MoCo Government Archives - Page 138 of 243

Montgomery County Council Votes to Approve Preliminary Agreement on $6.7 Billion Fiscal Year 2024 Operating Budget; County’s Property Tax Rate to Increase 4.7% With $692 Tax Credit

Published May 18, 2023 at 8:43PM

Per Montgomery County: Today the Montgomery County Council reached a preliminary agreement on the County’s $6.7 billion Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Operating Budget and the $5.7 billion amended FY23-28 Capital Improvements Program (CIP). “This budget makes historic investments in education and in meeting the needs of our residents and our workforce,” said Council President Evan Glass. “We achieved these goals by reducing the proposed property tax, finding efficiencies in government operations and making strategic investments to keep Montgomery County moving forward.”

“The Council’s budget deliberations carefully balanced our strong and steadfast commitment to our students and teachers with our residents’ many other priorities, while also upholding our responsibility to be fiscal stewards of taxpayer dollars,” said Glass. “We fully funded teacher contracts and met salary and benefit agreements for our hardworking first responders, police and healthcare workers. At the same time, we cut the County Executive’s proposed 10 percent property tax hike by more than half. I’m grateful to my Council colleagues who brought new and unique perspectives to the table and shared a commitment to transparency and oversight every step of the way.”

Montgomery County Celebrates ‘Bike To Work Day’ With Multiple Pit Stops Across The County on Friday, May 19

By MCS Staff

Published May 18, 2023 at 4:29PM

Bike to Work Day is held annually across the nation on the third Friday of May to celebrate bicycling as a fun, healthy and climate friendly way to get to work. MCDOT will sponsor seven pit stops with refreshments, music and local vendor displays at varying times throughout the morning of May 19. There will be free raffle prizes and a grand prize raffle of a new bike at each of the MCDOT-sponsored pit stops. Residents biking to work, as well as leisure riders, are encouraged to participate.

In addition to the seven pit stops sponsored by MCDOT, there will be more Bike to Work Day pit stops in the County operated by other organizations. PIT STOPS IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY:

Council President Evan Glass’ Statement on the FY24 Operating Budget and Amended FY23-28 Capital Improvements Program

By Patrick Herron

Published May 18, 2023 at 1:39PM

Montgomery County Council President Evan Glass made the following statement about the Fiscal Year 2024 Operating Budget and the Amended Fiscal Year 2023-2028 Capital Improvements Program. The Council’s final vote on the capital and operating budgets for Montgomery County is scheduled for May 25. Below is Council President Glass’ full statement:

“When I was first elected to serve as president, I promised to work collectively with this elected body – and to bring greater transparency. As an at-large councilmember, it has been my mission to uplift the needs of residents from every corner of our community. I believe we must build on our accomplishments to make Montgomery County a more fair and equitable place, where everyone can afford to work, live, raise a family, get the best education and age in place.

Montgomery County Joins ‘Capital Area Solar Switch’

By Patrick Herron

Published May 18, 2023 at 10:00AM

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County is again joining the “Capital Area Solar Switch,” an innovative program that leverages the power of groups to help residents and businesses throughout the Washington metropolitan area learn about and install rooftop solar panels, battery storage and electric vehicle charging stations. This is the third year that Montgomery County has joined forces with Solar United Neighbors and other jurisdictions to create the opportunity for people living in and around the D.C. area. In addition to competitive pricing on solar panels, members of Capital Area Solar Switch receive a direct line to ask questions about the process and access to a team that vets qualified installers to compete for the group’s business.

The program will conduct a reverse auction with qualified installers on June 21 to secure a competitively priced solar package. After the auction, personal recommendations will be prepared and sent to all registered residents by July 25. Capital Area Solar Switch’s auction is expected to save residents an average of $4,000 on a standard-sized system. The IRA Federal solar tax credit could further reduce costs by an additional 30 percent.

Montgomery County Offers Tick Protection Tips as Weather Heats Up

By Patrick Herron

Published May 18, 2023 at 9:56AM

Lyme disease is the most reported tickborne disease in Maryland. In 2021, more than 900 cases of Lyme disease were reported in Maryland. Symptoms of Lyme disease include:

If left untreated, the disease may spread to the joints and nervous system. Contact your health care provider if any of these symptoms develop after a known tick bite or after spending time in a tick habitat. Most cases can be cured with antibiotics.

Commission on Veterans Affairs Honors County’s Fallen Heroes from Military Action Dating Back to World War I With Online Tributes of Bios and Photos

By Patrick Herron

Published May 17, 2023 at 4:06PM

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs is honoring many “Fallen Hometown Heroes” with County connections dating back to World War I with detailed tributes displayed on a special website created by the commission. The tribute is especially notable as the County prepares to commemorate Memorial Day on Monday, May 29.

To learn more about the Montgomery Commission on Veterans Affairs, go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cva.

Wheaton Will Host ‘Spring Fling’ at Marian Fryer Town Plaza on Sunday, May 21, with Free Activities, Food and Drinks

By Patrick Herron

Published May 17, 2023 at 4:05PM

Per Montgomery County: Warm weather is settling in and Wheaton is ready to welcome it. From noon-4 p.m. on Sunday, May 21, the Marian Fryer Town Plaza in Downtown Wheaton will turn into a ”Spring Fling” free community picnic scene with music, food and drinks from local merchants, lawn games and arts and crafts. Marian Fryer Town Plaza is located at 2424 Reedie Dr. in Wheaton. It is close to the Wheaton Metro Station and there is significant nearby parking.

MCASAC to Hold Fee-Waived Adoption Event for All Dogs May 18-28

By Patrick Herron

Published May 17, 2023 at 3:22PM

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) will hold a fee-waived adoption event for all dogs starting Thursday, May 18, and running through Sunday, May 28. The “Love is Blooming” adoption event is sponsored by Friends of Montgomery County Animals (FMCA).

Through adoptions, education and outreach, MCASAC serves as a critical community resource to promote and advocate for responsible pet care. Animal Services officers are available seven days a week, 24 hours each day, to investigate complaints and respond to animal emergencies.

Mattresses and Box Springs Now Being Accepted for Recycling

By Patrick Herron

Published May 17, 2023 at 3:13PM

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is now accepting mattresses and box springs at the Shady Grove Transfer Station and Recycling Center in Derwood. The new recycling program provides an opportunity for community members to responsibly dispose of old mattresses and box springs and will greatly reduce waste.

Acceptable items in the new recycling program include mattresses and box springs such as, but not limited to:

Council Appoints New Planning Board Chair and Board Member

By Patrick Herron

Published May 16, 2023 at 3:14PM

Per Montgomery County: Today the Montgomery County Council appointed Artie L. Harris, Jr. as the new Montgomery County Planning Board chair and Josh Linden as a Planning Board member. The Planning Board serves as the County’s principal land use and planning advisor. Planning Board members also serve as commissioners of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.

“The new Montgomery County Planning Board reflects Montgomery County’s diversity across backgrounds, experience and party affiliations,” said Council President Evan Glass. “The Council’s public selection process has led us to make twocritical appointments today. Artie Harris and Josh Linden have the combined experience, leadership and listening skills that are necessary to engage with community members and the Council about land use and planning issues. These individuals will play an integral role in establishing a vision for the future of our County.

Number of Montgomery County Residents Experiencing Homelessness Increased by 313 Since Last Year

By Patrick Herron

Published May 15, 2023 at 11:52AM

Per Montgomery County: The number of adults and children experiencing homelessness in Montgomery County increased by 313 people since last year, according to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) 2023 Point-in-Time (PIT) survey report released May 10. The PIT survey is part of an annual regional analysis and report that started in 2001. According to the 2023 report, all nine jurisdictions in the Metropolitan Washington area included in the survey recorded an increase in the number of persons experiencing homelessness when compared to the 2022 count.

Montgomery County’s PIT count was conducted on the night of Jan. 25, 2023, as part of the nationwide effort to count people experiencing homelessness, including: