Montgomery County Council has scheduled public hearings on December 3 and January 14, 2025, to hear testimony on several new budgetary and policy resolutions. Resolutions addressing working families' needs, enhancing police resources, and bolstering health and human services are on the docket for December. Residents interested in voicing their opinions on these matters have until December 2 at 2 p.m. to sign up to speak for the December session and by January 13 for the January hearing.
Among the resolutions listed for public hearings is a proposal for a Supplemental Appropriation to the FY25 Operating Budget, anticipated to boost the Non-Departmental Account Working Families Income Supplement with $746,521, courtesy of a Federal Grant, as reported by Montgomery County's press release. Similarly slated for discussion are substantial federal grants aimed at the Department of Police for a new Crime Laboratory Information Management System and a Crisis Co-Response Team, totaling upwards of $1.6 million.
Resolutions to improve health services, including a competitive Victims of Crime Act (VOCA/VOCG) grant and funding for youth vaping and nicotine addiction response, which find their source in the General Fund attached to the JUUL/Altria settlement, are also on the agenda. The Department of General Services also seeks approval for capital appropriations to drive energy conservation and utilize Exelon-Pepco merger funds.
On January 14, attention shifted to the Department of Technology and Enterprise Business Solutions, pursuing a $308,000 Copilot 365 Pilot Program funded by General Funds from Undesignated Reserves. Moreover, an Expedited Bill related to the Police's U visa Law Enforcement Certification Policy, titled "U V.I.S.A" Act, is up for discussion, seeking to align local law enforcement policy with federal immigration laws.
Residents can sign up for in-person or remote testimony through the Council's website or call 240-777-7803 for more details on participating in the hearings. Written testimonies in various formats can be mailed to the County Council or submitted online. The public hearings will be broadcast live across multiple platforms, ensuring transparency and easy access for those unable to attend. Full details on registration and upcoming Council agendas remain accessible on the Council's official website.
