18 Community Grants

County Council Community Grants

The FY18 budget includes $3.2 million for 138 Council grants to nonprofit organizations for a variety of programs that support youth development, housing, health, hunger prevention, services for seniors and the disabled, and community and economic development. The complete list of Council community grants can be found at here. 

County Executive Community Grants

The complete list of County Executive community grants is on pages 67-3 through 67-13 of the County Executive’s recommended budget.

Let Me Be Your Advocate

Often it may feel that our county government is a large, bureaucratic entity that makes decisions that impact our lives without residents’ involvement. But you are the government, and I am here to be your advocate. County government affects our lives in many ways, from the roads and buses we use each day to our children’s schools, our local parks, and our taxes. If you have an issue, concern or suggestion, please take a moment to let me know, and I will do my best to serve you. My staff and I look forward to hearing from you.

Dale Tibbitts is my Chief of Staff and handles the budget, rapid transit and environmental issues, as well as happenings Up-County; Tiffany Ward focuses on Health and Human Services and Education Committee issues, as well as Mid-County; Mara Parker follows the Public Safety Committee and the East County and also handles my schedule; Debbie Spielberg focuses on transportation, environmental issues and landlord/tenant issues, Silver Spring and Western Montgomery County; Claire Iseli handles planning, land use, environmental and zoning issues. Please don’t hesitate to contact our offices at 240.777.7966 or via email at councilmember.elrich@montgomerycountymd.gov.