| The Montgomery County Council has reached tentative agreement on a $4.6 billion total County operating budget for Fiscal Year 2013. The budget, which reflects a 5.6 percent increase over the approved budget for FY 2012. The Council is scheduled to formally adopt the FY 2013 operating budget, and the Fiscal Years 2013-18 six-year Capital Improvements Program, on Thursday, May 24. The budget will go into effect on July 1.
Council Actions Regarding FY 2013-18 Montgomery County Capital Budget and related to Transportation:
* Restored funding for the Bethesda South Metro entrance to demonstrate its commitment to the Purple Line, and included funds for the Capital Crescent Trail.
* Traffic projects that continue the implementation of the White Flint Sector Plan also remain funded and on schedule.
* Planning for a proposed County-wide rapid transit system continues.
* Increased funding for roadway patching and resurfacing by $16.25 million (95 percent) in FY 2013.
* Increased funding for sidewalk and curb replacement by $2.5 million (40 percent) in FY 2013.
Council Actions Regarding FY 2013 Montgomery County Operating Budget and related to Transportation:
Service or program related --
• Added $56,195 to restore funds to re-time pedestrian signals.
• Added $100,000 to re-start raised pavement marker program.
• Added $152,300 to repair failed traffic detectors.
New increases in transit fares or parking fees --
• Increased Ride On Monthly Pass from $40 to $45.
• Increased cash or token Ride On fare from $1.70 to $1.80.
• Increased regular SmarTrip Ride On fare from $1.50 to $1.60.
• Increased Senior/Disabled cash/token fare on local bus from $0.85 to $0.90.
• Increased Senior/Disabled SmarTrip fare on local bus from $0.75 to $0.80.
• In the Bethesda Parking Lot District (PLD): raised the fee for short-term parking from $1.00/hour to $1.25/hour, long-term parking from $0.75/hour to $0.80/hour, the monthly pass from $140 to $150, and the associated daily and carpool passes, effective July 1, 2012; Council did not approve the Executive’s proposal to extend enforcement hours to Saturdays.
• In the Silver Spring PLD: raised the fee for short-term parking from $0.75/hour to $1.00/hour, long-term parking from $0.60/hour to $0.65/hour, the monthly pass from $113 to $123, and the associated daily and carpool passes, effective Jan. 1, 2013. Council did not approve the Executive’s proposal to extend enforcement hours to Saturdays and to 7 p.m.
• Established a pilot program whereby residents of South Silver Spring can buy a monthly parking pass for the Kennett and King Street garages for the discounted price of $95; the pilot will run from Oct. 1, 2012 until June 30, 2014.
• In the Wheaton PLD: raised the fee for short-term parking from $0.50/hour to $0.75/hour, long-term parking from $0.50/hour to $0.60/hour, the monthly pass from $95 to $113, and the associated daily and carpool passes, effective July 1, 2012. Council did not approve the Executive’s proposal to extend enforcement hours to 10 p.m.
The budget includes funding for most County employees to receive a $2,000 one-time lump sum payment that will not increase the employee’s base salary. This is in lieu of a cost of living increase or salary increments based upon performance.
For more information see the County Council's press release.
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Seniors
