Vote expected: The Council is expected to vote on Bill 1-24, Bond Authorization, and its companion resolution . The legislation is required to implement the appropriations approved in the Amended FY23-28 CIP. Expedited Bill 1-24 would increase the County’s general obligation bond authorization by more than $2.8 million in certain public facility categories. The companion resolution consolidates the previously approved bond authorizations and increases the total authorization by the amount recommended in Expedited Bill 1-24. Additionally, the resolution allows the consolidated bond authorization to be issued, sold and delivered from time to time as one or more series of bond anticipation notes. The lead sponsor is the Council president, at the request of the County Executive.
Vote expected: The Council is expected to vote on a resolution to indicate the Council’s intent to approve or reject provisions of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the County and Montgomery County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association (MCVFRA). The terms of the agreement would require the introduction of legislation to increase length-of-service (LOSAP) benefits, increase the nominal fee payable to active volunteers and increase operational funds payable to MCVFRA. The joint GO and PS Committee unanimously recommend approval.
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County law requires the County Executive to submit to the Council any element of an agreement with an authorized representative that requires an appropriation of funds, may have a future fiscal impact, is inconsistent with any County law or regulation, or requires the enactment or adoption of any County law or regulation. On Nov. 1, 2023, the County Executive submitted to the Council an MOA with MCVFRA for FY23 through FY26. On Nov. 14, 2023, the Council adopted a resolution to extend the deadline to approve or disapprove of the terms of the MOA until March 1, 2024, to permit adequate review. The Council must notify the parties within 60 days if it disapproves an agreement in whole or in part.
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Vote expected: The Council is expected to vote on a supplemental appropriation to the FY24 Operating Budget for the MCVFRA contract. The joint GO and PS Committee recommends approval in the amount of $355,688, which is an addition of $19,500 to cover an additional Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) that is required under the new agreement.
The request will fund certain elements of the pending agreement between Montgomery County and MCVFRA. On Nov. 1, 2023, the Executive submitted a negotiated agreement between the County and the MCVFRA, effective July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2025, for Council review and action along with the proposed Expedited Bill 41-23, which would fund the negotiated increase to the volunteers’ LOSAP benefits.
For updates and link to press release, see here: http://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail.aspx?Item_ID=44725