Montgomery County Considers Property Tax Hike to Fund School Construction

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Montgomery County officials are considering a targeted property tax increase as one option to generate revenue and fund billions of dollars in school construction projects over the next six years. County Council President Natali Fani-González stated "We don't have the money. We just don't" to cover the $634.1 million increase in the county's $6.6 billion six-year capital improvements program for fiscal years 2027 through 2032.

Why it matters

With aging school infrastructure and growing student enrollment, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) faces a significant need for new construction and renovations. However, the county's budget constraints make it difficult to fully fund these critical projects, prompting officials to explore a property tax hike as a potential solution.

The details

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich's proposed $6.6 billion six-year capital improvements program (CIP) for fiscal years 2027 through 2032 represents a $634.1 million increase over the current CIP for fiscal years 2026 through 2031. County Council President Natali Fani-González stated the county simply does not have the funds to cover this growing need for school construction and renovation.

• The $6.6 billion six-year CIP covers fiscal years 2027 through 2032.
• Fiscal year 2027 begins on July 1, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Montgomery County Council will further discuss options for funding the school construction projects, including the potential property tax increase, in the coming months.