More on the Montgomery County Budget Process: Slicing the Pie

By Carole Barth

Capital Budget

The capital budget funds county construction projects. These projects are prioritized in the CIP — or Capital Improvements Program — document, which is developed in even-numbered years. The CIP lays out a six-year schedule of actions (planning, design, and construction) for all the programs the county intends to undertake.

Last year, we were successful in changing the 2007-2012 CIP for the development of North Four Corners Park. The County Council directed Park and Planning to develop meaningful alternatives to their soccer field design and to provide up-to-date information on the demand for soccer fields. Park and Planning will present this new approach to the Council in 2008 when the Council begins work on the next CIP.

In odd-numbered years, like 2007, the Executive recommends and the Council approves a capital budget for the next fiscal year. Sometimes there are also amendments to the existing six-year CIP. In January, Ike Leggett submitted proposed amendments which include nearly $50 million additional funding for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and Montgomery College. Part of the additional MCPS funding is to be used to develop a comprehensive plan for reducing the number of portable classrooms. For more details, go to the OMB website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov [URL updated since publication]. Then let the County Council know how you feel about the proposed amendments.

Operating Budget Process

There’s been a change in the process I described in the last Northwood News. The County Executive scheduled five budget forums throughout the County in January to seek input from residents about Fiscal Year 2008 Operating Budget priorities. In his press release announcing the meetings, Leggett said, “I want a county government that is responsive, accountable, and effective, and to accomplish that, I need to hear from county residents.” As we go to press these sessions are in progress, so we’ll talk about them at the February meeting.

In the meantime, you can participate without attending a budget forum; either email the Executive directly or fill out an online survey. The survey form is on the county’s website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov. Just click on the online form link under the FY ’08 Budget heading. ■

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