Montgomery County Council approves pension tweak, fire overtime and budget supplements

Montgomery County Council members on May 21 voted unanimously on several measures including a pension change tied to Social Security integration for Group G, two supplemental appropriations and the nomination of a planning-board member.

Vice President Stewart presented Bill 9-24, which adjusts the Social Security integration age for Group G employees as part of a negotiated agreement with the local firefighters’ union. Stewart said the council adopted an amendment specifying an effective date and corrected an earlier packet error: “the effective date is 09/01/2024,” she said. The bill passed by roll call with all ten voting members present voting yes.

The council also approved supplemental appropriation 24-80, a $5.2 million transfer to the county’s employee health benefits self-insurance fund. The appropriation was moved by Vice President Stewart and seconded by Councilmember Malukhi; the council recorded the measure as approved unanimously.

On a separate budget item, the council approved supplemental appropriation 24-75 for the Fire and Rescue Service, totaling $16,311,002 to cover an anticipated FY24 overtime overrun and other operating costs. Public Safety Chair Katz and staff member Ms. Farag said overtime was underbudgeted and the department expects to exceed its allotment by roughly $10.9 million this fiscal year. Katz moved the item and it passed unanimously.

The council also confirmed the renomination of Sean Bartley to the Montgomery County Planning Board after a motion and second; the appointment was approved by roll call.

All votes taken on May 21 were recorded as unanimous in favor. The council proceeded through the consent calendar and moved other procedural business at the same meeting.