County Executive’s MCPS FY26 Community Conversation Operating Budget Forum – Live Tweeted

October 28, 2024

I tuned in and live tweeted the Mar Elrich, the County Executive’s initial community conversation on the MCPS FY26 budget today (October 28, 2024)

This is an initial discussion on a budget that will be ongoing for the next 5-6 months before being finalized by the County Executive, the County Council, and the Board of Education. It contained a presentation followed by a lot of questions and answers. Elrich quotes and discussion are paraphrased and sometimes shortened intended to get the ideas and intention.

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Presentation Portion

Councilmembers Glass and Jawando gave brief opening topics and Chief Administrative Officer Rich Madaleno introduced them and then handed it off to the County Executive, Marc Elrich.

Elrich at MCPS kickoff budget meeting: I don’t see a way to fund the schools at needed levels without changing the way we do taxes.

Here’s his comparison of tax local structures.

Elrich: Without special taxing districts, no $$ for major transportation projects.

Elrich: why can’t we compete with Northern Virginia? We don’t have big transportation projects to compete. We need to look at bold steps and special taxing districts to compete

Elrich: I don’t know how you’re going to get the things you want for MCPS without increasing taxes

What can residents do?

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Q&A Session

During Q&A session: lots of thoughtful and specific requests/questions about MCPS budget items… answers are basically Elrich saying this is a conversation for the school board that does specifics… I can just send them money, they allocate it. And we need more taxes to send more

On question about MVA: If they (MCPS) don’t ask for something, I can’t give them money for that

Elrich: 2 years ago I asked for a big tax increase (supposed to go towards schools) but the council did not want to put the penny and a half back in – we would not be having discussion today about what got cut when the Federal funding dried up.

If you don’t change the revenue stream, you can’t pay for the things you want

Elrich: school system has to fight this issue of trust. I’m still believer because 90% of money spent on staff and we don’t have enough of those

Elrich: I proposed a tax increase in my second year (or maybe two years ago?) but none of these could solve the problem we’re having now. Work with the board. How do we explain to public about what this school system needs. Had I got the $32 million from local taxes instead of federal funds, we’d have $32 million more today.

Asked about Veto power, Elrich says cannot veto a program and cites maintenance of effort law. Moderately MOCO Editorial: MOE is irrelevant when proposing $ over minimum.

Elrich: if you want accountability you need to talk to MCPS and BOE

I missed tweeting the last few Q&A answers due to helping my kid with their homework.

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View the full X/Twitter thread:

Elrich at MCPS kickoff budget meeting (paraphrased):

I don’t see a way to fund the schools at needed levels without changing the way we do taxes.

Join now: https://t.co/Fngbq3mmRh

— Moderately Moco (@ModeratelyMoco) October 28, 2024

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