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.
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.
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.
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.