Montgomery County Councilmember Shebra Evans made the following statement about the Fiscal Year 2027 Operating Budget, the Fiscal Year 2027 Capital Budget and the Fiscal Year 2027-2032 Capital Improvements Program after the Council reached its preliminary agreement today. The Council’s final vote on the capital and operating budget resolutions for Montgomery County is scheduled for May 21.
Below is Councilmember Evans’ full statement:
When I applied for this position on the Council, I did my homework. I attended committee meetings and Council sessions, I read the packets and the OLO reports, and I came in with a clear understanding that public service demands difficult decisions, long hours, and thoughtful leadership. What I could not fully anticipate, however, was the weight of balancing competing needs during one of the most challenging budget cycles our County has faced in years. My colleagues have repeatedly described this season as unprecedented, and after walking through this process together, I understand exactly why that word has been used so often.
This experience has reinforced for me that governing is not only about advocating for the issues we care most deeply about; it is about stewardship. It is about understanding that every dollar entrusted to us belongs to the residents of Montgomery County, and that every decision we make carries consequences for families, workers, seniors, businesses, schools and communities across this County.
I came in with a deep understanding of MCPS, and over the past several months, I have worked to deepen my knowledge of the many agencies, departments, services, and safety-net programs our residents depend on every single day. I want to express my sincere appreciation to Council staff — Craig, Gene, and the entire team of analysts — whose professionalism and patience guided us through this process. Their expertise was invaluable during such a difficult season. I would also be remiss not to thank the staff for the additional briefings, the weekend calls, and their tireless efforts to ensure I had the information I needed to get this job done.
As Councilmembers, we are called to hold multiple truths at once. Our residents expect strong schools, safe communities, reliable services, housing support, parks, transportation, and opportunities for families to thrive. At the same time, they expect us to practice fiscal responsibility, stewardship, and sustainability.
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It is important for residents to understand that the budget is first created by the County Executive and then transmitted to the Council for approval. At that point, we must make extraordinarily difficult decisions — what can be funded, what cannot be funded, and how to responsibly manage taxpayer dollars. And this year, we were sent a very difficult budget. These decisions have become even more challenging as local governments across the country grapple with the effects of a federal landscape that has too often lacked the compassion and investment needed to meet growing community needs. Reductions and eliminations in federal funding are having real consequences for American families — and for counties like ours that are working to fill widening gaps in services and support.
So, when this budget came before us, my colleagues and I were faced with hard realities and limited options. We worked day and night to find solutions that protected critical services while reflecting both compassion and fiscal responsibility. We know education remains central to the strength and future of this county, even as we must balance investments across all areas of government. That balancing act is not easy, but it is part of the responsibility entrusted to us as elected leaders.
Throughout this process, there were real needs rooted in genuine urgency and deserving of support. There were moments when each of us had to weigh what was ideal against what was financially sustainable and achievable. Even with these constraints, I believe we worked diligently to protect the core services our residents depend on. We preserved support for working families, strengthened emergency assistance for vulnerable residents, continued investments in nonprofit partners who often serve people first and fastest, and ensured county government can continue functioning in ways residents can rely on. These decisions reflect our values, but they also reflect restraint — and that is not always easy in public service. Sometimes leadership requires saying yes. Sometimes it requires saying no. And sometimes it means finding a responsible balance in the middle, knowing that not everyone will walk away fully satisfied.
I also want to acknowledge the people behind every budget line — the employees across county government and our school system who show up every day committed to serving residents and students. Our educators, support professionals, public safety personnel, frontline workers, nonprofit leaders and County employees continue to shoulder enormous responsibilities during challenging times. Their work matters profoundly to this community.
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While we did not always agree, I believe my colleagues approached this budget with seriousness, compassion, and a shared commitment to Montgomery County. We wrestled with difficult choices because the stakes are real for the people we serve, and our work does not end with this vote — in many ways, it begins here.
We must continue having honest conversations about strengthening our fiscal foundation, evaluating spending thoughtfully, growing our economy responsibly, and ensuring our investments yield meaningful outcomes for residents. Public trust is earned when people know their government is being thoughtful with both their needs and their resources. That is the standard I will continue striving to meet.
I am grateful to my team — Beth, Kristen, Pam, and Jackie — and grateful to my colleagues for navigating this difficult process together. While the path was demanding and the decisions were not easy, we worked through every challenge with care and diligence. I remain deeply committed to this County and to the people who have entrusted us with the responsibility to serve.
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Read the original article at mccouncil