The public is invited to participate in the legislative decision-making process in Montgomery County, Maryland. First, you must become knowledgeable about Montgomery County, Maryland local government structure and operation.
The Montgomery County Council is the legislative branch of County Government. It has nine members, all elected at the same time by the voters of Montgomery County for four-year terms. The terms of the present Council, elected November 2010, began at noon on December 6, 2010 and will continue until noon on the first Monday in December 2014.
Five members of the Council are elected by the voters of their respective council districts. Four members are elected at-large by all the voters of the County. The Council officers are elected by the Council from among its members in December for a one-year term.
Montgomery County residents are very much a part of the Council's decision-making process. Whether the decision is a new law, a master plan, or the budget, Council rules and procedures provide for the consideration of views received at public hearings, by mail, e-mail, by telephone, or in person.
Here are ways you can become involved in the Council's decision-making process:
- Public Hearing Procedures
- How to Get Information About Issues Before the Council
- Guidelines for Speakers and Spectators
- Meeting Room Capacity Limitations
- Prohibitions In the Law
- How to Testify Effectively
- Open Meetings
- Attending/Speaking at Public Hearings
- Alternatives to Testifying
- Ways to See and/or Hear the Council Sessions
- Ex Parte Communications
District 39 - Montgomery County Council Members
1. District 1 - Roger Berliner, Democrat
2. District 2 - Craig Rice, Democrat
3. District 3 - Phil Andrews, Democrat
4. District 4 - Nancy Navarro, Democrat
5. District 5 - Valerie Ervin, Democrat
6. All Districts At-Large - Marc Elrich, Democrat
7. All Districts At-Large - Nancy Floreen, Democrat
8. All Districts At-Large - George Leventhal, Democrat
9. All Districts At-Large - Hans Riemer, Democrat
Officers for 2010-2011 are:
- President: Valerie Ervin
- Vice-President: Roger Berliner
As of December 6, 2010 the Council President receives a salary of $104,022 per year. The other members receive a salary of $94,351 per year.
The Council's Responsibilities:
The County Council's responsibilities are specified by the County Charter and state law. Some of the Council's principal responsibilities are:
- Appropriates money to fund the capital and operating budgets and sets the local property tax rate and other local taxes.
- Approves all land use plans including the General Plan, area master plans, and sector plans prepared by the Planning Board.
- Acts on zoning changes.
- Exercises oversight over County programs to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
- Approves the six-year capital improvements, public services, and fiscal policy programs.
- Approves the county Ten Year Solid Waste and Water Supply and Sewerage System Plans.
- Serves as the Board of Health for Montgomery County.
- Enacts all County laws and amendments to the Code.
- The Council sets the tax rates required to fund the County budgets.
- The Council confirms major appointments made by the County Executive and appoints the members of the Montgomery County Planning Board and the Board of Appeals.
- Acts on or initiates reorganization plans for the County government's executive branch.
- Directs and reviews the annual independent audit of County government operations.
When the Council Meets:
The Council generally meets on Tuesdays beginning at 9 a.m. The Council meets other days in committees and frequently holds public hearings and forums in the evenings. Nearly all Council meetings are open to the public.
Council Procedures:
The Council conducts business in the following manner:
- An item of business is introduced at a regular Tuesday session. The public is notified through the advance agenda and Council report and the Council's website.
- The Council schedules a public hearing if required by law, which is advertised in Montgomery County newspapers as well as in the agenda. Special measures may be advertised by press release.
- After the public hearing, the Council holds committee and full Council work sessions. For work sessions, the staff prepares a packet of material for the Council's consideration that summarizes issues raised.
- Work sessions are open to the public and are publicized through the agenda mailing. After the work sessions, the item is brought before the Council for final action, usually at a regular Tuesday session.
For more information or contact information for each Council Member go to:
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/csltmpl.asp?url=/content/council/index.asp
SOURCE: www.montgomerycountymd.gov
