MoCo Government Archives - Page 144 of 243

County Council Approves Bill to Provide Additional Property Tax Credit for Individuals 65 and Above and Retired Military Services Members

Published March 28, 2023 at 12:37PM

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a bill introduced by Councilmember Sidney Katz, which amends the property tax credit for certain individuals 65 and above and retired military services members. The original property tax credit bill, sponsored by Councilmember Katz, passed in 2017. The Government Operations and Fiscal Policy (GO) Committee unanimously (3-0) recommended enactment of Bill 1-23 with amendments.

Bill 1-23 will increase the assessed value of qualifying properties by $50,000 from the current thresholds, so that the maximum assessed value of a property would be updated from $650,000 to $700,000 for qualifying individuals 65 and above and from $500,000 to $550,000 for eligible military services retirees. Qualified residents currently receive up to a 20 percent credit on their county property tax bill annually, for up to seven years.

The Montgomery County Council Enacts Bill 10-23 to Establish an Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Commission

By Patrick Herron

Published March 28, 2023 at 12:25PM

“I applaud the unanimous vote of the County Council today to approve the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Commission. I greatly appreciate the leadership of Councilmember Albornoz and was pleased to work with him on this important legislation. As a parent of an adult foster child with IDD, I know that people in the community with direct experiences can help us. We will begin the task of recruitment for the members of the commission and look forward to the commission beginning the tasks of identifying and advocating for the unique needs of people with IDD and fostering dialogue with families and caregivers,” said County Executive Marc Elrich.

As enacted, the new IDD Commission includes 24 members, including individuals from the intellectual and developmental disability community, service providers and service agencies, and the Commission on People with Disabilities, who will be focusing on promoting direct communication among families, support staff, private and public organizations and the public about programs and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The commission will also provide educational programs, identify current gaps in services and provide advice and recommendations on best practices to the County and the County Executive.

Montgomery County Executive Elrich Leading Economic Development Mission to Taiwan to Promote County and to Recruit High-Tech Companies and Talent

By Patrick Herron

Published March 28, 2023 at 6:58AM

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich this week is leading an economic development mission to Taiwan to promote the advantages for Taiwanese organizations to establish or expand their U.S. operations in Montgomery County. The trip is an outgrowth of an invitation he received from the Taipei Computer Association (TCA) to speak at its 2023 Smart Cities Summit and Expo the County’s Climate Action Plan and Net Zero activities. Montgomery County now is a featured delegation at this Summit, which has more than 1300 attendees from 47 countries around the world.

Montgomery County, which is viewed as the economic leader of Maryland, now is a featured delegation at the Smart Cities Summit and Expo, which has more than 1,300 attendees from 47 countries around the world at its 2023 event.

Update on Oak Barrel and Vine in Gaithersburg

By Patrick Herron

Published March 27, 2023 at 4:14PM | Updated March 28, 2023 at 7:22AM

The first Oak Barrel & Vine store, located in the Cabin John Village shopping center, opened in 2021 and has become a customer favorite. The future second Oak Barrel & Vine store, located in the Montrose Crossing shopping center, is expected to open in January 2023. ABS intends to upgrade its remaining retail stores to the Oak Barrel & Vine brand over the next several years.

ABS is the alcohol wholesaler of beer, wine, and spirits for Montgomery County and operates 26 retail stores throughout the County. In addition, ABS manages alcohol licensing, enforcement and education for more than 1,000 businesses. Generating more than $35 million in net income annually, its profits are used to pay down County debt with a large portion deposited in the general fund to pay for resident services that would otherwise be funded by County tax dollars. Follow ABS on Facebook and Twitter.

County Executive Marc Elrich Disapproves Planning Board Appointee James Hedrick; County Council President Glass Responds Via Statement

By Patrick Herron

Published March 24, 2023 at 9:34PM | Updated March 25, 2023 at 10:59AM

County Executive Marc Elrich’s memorandum to County Council Oresident Evan Glass, disapproving the appointment of James Hedrick to the Montgomery County Planning Board, and Glass’ statement in response, can be seen below:

“Section 15-103 of the Land Use Article of the Maryland Code provides for the County Executive to approve or disapprove appointments of commissioners to the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. On March 1, 2023, the Council submitted the appointment of James Hedrick to me for consideration.

MoCo’s Transportation & Environment Committee Writes Letter to WMATA Advocating For Lower Metro Fares

By MCS Staff

Published March 23, 2023 at 12:14PM

Members of the Transportation & Environment Committee have written WMATA a letter stating that they believe that Metro should adopt a fare plan that is fair to all riders. The full letter, by Montgomery County Council President Evan Glass and Councilmembers Kate Stewart and Marilyn Balcombe, can be seen below:

“Dear Mr. Smedberg,

Montgomery County Councilmembers to Host Community Conversation on Safety in Silver Spring

By Patrick Herron

Published March 23, 2023 at 9:44AM

Per Montgomery County: On Sunday, March 26 at 3 p.m., Councilmember Kate Stewart and Council President Evan Glass will host a community conversation on safety in Silver Spring. The event will begin at 3 p.m. and will be held at the Silver Spring Civic Center, 1 Veterans Plaza, Silver Spring, MD. The event will include a panel discussion on gun safety and safety improvements in downtown Silver Spring, a discussion with community residents and a safety walk. Councilmembers Stewart and Glass will be joined by nonprofit partners, public safety and local business leaders.

“We are gathering for this event because like many of you, I want to make sure that Silver Spring continues to be a place where young people, children, families, young adults and older folks feel safe and enjoy all we have to offer,” said Councilmember Stewart. “Addressing the issues we are facing will require everyone to take part in solutions — Montgomery County leadership, partners in neighboring jurisdictions, our police, our businesses, non profits, and our residents.”

Notice of District 39 State Delegate Vacancy After Delegate Kirill Reznik Takes Job With Gov. Wes Moore’s Administration

By MCS Staff

Published March 22, 2023 at 10:59PM

On March 14, 2023, Delegate Kirill Reznik announced that he would resign from the Maryland House of Delegates on March 21, to serve as the Assistant Secretary for Inter-Departmental Data Integration for the Maryland Department of Human Services. Per the Montgomery County Democratic Party: Delegate Kirill Reznik has resigned as Maryland State Delegate serving District 39 effective March 21, 2023. Governor Wes Moore has appointed Delegate Reznik as Assistant Secretary for Inter-Departmental Data Integration at the Department of Human Services.

Individuals interested in applying for the appointment should submit a cover letter, a resume, and any other supporting materials that they would like the MCDCC to consider by email to [email protected] with the subject line D39 Delegate Vacancy Application no later than Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at 5 p.m. Applicants also must provide proof of residency indicating that they have been a resident in the district for the past six months. Each applicant must submit either a Credit card bill, Utility bill, Bank statement, or mail from a Federal, State, or Local government agency dating back six months.

WSSC Water Now Accepting Applications for Engineering Scholarships

By Patrick Herron

Published March 22, 2023 at 12:15PM

HANDOUT -Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission plans to change its name and logo from "WSSC" and a water drop to the above. (Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission)

Per Montgomery County: WSSC Water’s is now accepting applications for its 2023 Commissioners Engineering Scholarships for undergraduate or graduate engineering students. Graduating high school seniors accepted into a collegiate engineering program also are eligible to apply. Winners of the scholarships receive $2,000 per year and up to $8,000 over four consecutive years.

Montgomery County to Sponsor Seven Pit Stops During Washington Region’s Annual ‘Bike to Work Day’ on Friday, May 19

By Patrick Herron

Published March 22, 2023 at 12:13PM

Per Montgomery County: National Bike to Work Day will be held on Friday, May 19, and the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will sponsor seven pit stops throughout the County as part of the Washington Region’s participation in the event. Registration for the free event is now open. The first 15,000 bicyclists to register and participate will get a free t-shirt and will be automatically entered into a raffle for a chance to win a new bike.

“Today, we offer more bike paths, dedicated lanes, as well as opportunities to transport a bike on RideOn, MetroBus and Metrorail, than ever before,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Biking to your job or to run errands is a healthy form of transportation that does not produce pollution or add cars to the road. I encourage everyone to join us on Bike to Work Day and consider biking as a transportation alternative this summer.”

County Executive Elrich to Hold Six ‘Community Conversations’ to Talk About Long-term Priorities and the Fiscal Year 2025 Capital Improvements Budget

By Patrick Herron

Published March 22, 2023 at 12:10PM

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich will hold six “community conversations” at sites around the County in April and May to talk about long-term priorities and how he will address the Fiscal Year 2025 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) budget. The first event will be from 7-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 12, at the White Oak Community Recreation Center in Silver Spring. Five of the community conversations will be in-person events. On May 1, the community conversation will be a virtual only event.

A capital budget plan that states how much money is needed for major construction projects and for purchase and maintenance of the assets. It also determines the amount of time that will be used for the planning and design of the project. The CIP refers to items such as land, buildings, equipment and other investments in the County. The capital budget addresses planning for long-term major projects. It differs from the County operating budget, which funds spending needs for a one-year period.