Issues

What's Up With WSSC?

On March 26 we held our third installment of WCA's "Civic Focus," a speaker series inspired by neighbor Ann Hingston, which provides informational sessions on local issues. Richard Boltuk addressed current issues at WSSC, including a detailed overview of the rate structure, deferred maintenance, and needed investments. WSSC has been providing water and sewage service to Montgomery and Prince George's Counties for 100 years, but a complicated governance structure makes accountability difficult. The small group brought questions about the future of WSSC and how we can have a voice in improving its management.

You can see a recording of this session here: https://youtu.be/2ImuC39Ov2k

MoCo Public School Boundary Reassessment

Montgomery County Public Schools is conducting a reassessment of school district boundaries. This involves not only modifications of current school boundaries, but also closing certain schools and changing school programs.

WCA neighbor Cathy Stocker updated us on the boundary reassessment status. Cathy is a board member on the Montgomery County Council of PTAs, an umbrella organization for area school parent-teacher associations. She is also Area Vice President for the B-CC/WJ/Whitman clusters.

You can see her presentation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ODIPsQ1jFM

Here is a copy of the Superintendant's Boundary Recommendation: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/facilities/boundary-study/

And here is a copy of the analysis regarding changes to numerous scholastic programs: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/academic-programs-analysis/

How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment Value (2026)

On Tuesday, January 27, the WCA held a zoom presentation hosted by neighbor Ann Hingston, which provided an overview of recent increases to Montgomery County property taxes and home value assessments. It was an extremely informative session, with almost 40 residents attending, and included valuable insights into how to appeal an increase in your home's assessed value. Remember, you must file your appeal by Friday, February 13.

Here is a link to the presentation recording: https://youtu.be/2qNTzlp9GHg

You can access the PowerPoint here.

The Maryland Property Owner's Bill of Rights: https://dat.maryland.gov/realproperty/pages/bill-of-rights.aspx

And here is a link to a Montgomery County Civic Federation presentation on property tax assessments, from around a year ago, featuring staff from the Maryland State Department of Assessments & Taxation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ec9A7Nu1wHo

Duval Street Humps:

September 10th, 2025: Summary of meeting between WCA and Montgomery County Department of Transportation

More Housing N.O.W. Bill / ZTA 25-02