Montgomery County Council delays vote on $8B budget amid major shortfall

Montgomery County delays budget vote amid protests

The Montgomery County Council delayed a straw poll vote on a portion of the 2027 budget that focuses on funding for county schools.

ROCKVILLE, Md. - Montgomery County leaders were expected to vote Thursday on a high‑stakes $8 billion budget, but left without a decision. The vote was postponed to allow for more discussion.

What we know:

Montgomery County Public Schools account for 48% of all county spending, making it a central focus as officials look for areas to absorb cuts.

The MCPS budget for 2026 is nearly $3.6 billion, an 8% increase from 2025. For the next school year, the district is requesting more than $3.7 billion, citing rising costs tied to union contract pay, construction projects, transportation and other needs. School advocates warn that reductions could lead to job cuts, program losses and larger class sizes.

The council can either vote to raise property taxes to fully fund Montgomery County Public Schools, or keep taxes where they are, and risk cuts to staff, electives and more.

MCPS Superintendent Thomas Taylor says a reduction of $60-90 million in the school budget could lead to eliminating teachers, instructional specialists, counselors and social workers. One wellbeing specialist told FOX 5's Homa Bash that this year alone, they have had 800 suicide preventions in the district.

On Wednesday, the council narrowly approved a controversial income tax hike in a 6–5 vote. Residents earning more than $150,000 will see their rate rise from 3.2% to 3.3%, while those making less will see a decrease.

What they're saying:

Residents in Wednesday's packed council meeting were disappointed by the delay, with crowds booing loudly and shouting at councilmembers to "do your job."

Pia Morrison, President of SEIU Local 500 called the "deeply disappointing."

"It's unprofessional, and to me it's a cowardly way to deal with people in this room, many of whom are Montgomery county residents," Morrison said.

What's next:

The council will return on Friday for more discussion on the school budget. After that, they'll take a straw poll vote.

They will vote on a final budget May 21. After that, MCPS Superintendent Thomas Taylor will present his budget reconciliation to the Board of Education for action by June 4.