By Adam Pagnucco. Three key votes were taken this week by the county council and its committees that have begun shaping the FY26 operating budget that they ultimately approve. Let’s…
budget
D.C. Lost its Bond Rating – Who is Next?
By Adam Pagnucco. Moody’s Ratings has downgraded the District of Columbia’s bond rating from Aaa (its highest level) to Aa1. The move should inspire fear in state and local government…
By Adam Pagnucco. While County Executive Marc Elrich has proposed an FY26 operating budget with a property tax hike, a gigantic solid waste fee increase and a half-billion dollars in…
It’s Not Over
By Adam Pagnucco. Fresh off raising taxes by $1.6 billion a year, state legislators have left Annapolis with their work done – for now. But a new review of their…
Do We Really Need a Tax Increase?
By Adam Pagnucco. Here is a conversation I have occasionally had with politicians and their minions over the years. There have been different versions so I will paraphrase as an…
By Adam Pagnucco. News of County Executive Marc Elrich’s recommended gigantic fee hike is spreading rapidly. The fee increase, related to Elrich’s intention to replace the Dickerson incinerator with a…
Elrich’s Gigantic Fee Hike
By Adam Pagnucco. Buried in County Executive Marc Elrich’s recommended FY26 operating budget is a $50 million fee hike. The increase, which would amount to a 31% rise for households…
Teachers Union Praises Elrich Budget
By Adam Pagnucco. The Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA) has released a statement praising County Executive Marc Elrich’s recommended FY26 operating budget. The Board of Education had requested a $333…
Elrich Wants Another Tax Hike
By Adam Pagnucco. With President Donald Trump ravaging Montgomery County’s economy and Governor Wes Moore seeking a $300+ million annual income tax increase on MoCo, County Executive Marc Elrich is…
By Adam Pagnucco. Earlier today, I wrote about last night’s rally at which MCPS leadership, the county PTA and school district labor unions demanded that the county executive and the…