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County Executive’s Proposed $7.66 Billion Budget Includes Tax Increases

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget includes expenditures of $7.66 billion, an increase of 7.4% from the current budget.

County staff highlighted Elrich’s proposed budget during Tuesday’s county council meeting. The proposal was updated to include reductions in funding from both the state and federal governments.

There are several tax hikes proposed, including a 3.5 cent property tax increase, much of which will go to “fully fund” Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) budget request of $3.65 billion.

Charges for solid waste management, water quality protection, the 911 telephone system, the community use of public facilities rental fees and the WSSC Water rate will increase if the county council approves Elrich’s proposals as is.

If approved as recommended, a person owning a $495,000 home will see a $450 property tax increase. For $630,000 home, the tax rate would rise $632 a year. A $1.2 million homeowner would see an increase of $1,203.

The average homeowner could pay about $100 more a year for solid waste collection.

“This is a budget year like we have never seen before,” said Council President Kate Stewart. She explained that members of council committees now will dive into the numbers with a goal of looking for items to reduce.

“It’s a sobering report,” said Councilmember Gabe Albornoz. “I am very skeptical of tax increases right now.”

Added Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles, “I am extremely hesitant to attach another tax fee with so much financial uncertainty.”

Councilmember Dawn Luedtke noted that the county budget keeps growing, often more than the inflation rate. “We’ve got to meet the moment, and we’ve got to meet the moment now.”

Councilmember Andrew Friedson already has declared he will not support the proposed tax increase and did so again during the council meeting.

Elrich will deliver his annual “State of the County” address on Thursday, April 24, at 6 p.m. at the Leggett Executive Office Building (LEOB) 101 Monroe Street in Rockville.

The county will continue to hold community capital improvement budget meetings:

      • Silver Spring: Monday, April 28, 7-8:30 p.m., Silver Spring Civic Building, 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring.
      • Up County: Thursday, May 1, 7-8:30 p.m., BlackRock Center for the Arts, 12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown.
      • East County: Monday, May 5, 7-8:30 p.m., White Oak Community Recreation Center, 1700 April Lane, Silver Spring.
      • Virtual Session: Tuesday, May 6, 7-8:30 p.m. Online participation link available.

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