Finance Committee Standing Committee Meeting – September 3, 2025

The Finance Committee of the Annapolis City Council met on September 3, 2025, at 10:35 a.m. in the City Council Chambers. Present were Alderwoman Finlayson, Alderwoman O'Neill, and Alderman Huntley. The committee considered four supplemental appropriations, two pieces of legislation, and a finance department update. The meeting adjourned at 12:00 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Agenda and Minutes: The agenda and the July 16, 2025 meeting minutes were approved by voice vote without dissent.

Discussion Items

• Supplemental Appropriation SA-3-26 (APD Grant): Captain Miguez presented a $9,000 grant from the Governor's Office of Crime & Policy to fund overtime for officers in communities experiencing gun violence. The grant funds approximately 20 hours for a supervisor and 103 hours for an officer. The committee voted unanimously to recommend favorable approval.
• Supplemental Appropriation SA-4-26 (Capital Reserve – DOT Roof Replacement): Director of Finance Moran explained that $405,000 is needed from the Capital Reserve to replace a double-counted grant for a transportation roof project. The committee expressed concern about reducing the reserve to approximately $600,000. Alderwoman O'Neill requested an analysis of CIP projects that could be deferred to replenish the reserve. The motion carried on a voice vote (Finlayson and O'Neill in favor; Huntley opposed). The finance department will provide options at the next meeting.
• Supplemental Appropriation SA-5-26 (Fire Department Cadet Program): Chief Remaley and Administrative Specialist Coughlin presented a $? grant (estimated $40,000 from Mayor's Office and City Manager) for 10 paid interns (ages 18-25) to be trained as firefighter EMTs. The program is a first-of-its-kind partnership in Maryland. The committee voted unanimously to recommend favorable approval.
• Supplemental Appropriation SA-6-26 (City Council – Museum Grant): Director Moran explained the $10,000 transfer from the Reserve for One-Time Uses to support a youth trip to Senegal via the Maryland Banneker Douglas Tubman Museum. Alderman Huntley opposed, citing the reserve would drop to $36,000 and questioning the use of funds. Alderwoman Finlayson and O'Neill supported it as leveraging other funding. The motion passed 2-1 (Finlayson and O'Neill in favor; Huntley opposed).
• Ordinance O-12-25 (Financial Advisory Commission Expansion): Sponsor Alderman Arnett withdrew the ordinance; the committee took no action.
• Ordinance O-31-25 (General Obligation Bonds and Bond Anticipation Notes): Director Moran presented the ordinance authorizing up to $73,561,499 in bonds and notes to fund capital projects approved in FY22–FY26. Discussion focused on the gap between the authorization and the actual anticipated issuance (approximately $36 million), the use of bond anticipation notes (BANs) for short-term debt, and the need for realistic project timelines. Alderwoman O'Neill requested a detailed analysis of project completion rates and alignment with the Capital Improvement Plan. Director Vogel noted historical spending of about 50-70% of appropriated amounts within three years. The committee voted favorably on a voice vote.
• Finance Department Update: Director Moran provided a written update on staffing needs, noting ongoing efforts to identify the best structure for a deputy position and to improve efficiency through IT integration. No action was taken.

Key Outcomes

• SA-3-26: Recommended favorably (unanimous).
• SA-4-26: Recommended favorably (voice vote; Huntley opposed). Finance department to bring options for replenishing Capital Reserve at next meeting.
• SA-5-26: Recommended favorably (unanimous).
• SA-6-26: Recommended favorably (2–1 vote; Huntley opposed).
• O-12-25: No action (withdrawn).
• O-31-25: Recommended favorably (voice vote). Staff to provide reconciliation of City Dock bond funding with CIP before final council approval.
• Next Steps: The committee will meet again on September 17, 2025, to consider options for replenishing the Capital Reserve and review the bond funding details.