Annapolis · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in City of Annapolis public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Fee waiver for Budweiser Clydesdale community event
The committee was asked to consider waiving city charges for a December 27, 2026, community meet-and-greet with the Budweiser Clydesdale horses by designating it a Major Special Event.
Annual Audit and FY 2028 Budget Kickoff
The city's audit is in final fieldwork and on schedule, and the FY 2028 budget process kicked off with instructions sent to departments. The committee wants more useful quarterly budget-versus-actual reporting going forward.
Transportation fine waivers bill (O-28-26)
The bill would let the Transportation Director waive certain fines and let the council waive them by resolution. The city attorney's office says the draft needs work — it wrongly covers misdemeanor fines and raises separation-of-powers concerns. Action was postponed for amendments.
LED lighting and community solar savings
The city's LED replacement program will save an estimated $170,000-plus a year in utility costs (possibly $200,000 when done), and a no-cost community solar contract could save $66,000 to $127,000 annually — up to nearly $2 million over 20 years. The finance chair took note for budgeting.
Finance Department Update
The annual audit is on track for December, but the finance office is in 'lockdown' this month and the budget manager job is being reposted. The committee asked for a monthly book-closing timeline, which has long been lagging.
Standing committees overhaul (O-9-26)
The council finalized a rewrite of its own rules, changing how budgets get reviewed and how bills move between committees. It could speed up or slow down how future laws are handled.
Executive Appointments: Finance and Human Resources Directors (R-19-26, R-18-26)
The Council was scheduled to act on confirming Karen Ajayi as Finance Director and, on second reader, Charles A. Hall, Jr., as Human Resources Director — two of the top positions in city government.
Performance metrics and budget tracking
Huntley's vacancy-savings amendment makes the budget more honest about what the city actually spends, freeing $223,000 for priorities while hedging half into contingency. Members warned it shrinks next year's one-time money.
Rental Assistance Program Effectiveness
OCS's rental assistance program is open fewer months than hoped, and repeat applicants raise questions about whether the program is breaking dependency cycles. Officials discussed tracking outcomes, requiring financial literacy courses, and new case-management software.
Office of Law staffing and workload
Only three attorneys handle roughly 140 claims, 20 in-house lawsuits, 410 contracts and 140 public records requests a year. The committee flagged fee schedule updates and asked the office to report what resources it needs.
Future of Annapolis election administration
The committee reviewed how Annapolis has run its elections since 2009 with state and county election officials on hand, as it weighs what the city's future election setup should look like.
Decreasing Food Deserts program goals for FY27
Alderman Thorp pressed for the objectives, goals, and timelines of the city's food deserts program in the FY27 budget. The answers will show how seriously the city is funding food access work next year.
Top Administration Confirmations
The mayor's picks to lead city government — City Attorney Anthony Kupersmith and City Manager Yolanda L. Lewis — were up for confirmation, plus pay authority for Acting City Manager Victoria Buckland.
Funding the Deputy Chief of Staff position
The Mayor's Office needed a fund transfer to pay for a new Deputy Chief of Staff through the end of the fiscal year. The money comes from debt service savings, so no other city programs lose funding. The full City Council still has to give final approval.
Children and Families Success Grant
The city gives out $50,000 a year in grants for after-school and summer programs. Staff confirmed it doesn't overlap with the new child care tax credit — one funds programming for school-age kids, the other helps early child care facilities afford their buildings.
Support for State Revenue Modernization Task Force (HB 1142)
Annapolis is formally asking the Maryland General Assembly to pass HB 1142, which would create a task force on modernizing how counties and municipalities raise revenue. Could eventually mean new local funding tools for the city.
Grant Funding from Anne Arundel County Health Department and Maryland DOT
The committee advanced a health grant for the police department and three Maryland DOT grants. These outside dollars fund city services without raising local taxes.
FY27 Annual Performance Standards
The city's annual performance standards for agencies and departments were set to be approved, but the committee postponed the vote. It will come back before the committee.
Appointment of Ross Arnett to Financial Advisory Commission
Ross Arnett interviewed with the committee and was recommended for the Financial Advisory Commission, which reviews city finances. The full City Council makes the final call.
Order of Succession for Mayor (R-2-26)
A resolution on its second reading would spell out who takes over if Mayor Jared Littmann is temporarily unable to serve or away for more than a day.
Community services staffing
Alderman Savidge flagged that the Office of Community Services has only a handful of staff and asked for a service-level review, arguing social services are a public safety issue.
Budget Presentation Standards
Huntley set expectations for upcoming budget presentations: departments must show performance metrics, explain why those metrics matter, and connect dollars to results.