Montgomery County government workers can now access a half-million-dollar fund to help them buy homes in the pricey jurisdiction, more than three months after County Council President Mike Knapp accused County Executive Ike Leggett of dropping the ball on the incentive program.

A May 2007 resolution, written by Knapp and passed by the council, set aside $500,000 so county government workers could participate in the Maryland “House Keys for Employees” program. Through the program, the state will match contributions from participating employers —including county governments — toward down payment and closing costs for workers.