Montgomery County is Hosting 5 Forums For Residents To Give Input On Next Year's Budget

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — Before County Executive Marc Elrich recommends a budget for fiscal year 2023, he's asking residents to tell him their priorities for the new financial year.

“The budget is a primary indicator of the priorities of any jurisdiction,” said Elrich in a news release. “This is why community and resident involvement is essential to the process of developing a budget that reflects our values and goals.

He's hosting five hybrid forums this month, where residents can talk about what they think is most important and what needs funding.

"Last year, the sessions were totally virtual and this year they will be a hybrid of in-person and virtual," he said. " The objective is the make these forums more accessible and interactive."

The five forums are going to be held:

• Tuesday, Oct. 5. 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center
  • 4805 Edgemoor Lane, Wisconsin D Room, Bethesda.
  • Virtual
• Wednesday, Oct. 6, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Silver Spring Civic Building
  • 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring
  • Virtual
• Wednesday, Oct. 13, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the White Oak Community Recreation Center
  • 1700 April Lane, Silver Spring
  • Virtual
• Monday, Oct. 18, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the BlackRock Center for the Arts
  • 12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown
  • Virtual
• Tuesday, Oct. 19. 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Mid-County Regional Services Center
• 2424 Reedie Drive, Park and Planning Board Room, Wheaton
• Virtual

Elrich is scheduled to submit a recommended budget to the County Council by March 15. The Council will then have two months to deliberate, before a final vote in late May and the implementation of the budget on July 1.

"I encourage residents to participate in these discussions because they are for you. No matter where you live or your age, I want to hear from as many people as possible," said Elrich. "We have been fortunate to maintain a very strong financial position throughout the pandemic, which has enabled us to continue to support programs and services that are important to residents.”