Last week, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich released his recommended capital budget and amended Capital Improvements Program (CIP).
During a media briefing Monday, County Council President Evan Glass said councilmembers will do their due diligence to review all proposals, listen to feedback and determine how to “make the best use of these limited resources.”
Elrich sent his $5.4 billion recommended Fiscal Year 2024 Capital Budget and amended CIP to the county council on Tuesday, per a release. The recommendations are a $136.7 million increase, or 2.6%, from the previous budget.
During a media briefing last week, Elrich said it is a relatively “good news budget, however high inflation due to supply chain issues, labor shortages and a tight construction market has made a major impact on the CIP proposal.” He hopes the state will provide additional funding to Montgomery County and other counties so “we can stay on track” and not delay recommendations in the budget.
Elrich said the proposed budget includes construction of more high school wellness centers, more funding for Montgomery College and the Park and Planning Commission, and for the first time, funding for the Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center.
“We’re optimistic that we can climb this wall successfully,” he said.
This is the second year of the county’s two-year capital budget cycle. Normally, Elrich said, the second year is for adjustments for minor tweaks around small project costs, or things that cannot be delayed, like a failing stormwater project.
The county council will hold public hearings Feb. 7 and 9. Glass said residents can sign up to testify online.
