MontCo officials presented preliminary 2023 General Fund budget and Capital Fund budgets on Thursday. The proposal included a real estate tax increase of 8%.

MontCo commissioners voted 2-1 in favor of the budget, which will be advertised for public review and a final vote next month.

County revenues are projected to be $512,142,210 in 2023, with real estate taxes being the largest contributor at $259,698,248.

Officials noted that the county is experiencing critical staff shortages with 328 vacancies for budgeted positions, including correctional officers, deputy sheriffs, prosecutors, public defenders, and youth center counselors.

Dr. Richard Lorraine, county medical director, cautioned the spread of Covid, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) and flu.

“Tying together these three things leads to what we, in the medical community, have been calling a ‘tripledemic,'” Dr. Lorraine concluded. “This is already stressing the health care system.”

Lorraine suggested three mitigation strategies: vaccinations for flu and COVID, keeping hands clean and away from one’s face, and staying home when sick.

For extensive coverage on Montgomery County’s 2023 budget increase and health concerns, you can read WFMZ News’ article here.