Montgomery County approves 2020 budget

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Montgomery County Commissioners recently adopted a $428.4 million budget for 2020.

The budget provides a 2.75 percent wage increase for all nonrepresented employees effective Jan. 1 and includes long-term pension obligations.

Investments covered in the budget include Montgomery County Community College, open space and farm preservation, infrastructure, economic workforce development programs, and public safety.

The County Campus Redevelopment Plan is included in the capital budget as well as $11.5 million over five years to maintain parks, trails, and public facilities.

“With the passage of the 2020 budget, Montgomery County is well-positioned to continue to be a thriving community that is a great place to live, learn, work, and invest,” Dr. Valerie A. Arkoosh, commissioners chairwoman, said. “I’m pleased that we are able to continue providing excellent service to our constituents, improve our aging infrastructure, and invest in our dedicated County staff without raising the County property tax for the third year in a row.”

There is a planned $8.9 million deficit in the budget caused by moderate expenditure growth and decreases in some revenue sources. The general fund reserve will be used to cover those costs.

The county will maintain $79.8 million, 19 percent, of the overall revenue budget.