Press Release

Montgomery County Executive, Legislature Reach Budget Agreement

Working collaboratively, two branches of government set to adopt final county budget

FONDA - County Executive Matthew L. Ossenfort, Legislative Chairman Thomas L. Quackenbush and Budget & Finance Chairman Martin P. Kelly announced Tuesday that an agreement has been reached on amendments to the Executive Budget. That new budget was adopted by the County Legislature and barring any other action will take effect on Jan. 1, 2015.

Ossenfort presented the county's first Executive Budget, back on Sept. 3, and in the following five weeks, the two sides have been working together to identify areas where slight modifications were appropriate to the proposed executive budget.

"I am pleased that the working relationship between me and the County Legislature has been a positive one throughout the budget process," Ossenfort said. "Where they have been differences of opinion, we have been able to have constructive dialogue that is data driven and focused on moving Montgomery County forward in a positive way."

2015 County Budget snapshot

• Respecting the Tax Cap - By making tough decisions and prioritizing resources, the adopted budget ensures critical needs are met, in addition to staying UJ.1der the tax cap
• Closes nearly $4 million budget deficit by $1.1 million and puts the county on the path towards a balanced budget & stable finances
• Budget proposes $1.1 million in one-shot revenues to pay for one-shot expenses, including much needed equipment for the Department of Public Works, four new patrol cars for the Sheriffs Office, a handicapped-accessible Veterans Van, capital for Fulton-Montgomery Community College and a Community Service work crew truck
• Resource Recovery position will improve ability to crack down on fraud in Department of Social Services
• Restructuring of Personnel, DPW and other county departments will provide increased efficiency & accountability
• Staffing investments in Montgomery County Business Development Center will ensure the county is well positioned to help create jobs and attract private sector investment to increase tax base
• Implements a budget neutral solid waste operation, following dissolution of MOSA

"By including everyone throughout this process, we have been able to keep any modifications to a minimum," Kelly said. "This budget has seen a lot of hard work put into it over the past couple of months. I think the result is something that we are proud of and one that I hope residents can support."

The two branches of government worked collaboratively throughout this budget process, with the goal of adopting the 2015 county budget.

"With the new form of government still less than a year old, I think we have enjoyed a successful budget process," Quackenbush said. "We've set a strong precedent of working together to reach common goals and this process has been no different."