Councilmember Navarro to introduce Council resolution calling for immediate spending restraint on operating budget items not associated with COVID-19 emergency response or economic recovery efforts

Councilmember Navarro to introduce Council resolution calling for immediate spending restraint on operating budget items not associated with COVID-19 emergency response or economic recovery efforts

ROCKVILLE, Md., March 23, 2020—On Tuesday, March 24 ‪Montgomery County Councilmember Nancy Navarro, who chairs the Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee, will introduce a resolution calling for the Council to exercise immediate spending restraint for operating budget items unrelated to the public health and safety needs associated with the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic or the economic recovery efforts associated with the world-wide pandemic that has severely impacted the lives of county residents and businesses. The Council is scheduled to vote on the resolution following its introduction.

Councilmembers Andrew Friedson, Gabe Albornoz, Craig Rice and Hans Riemer are cosponsoring Councilmember Navarro’s resolution.

“This is no time for business as usual,” said Councilmember Navarro. “Our operating budget must be sensitive to our needs, sustainable in the long-term, and responsive to the magnitude of the COVID-19 pandemic we are facing today. While we have no idea what our new normal will look like at this point, we know that county resources must be laser focused on the health and welfare of our residents and our economic recovery efforts.”

The budget resolution calls for Council staff to prepare budget options for funding that would maintain the same level of service for Montgomery County departments as approved by the Council for fiscal year 2020. It also recommends maintenance of effort funding levels for Montgomery County Public Schools and Montgomery College. Finally, the resolution provides flexibility to the Council to reevaluate resources and spending after the COVID-19 pandemic concludes.

“Considering this unprecedented global pandemic and the national state of emergency, I believe it’s essential for the Council to move expeditiously to provide continuity of government operations and approve an operating budget for Montgomery County residents that provides additional flexibility for recovery efforts,” said Councilmember Navarro. “Our discipline in building the county’s fiscal reserves will serve us well in the short-term as we provide assistance to our community members but we must also make the right decisions now to ensure our collective fiscal future.”

The text of Councilmember Navarro’s resolution will be posted here by March 24.

Notice to all residents: On the advice of public health experts, community members will not be given access to the Council Office Building during the state of emergency related to COVID-19. Residents are encouraged to use #Emergency2021BudgetAction for this Council agenda item on social media. In addition, emails on this topic can be sent to County.Council@montgomerycountymd.gov and mail can be sent to the County Council at 100 Md. Ave., Rockville, Md. 20850. Residents also can deliver any written documentation to the Council Office Building at the second floor entrance on the path from the parking garage next to the fish pond. Community members can also express their views by calling 240-777-7900.

Residents are encouraged to watch Council meetings on County Cable Montgomery (Xfinity/RCN Channel 6 or in HD at 996/1056 or on Fios Channel 30) or on the Council’s web page and Facebook Live (@MontgomeryCountyMdCouncil).

 

###

• Navarro-Budget Resolution 3-23-2020.docx