Tag Archives: David Scull Park

Residents Invited to Weigh in on FY 2026 Budget

By Max van Balgooy on

The Rockville City Council meeting on March 17, 2025, includes a Compensation and Classification Study presentation, updates on the FY 2026 budget, and a public hearing on the budget proposal. The Council will also discuss rent increase guidelines and approve state grant agreements for David Scull Park improvements. The session includes a budget work session on strategic initiatives, reorganization, and revenues, followed by general business updates.

This meeting is an important opportunity for you to stay informed and engaged with the decisions that shape our community.

Key Agenda Items:

Compensation and Classification Study Presentation. The Council will review findings from a citywide study evaluating employee salaries, benefits, and job classifications. The study, conducted by Bolton Partners, assesses whether city pay is competitive within the region and aligns with Rockville’s compensation philosophy. Recommendations include pay structure adjustments, improved job classification processes, and potential salary increases for underpaid positions. The discussion will help shape future budget and policy decisions to ensure fair compensation for city employees.

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Posted in: City Council, Development, Housing, Parks, Police and Fire, Recreation, Taxes | Tagged: , ,

Mayor and Council to Consider Major Funding Boost for Climate and Pedestrian Plans

By Max van Balgooy on
Without an increase in city property taxes, the annual operating budget for Rockville has grown by nearly 40%. If Rockville can do it, why does Montgomery County continue to increase tax rates?

At its Monday, March 4, 2024 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council will discuss fees, taxes, and federal earmarks for FY2025. On the Consent Agenda (items approved without discussion) are a water meter easement for 1151 Fortune Terrace. The Mayor and Council will also receive reports on the proposed budget for FY2025.

For FY2025, the City Council will be considering increasing staffing levels by 12 fulltime positions, half of which will be police officers in response to the decrease in support from Montgomery County. Other positions range from transportation engineer and building plan examiner to preschool teacher and board and commissions coordinator. They are also funding efforts to advance the Climate Action Plan ($3.7 M), Vision Zero Action Plan & Pedestrian Master Plan ($10.7 M), Town Center Master Plan, and economic development (primarily $1.4 million for REDI and its efforts to make Rockville a business destination for the life sciences) (page 7+). Capital improvements are expected for parks, including replacement of playground structures, renovating an outdoor pool, implementing the master plan for Red Gate Park, and improvements for the Lincoln Park Community Center, F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, and David Scull Park (some of which will require taking out a loan for $30 M). There seems to be nothing related to housing or other commercial districts (i.e., Rockville Pike). The City Council will be accepting comments at their meetings on March 18 and April 8, or you can make suggestions online at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/951/Budget.

While property tax rates should remain unchanged, utility rates for FY2025 may go up:

  • Water and Sewer: 4% or $52.56 annual increase
  • Refuse/trash: 6% or $32 annual increase
  • Stormwater Management: 4% or $6 increase

Senator Cardin, Senator Van Hollen, and Congressman Raskin have invited Rockville to submit requests for projects for which the City wishes to partner with the Federal government and seek funding support. Congress revived earmarks in FY22 after a decade-long prohibition (pork barrel politics has returned!) (page 57+). Some suggested projects from staff include:

  • Inspecting more than 8,000 water lines for lead to ensure safe drinking water.
  • Replacing “orangeburg” sewer lines to prevent backups, overflows, and ground contamination.
  • Rehabilitate aging water mains and asbestos cement pipes in southeast Rockville (Twinbrook).
If you live or work in Twinbrook, you are in an “environmental justice” and “overburdened” community. Share your opinion on the need to replace aging water and sewer lines in your neighborhood.

The Mayor and Council are conducting hybrid meetings. If you wish to submit comments in writing for Community Forum or Public Hearings, please email the comments to MayorAndCouncil@RockvilleMD.gov by no later than 10:00 a.m. on the date of the meeting.

More details in the 133-page agenda packet are available at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03042024-7129.

Posted in: City Council, Development, Neighborhoods, Parks, Quality of life, Taxes, Water | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , ,