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 new union contracts' cost-of-living increases are being funded through a fund transfer, with the diverted pay-go money replaced by capital reserve. One member was briefly alarmed the money appeared to come from $200,000 in sidewalk projects before staff explained the mechanics.
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.
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.
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
A community forum October 8 drew 28–30 participants who ranked residential access and enforcement, clear parking information, and affordable employee parking as top priorities. Employee $5 parking programs already exist at Gotz Court and Park Place — the push is to expand locations.
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.
Military Bowl Parade fee waiver
The city waives its costs for the December bowl parade, but a fight broke out over whether to strip the sponsor's name — 'Freedom Mortgage' — from the legislation. The name stays.
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.
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.
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.
FY 2027 City Budget, Appropriations, and Property Tax Levy
Public Works Director Burr Vogel gave the council a first look at the FY27 capital budget and answered questions. It's early, but this shapes what gets fixed and built — roads, facilities, infrastructure — over the next fiscal year.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Boards and commissions governance modernization
A presentation laid out plans to modernize how the city's advisory boards and commissions are run; no vote was taken.
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.
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.
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.
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.