Annapolis · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in City of Annapolis public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.