Councilmembers voted 7-4 on a proposed 4.7-cent property tax increase.
In a straw vote Thursday, the Montgomery County Council voted to support a 4.7-cent property tax increase.
The rate would cut County Executive Marc Elrich’s proposed increase by more than half. In March, Elrich proposed a 10-cent property tax increase along with his FY24 operating budget in order to fund Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS).
Councilmembers voted 7-4, with Councilmembers Will Jawando, Kristin Mink, Kate Stewart and Council Vice President Andrew Friedson voting against the measure. It was proposed by Councilmember Sidney Katz.
The council will take final votes next Thursday, May 25.
“I have deep concerns about this budget that was predicated from the start on a false narrative that a 10% property tax increase was needed to fund education,” said Friedson, who added the 4.7-cent rate is “far better” than what was proposed by Elrich, but he has deep concerns about an increase.
“What we do not want is students next year having it worse than students this year, and I think that is a very real potential outcome here,” said Mink, who thinks it would be reasonable to ask residents “to pay a little more” to help fund more of MCPS’ request.
“It is a huge deal, especially for low-income families,” Councilmember Natali Fani-Gonzalez said in response to those who think a 10-cent tax increase “is not a big deal.”
Montgomery County Council takes a 7-4 STRAW VOTE for a proposed property tax increase of 4.7 cents. County Executive recommended a 10-cent increase. @mymcmedia
— Maryam Shahzad (@maryam_mcm) May 18, 2023
