After weeks of contentious debates about potential cuts and operating with a budget shortfall, the Montgomery County Council has approved a $7.9 billion budget for the 2027 fiscal year.
Part of the approval includes more money for the county’s public schools, but education leaders say it’s millions less than what they requested and a shortfall likely will mean cuts to programs and jobs.
“This was a very challenging budget, very emotional too,” Montgomery County Council President Natali Fani Fonzalez said.
One focal point during the process was education. In the approved budget, $3.7 billion was allocated to Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), $143.7 million more than last year. It accounts for 47% of the county’s operating budget.
Despite those figures, Montgomery County’s Board of Education says it was $36 million less than what was requested.
“To say that it’s been disappointing to see where we are today is really an understatement, and just a terribly frustrating part of this process,” MCPS Superintendent Thomas Taylor said.
MCPS says the shortfall means that hundreds of jobs and key programs could be impacted, including social workers, counselors and family engagement specialists.
“There are many positions cut on the proposed budget that represent a direct blow to our classrooms and the lives of our students. and without them, I believe our entire system fractures,” Richard Montgomery High School Principal Alicia Deeny said.
“We have to make tough decisions with this budget. There is no other way,” Montgomery County Board of Education President Grace Rivera-Oven said. “We were put in this position. We will do our job, our diligence, but not without saying that we told them how essential every one of you were.”
The council also approved a new progressive tax structure based on income. It means those earning more than $150,000 would receive a 3.3% tax increase, and those earning $150,000 or less would receive a tax break.
County leaders decided not to implement a 6.1% tax increase that was proposed by the county executive.
The council voted and passed the county’s six-year capital improvements program budget to help modernize schools and improve transportation.
The budgets will take effect July 1.
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