Jawando Releases Alternative FY2027 Budget Framework, No Property Tax Hike

Councilmember Will Jawando released an alternative Fiscal Year 2027 Operating Budget framework on April 27, 2026, identifying $189 million in savings and targeted revenue measures to close the county's budget gap. The plan rejects the County Executive's proposed 6.3-cent property tax rate increase and instead draws on 60+ itemized program reductions, a one-time reserve draw, a capital spending growth cut, and a narrow income tax rate increase only on income above $500,000. The framework also proposes a $30 million reduction to MCPS's budget request and a $4.6 million bilateral reduction with Montgomery College, the latter already adopted by the Education and Culture Committee.