Montgomery Community Media

Montgomery County Council agreed to increase the amount of money it allocates for screening and legal services to low-income county residents undergoing immigration deportation or removal proceedings. On Dec. 15, councilmembers adopted a resolution to enter into a new contract with FIRN of Columbia for $77,932.39 and to increase the amount on an existing contract […]

The Montgomery County Council voted unanimously Tuesday to suspend indoor dining effective at 5 p.m. Outdoor dining, delivery, drive-thru and takeout will still be allowed, according to County Executive Marc Elrich’s order. The council also approved other measures: limiting retail capacity to one person per 200 square feet; 150 people maximum. Large retail stores that […]

Montgomery County Council President Tom Hucker introduced two bills aimed at improving housing conditions for residents. The new legislation would remove mercury service regulators and add window guards to residential buildings across the county. Expedited Bill 50-20 will require landlords to schedule the replacement of indoor mercury service regulators. Officials say the same type of […]

Montgomery County Council unanimously voted to override County Executive Marc Elrich’s veto of legislation concerning changes to the county impact taxes for transportation and public school improvements. The legislation decreases impact tax revenue with the goal of bringing more housing and business to the county, explained Councilmember Hans Riemer. During the council’s meeting on Tuesday, […]

Montgomery County has collected about $100.6 million less in taxes than expected this year due to the pandemic, with half of that resulting from less income tax revenue and the rest partly due to reduced income from the hotel tax. The income tax took “a horrible hit” and brought in about $57.5 million less than […]

Montgomery County was able to increase participation in the U.S. Census by showing up at community events, creating 1,500 lawn signs in multiple languages, using WhatsApp, Facebook posts, targeted text messages and advertising on Ride On buses. Members of the census team briefed council members on their efforts, noting that 78% of county residents filled […]

The Montgomery County Council voted unanimously to require a racial equity and social justice impact statement for every new zoning text amendment. The aim of the legislation, that was voted on during council’s Dec. 1 meeting, is to ensure that all zoning decisions undergo evidence-based assessments on how they will impact minority residents and communities. […]

The Montgomery County Council unanimously appointed Councilmember Tom Hucker council president at a meeting Tuesday. Councilmember Gabe Albornoz was appointed council vice president. Hucker was formerly vice president; he replaces outgoing President Sidney Katz. Katz was elected council president in 2019. Councilmembers offered sincere and appreciative remarks reflecting on Katz’s year as president. Councilmember Hans […]

Renovations to South Lake Elementary School in Gaithersburg will no longer be postponed and instead are expected to be completed by September of 2023, following a unanimous county council vote Dec. 1. The council allocated $5,853,000 from general obligation bonds for site improvements and utility construction at the overcrowded school. Councilmember Craig Rice praised the action, […]

Montgomery County Council unanimously agreed to spend $3 million to update the HVAC systems in the public schools so that when students do return to the classrooms, their rooms will be better ventilated. In response to the pandemic, the council agreed to fund enhancements to Montgomery County Public Schools’ HVAC system to reduce the airborne […]