Annapolis Finance Committee Meeting - June 18, 2026

The Finance Committee of the Annapolis City Council met on June 18, 2026, to consider several fund transfers, a supplemental appropriation, and proposed fees for long-term room rentals. All items received favorable recommendations to the full council, with some accompanied by requests for additional information and future holistic reviews.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda and meeting minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously.

Discussion Items

• FT 1326 – Fund Transfer for Transportation Fleet Operations: The committee reviewed a multi-department fund transfer for the fourth quarter. Dr. Kwaku (Transportation) explained that the transfer was needed due to higher-than-expected fuel costs, vacancy savings in salaries/benefits, and increased grant revenues. Corey Bradley (Central Services) detailed similar shifts for facilities and fleet operations, citing unfilled positions and a 70% year-over-year increase in fuel costs. Other departments (DPW snow removal, Planning & Zoning, Police, IT, and Finance) also presented justifications for their transfers. The committee expressed appreciation for the explanations but emphasized the need for more detailed reasoning in future budget processes.
• SA 2326 – Supplemental Appropriation for Parking Fund: The committee discussed a $492,300 overage in the Metropolis parking contract due to unapproved payroll and data processing costs. City Manager Yolanda (as identified by context) noted that the city had not pre-authorized the overage and was reconciling the invoice. Alderman Thorpe initially opposed the transfer due to lack of detail but later supported it on good faith, given the June 30 fiscal year-end deadline. The committee approved the recommendation with the understanding that a detailed report would be provided at the next finance committee meeting.
• Fees for Long-Term Room Rentals: The committee debated the appropriate fee for licensing long-term room rentals. Options ranged from $0 to $125 (the amount recommended by Planning & Zoning) to higher amounts. Aldermen Thorpe and O'Neill discussed the philosophy of fee-setting, alignment with other rental licenses, and the need for a holistic review of all rental licensing fees. Deputy City Manager Buckland discouraged delaying the item or boiling the ocean. The committee ultimately voted for a favorable recommendation at $125, coupled with a request for a comprehensive review of licensing fees across all rental categories.

Key Outcomes

• FT 1326: Motion for favorable recommendation to the City Council carried unanimously.
• SA 2326: Motion for favorable recommendation carried, with the expectation that the city manager would provide a reconciled report on the Metropolis overage at the next finance committee meeting.
• Fees for Long-Term Room Rentals: Motion for favorable recommendation at $125 carried, with a request for a holistic review of all rental licensing fees.
• Finance Department Update: Deputy Finance Director nominee Ajayee reported on the finance transition, upcoming audit season, and plans to implement guardrails for contract overages.