Over objections of educators, budget straw vote postponed again
Bethesda Magazine • • nation
Key Points:
- Montgomery County Council President Natali Fani-González postponed the straw vote on the fiscal year 2027 capital and operating budgets from Thursday to Friday at 10 a.m., disappointing many educators advocating for increased school funding.
- The straw vote requires eight of the 11 council members to pass the budget package, which is unlikely to change after this vote; the final budget vote is scheduled for May 21.
- Educators from three unions representing Montgomery County Public Schools employees protested the delay, with union leaders stating the postponement reflects a lack of sufficient council votes to approve the requested funding.
- The school district has requested a $3.79 billion operating budget for FY 2027, a $179 million increase, which County Executive Marc Elrich proposed funding through a 6% property tax rate increase, though most councilmembers opposed this plan.
- The council is considering budget reductions in 10% increments to the school district’s request, risking layoffs and wage reductions for educators if full funding is not approved; the final county budget must be adopted by June 1.