Montgomery County council looks to reduce MCPS funding to lower 10% tax hike

Cuts being proposed to Montgomery County property tax hike

After public reaction and public forums, the Montgomery County Council’s education committee is recommending reducing MCPS’ fund balance by $22.3 million, which would slightly lower the proposed tax hike. FOX 5's Tom Fitzgerald spoke to Councilmember Will Jawando and MCPS Superintendent Monifa McKnight about the issue.

BETHESDA - Lawmakers in Montgomery County are trying to trim back a controversial budget increase by Montgomery County Public Schools that would trigger a 10% property tax hike.

After public reaction and public forums, the Montgomery County Council’s education committee is recommending reducing MCPS’ fund balance by $22.3 million, which would slightly lower the proposed tax hike. Councilmember Will Jawando – who just announced a run for U.S. Senate – is the committee chair. He told FOX 5 that MCPS should tap into its unused funds.

Possible cuts to proposed property tax hike

Montgomery County lawmakers are trying to trim back a controversial budget increase that would trigger a 10 percent property tax hike that many homeowners would not be able to afford.

Public forum to discuss Montgomery County's proposed 10% property tax increase

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich’s budget calls for a 10% property tax increase – and plenty of opinions on the matter are expected to be heard at a public forum Tuesday evening.

"We voted 3-0 to recommend to reduce by $22.3 million which is equivalent to 1% of the tax increase because of the fund balance. The school system's been carrying a pretty large fund balance of $25 to $35 million," said Jawando.

Cuts to proposed Montgomery County property tax hike

Lawmakers in Montgomery County are trying to trim back a controversial budget increase by Montgomery County Public Schools that would trigger a 10% property tax hike.

It’s not known if the full Montgomery County council is on board with this cut. Council President Evan Glass said the entire council will discuss the recommendation this Friday.