Elrich’s proposed tax hikes face pushback from council members

Several members of the Montgomery County Council are not fans of County Executive Marc Elrich’s proposal to raise taxes.

Last week, Elrich recommended an $8 billion operating budget that calls for two tax increases — a nearly 5.89% property tax hike and a 0.1% increase on income taxes.

Elrich argues that Montgomery County’s residential tax rates are among the lowest in the region, compared with Frederick County and Fairfax, Virginia.

“When someone says we can’t raise taxes because we’re too expensive, we are the cheap date,” Elrich said.

In the week since, at least four council members have expressed reluctance, citing the burden on county residents during challenging economic times.

District 7 council member Dawn Luedtke wrote in a newsletter to constituents on Wednesday that she has “significant concerns” about the proposal.

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“We must deliver the services our residents rely on — strong schools, effective public safety, and a robust social safety net — while being responsible stewards of your tax dollars,” she said. “We need to take a hard look at how we can find efficiencies, reduce costs, and spend smarter.”

At-large council member Laurie-Anne Sayles expressed a similar sentiment.

“These are significant asks for families already managing higher living costs, federal employee layoffs, and the loss of federal grants supporting essential services,” she said in a statement released Wednesday. “We should not ask them to do more without first showing that we are prepared to make hard choices.”

At-large council member Evan Glass and District 1 council member Andrew Friedson, who are both running for county executive, have also expressed concerns about raising taxes. Meanwhile, at-large council member Will Jawando, who is also running for county executive, did not have a strong reaction to Elrich’s budget proposal, but he said there would be difficult decisions in the budgeting process.

“Federal funding is uncertain, costs are rising, and demand for county services continues to grow,” Jawando wrote to constituents.

The council last voted to increase taxes in 2023. The increases would require a simple majority — six out of the 11 members would have to approve them.

Community members will have several opportunities to weigh in on the proposed budget before the County Council next month. Hearings will be held on April 7 and April 8 at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., and on April 9 at 1:30 p.m. Residents who want to testify in person or virtually can sign up on the council’s webpage or by calling 240-777-7802.

Residents can also submit written, audio or video testimony on the council’s website.

Landlord organization and employee union release endorsements in county races

Two influential organizations in local politics have finally weighed in on county races. The Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors (GCAAR) Political and Campaign Affairs Committee is endorsing Friedson for county executive. Friedson has consistently received endorsements and financial support from developers while pushing a pro-housing development campaign.

In the County Council district races, GCAAR endorsed Drew Morrison for District 1, Marilyn Balcombe for District 2, Jud Ashman for District 3, Kate Stewart for District 4 and Luedtke for District 7. The organization chose not to make endorsements in the District 5 and District 6 races.

In the at-large race, GCAAR endorsed three candidates, though there are four seats. They are supporting Scott Goldberg, Karla Silvestre and Jim McNulty.

“We are proud of [the committee’s] thorough vetting among the primary election candidates to ensure their commitment to the local real-estate industry,” GCAAR President Russell Brazil said in a news release.

32BJ SEIU, the county’s largest union representing property service workers, released select endorsements of County Council candidates on Tuesday.

The union endorsed Josie Caballero, Fatmata Barrie, Sayles and Elrich for the at-large seats, and Izola Shaw for District 3. They did not announce endorsements in the other district races.

“These candidates are committed to strengthening enforcement of the County’s Displaced Worker law to protect janitors who lose their jobs through no fault of their own when the contractor changes hands at their worksite,” 32BJ Executive Vice President Jaime Contreras said in a news release.