Annapolis · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in City of Annapolis public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
FY 2027 Position Classifications and Pay Plan
Money shuffled to cover cost-of-living raises under new union contracts was replaced from capital reserves, so sidewalk and City Dock projects keep their funding — 'it nets out to zero,' per the finance chair.
Collective bargaining agreements for FY2027–2028
The council ratified one union deal and advanced three more, covering city workers, firefighters, and police — locking in labor peace for FY2027-2028.
Citywide Strategic Planning Process
The city is hiring consultants to build a 'community plan' co-owned by government, nonprofits, businesses, and residents — not a traditional city strategic plan. Several aldermen feel the council was sidelined and want the process to go through the council formally.
Parking reform work group — Phase 1 recommendations
The city's parking work group issued a dozen recommendations — including prepaid-to-postpaid conversion at Hillman Garage and moving to one payment app — and a community alliance with 3,000 petition signatures is pushing for more.
City Audit on Track for December 15
Finance Director Ajayi reported the books are closed on time and auditors' 283 documentation requests are being met — a turnaround praised by the committee after last year's troubles.
FY 2027 Fees and Fines Schedules
Three companion budget resolutions were scheduled for final votes: what residents pay in fees for city services, what fines apply, and the city's position classifications and pay plan. Amendments the Council made on June 1 were to be incorporated.
Parking contract cost increases and transit funding shortfall
The city needs another $573,400 to cover parking and transportation costs this year — nearly $500,000 of it just for the SP+ garage contract, plus money to cover transit running a deficit and pricier fuel. An alderman wants a full report on the parking contract before the next meeting.
Undelivered Ballots Inquiry
Alderman Smith-Brown wants the County Board of Elections to appear at the July 2 meeting to address reports that about 500,000 ballots were not received by constituents.
Environmental Matters Budget Priorities
The committee questioned staff about how environmental dollars should be prioritized in the city budget. What gets funded here could shape tree planting, resilience projects, and sustainability programs residents see in their neighborhoods.
ITS Budget Centralization and Consolidated Software Spending
The committee pressed staff on whether moving $4.3 million into Central Services actually saves money; analysts said real savings will show in FY 2028, and O'Neill opposed skimming any savings out now.
Community grants priorities
Alderwoman O'Neill wants an overhaul: some groups get money from three city sources at once, quarterly reports aren't being collected, and small grants are too tiny to work. Council discussed a consolidated funding report and reviving a 2024 task force resolution.
Debt capacity nears policy limits
The six-year capital plan adds $14.1 million in new bond authorization, funding fire station replacement, possible city offices, and fleet replacement via capital leases. Debt stays within the city's 10-12% policy limits, keeping the city's strong bond rating intact.
Refuse fund rate structure and balance projections
The new refuse contract raises costs 7.5% and includes truck cameras and financial penalties for missed service. Committee members flagged resident complaints about littered streets and explored adding a food waste/composting program during the contract term.
City real estate management gap
The city has 30 active leases and pending real estate transfers but nobody assigned to manage them — the Central Services director and a law office attorney are covering it on the side. A $100,000 consultant line is the stopgap.
Harbor Master Grant and Public Works Fund Transfer
The committee recommended accepting a state grant from the Department of Natural Resources to support the Harbor Master function — state money supporting harbor operations.
Child Care Property Tax Credits
O-1-26 would give child care providers who own their facilities a property tax credit of up to $10,000. The committee held it until March 5 rather than acting.
City Manager Selection Process
The council met privately with potential candidates for City Manager, the person who runs the city's daily operations. The choice will shape how city services are delivered and managed for years to come.