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The Council has prioritized the essential services we'll need to get through the COVID-19 crisis in reviewing next year's budget over the past few weeks. Given the tremendous needs in our community and the likelihood we'll face a significant revenue shortfall as the economy suffers, this continuity of services approach is the prudent and responsible path forward.
That approach includes not raising taxes on our residents in these uncertain and anxious times. I'm pleased the Council has held the line on the County's property tax rate for next fiscal year while being able to increase school funding as mandated, ensure core, everyday services continue, and find funding within the existing financial limits for much-needed capital projects including the Capital Crescent Trail tunnel and added money for neighborhood storm drain upgrades.
We are scheduled to preliminarily approve the operating and capital budgets on Thursday with final approval next week. The hard work and difficult decisions will continue in the months ahead to help vulnerable residents, local employers, and our entire community get through this public health emergency and resulting economic crisis.
A few important updates on COVID-related closures, reopenings, and assistance programs:
- The Council today introduced an additional $1.25 million to provide up to $2,500 telework equipment grants to local employers through the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation's Telework Assistance Program. This initiative, which I spearheaded collaboratively with colleagues, will help many businesses and nonprofits that have had to move to work-from-home operations on the fly and will allow MCEDC to provide another round of grants.
- Montgomery Parks last week reopened and removed restrictions from outdoor tennis courts, campgrounds, archery ranges, and other outdoor activities following Governor Hogan's updated state order allowing certain outdoor recreational activities to restart. We expect an announcement this week from the Governor on the next steps in the recovery and reopening process.
- The Council will approve a plan this week to spend additional federal money received by the County from the CARES Act. The new funding in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) will go toward rental assistance for low-income County residents and to small business assistance for low-income owners of micro-enterprises. The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds will provide for temporary shelter and rapid rehousing assistance to people experiencing homelessness.
- The Montgomery County Department of Transportation began closing a portion of Arlington Road from Little Falls Parkway to Kenwood Forest Lane on Fridays at 9 a.m. to Sundays at 6 p.m. This closure expands upon Parks' weekend closure of Little Falls Parkway to allow the many pedestrians and bicyclists using this area more space to properly social distance. The Arlington Road closure allows vehicular access to the Safeway at Arlington Road and Bradley Boulevard.
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Check out County farms providing no-contact pickup or delivery during the public health emergency and please consider supporting these local businesses that help feed and sustain us. Expect more farms to be added to the list as the growing season kicks into gear.
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Last week, we had an in-depth discussion with Kelly Leonard of Montgomery Community Media about how the Council is stepping up to help local businesses struggling during the public health emergency, pushing back against a property tax increase, supporting the hard-hit restaurant industry that has been forced to dramatically limit operations, and how Montgomery County is uniquely positioned to "win" the economic recovery. Please click here to watch the video.
Montgomery Parks is seeing significant increases in the number of people using our most popular trails. With social distancing so important to preventing the spread of COVID-19, please consider some of these less frequently used trails and facilities.
Join us virtually this Friday at 11:00AM to ask questions and share your thoughts. Simply clck this image to get to our Facebook page where our video will be streaming.
COVID-19 Renter Relief Act
- The Council passed the COVID-19 Renter Relief Act, which became effective April 24, 2020 and prohibits landlords from increasing existing tenants’ rent by more than 2.6% after April 24th and during the COVID-19 catastrophic health emergency. Helpful FAQs are now online.
Montgomery Cable Channel with COVID-19 Updates
- Montgomery County's public, education and government channels have launched a new Corona Montgomery channel, creating creates a direct communications channel to all residents, including those who don't have access to hi-speed internet and technology. It will air critical COVID-19 related information. The programming is available on channel 10 on Comcast, Verizon and RCN.
Reminder on the Stay at Home Directive
- The Governor issued a stay at home directive for all Maryland residents at the end of March. This means staying at home, unless you have an essential errand such as picking up groceries or medications, going to the doctor, or taking care of a family member or friend. Residents can still go outside for walks and exercise.
- Residents should not travel outside of Maryland. However, if you do, you should self-quarantine for 14 days upon your return.
Special Grocery Store Hours
- The County has compiled a list of stores with dedicated shopping hours for seniors and those at-risk.
MCPS
- MCPS will continue to provide meals at these sites for students.
Closures
How You Can Help
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Support Neighborhood Restaurants: Please support local employers by getting take out or delivery. Search the Visit Montgomery list here.
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Volunteer Opportunities: The County has compiled a list on how you can to help. If you are a medical or public health professional willing to assist, the state has a site for specialized volunteers.
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Making or Donating Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Frontline staff need additional supplies and so you can make a mask for them or donate new items you may have in your possession.
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Donation site for new or handmade PPE.
- For companies interested in selling PPE to the County, please use this email procure@montgomerycountymd.gov
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Donate Blood: American Red Cross now faces a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations during this coronavirus outbreak. Sign up for an appointment now.
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Give Locally: The Greater Washington Community Foundation has started a COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to bolster nonprofits working to help low-income hourly workers, gig workers, small business owners, families in need of childcare services, homeless individuals and many more who will continue to be severely impacted during this public health emergency.
If You Need Support
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Restaurant Employee Relief Fund: The National Restaurant Association has launched a Relief Fund to give $500 checks to restaurant employees experiencing hardship in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
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Food Assistance: See the Montgomery County Food Council's Resource Directory, which includes information on the location, hours, and eligibility guidelines of more than 100 sites where residents can access food and benefits application assistance.
- My Groceries To Go! for Seniors: Montgomery County applicants are required to provide supporting documentation to prove income eligibility. Particpants receive get eight pounds of free, fresh produce every month. Please call the Grocery Plus main line at 202-921-7471 or email mg2g@capitalareafoodbank.org for more information. The Capital Area Food Bank's website on this program is here.
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Senior Nutrition Program: Frozen meal packs are available to seniors through the County’s Senior Nutrition Program. Partners and volunteers are operating “grab and go” locations and are making a limited number of home deliveries to the County’s senior population. To be eligible, most people must be 60 years of age or older. Spouses of participants or a person with a disability living with a participant, are also eligible. To register for the meal program contact the Senior Center closest to you. D1 Locations:
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Taxi Delivery: The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) announced that it has partnered with local taxi companies during the COVID-19 health crisis to initiate a new program available to participants in the Call-n-Ride program to use taxis for delivery of essential goods from grocery stores, food banks and restaurants. This program is for low-income older adults and individuals with disabilities.
- Poolesville Grocery Distribution Service: Orders can be placed online by visiting https://www.mysaval.store/ The most recent pick up location was Poolesville Memorial United Methodist Church. Drivers are asked to remain in their cars as orders will be loaded into the backs of vehicles.
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Healthcare: If you do not have insurance and want to get health insurance through the state marketplace now, Maryland has a Coronavirus Emergency Special Enrollment period so that residents can enroll by June 15th (new date). You can compare prices and possibly receive financial help in order to afford coverage.
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Pepco: Pepco is extending its customer support policies, through at least June 1st, which include suspending service disconnections, waiving new late fees, and reconnecting customers who were previously disconnected.
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Unemployment Claims: You can start your claim online or by phone.
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Housing Issues: Evictions related to this public health emergency are prohibited at this time, if you face housing or eviction issues, please contact our office at 240-777-7828 or dial 311.
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Federal Relief: This guide on federal programs outlines the benefits recently passed by Congress.
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Seniors: You can sign up now for a new free program called Senior Call Check by calling toll-free to 866-502-0560 or by registering online. Under the program, participants receive an automated call every day. If the participant does not answer, they will be called two additional times in the same day. If those calls go unanswered, an alternate person, selected by the participant, will be notified in order for them to check in on the participant.
*Additional resources listed at InfoMontgomery
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