March 29, 2024
Annapolis, US 46 F

Annapolis Approves Budget

Tonight, the Annapolis City Council passed the Mayor’s proposed budget of $75.1 million dollars.

A press release from City Hall:

The City Council voted last night to approve Mayor Joshua J. Cohen’s $75.1 million budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1. This spending plan is 13 percent smaller than the current-year $86.5 million budget – perhaps the largest percentage cut this year by any city in Maryland.

The council approved the operating budget, 6-3, with Aldermen Frederick M. Paone, Mathew Silverman and Ross H. Arnett opposing. The council went on to approve the capital budget, 8-1, with Mr. Paone voting “no.” The council also approved the fee schedule, but it set a public hearing for Monday, June 14 specifically to hear testimony on dock and mooring fees and charges for the Roger “Pip” Moyer Community Recreation Center at Truxtun Park.

The fiscal year 2011 budget accomplishes the mayor’s goals of not raising the property tax rate while allowing for sufficient cash flow to keep up with expenses and setting a clear course of action for replenishing the City’s reserves. Under the spending plan, core services are maintained, including public safety.

The budget as proposed avoids the layoff of a single uniformed police officer or firefighter. However, the City Council approved an incentive package, 8-1, to induce eligible police officers and firefighters to retire, yielding a potential savings of $1 million. Mr. Arnett voted “no” on the incentive package.

“I applaud the City Council, the department heads and the rest of the City’s workforce as well as the public for their contributions to this budget,” Mayor Cohen said. “We made some tough sacrifices to achieve the necessary cuts. This budget is just the first step toward establishing a new era of fiscal responsibility in City government.”

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