Hyattsville City Council Regular Meeting: FY27 Budget Introduction, April 8, 2026

The Hyattsville City Council held a regular virtual meeting on April 8, 2026, from 7:04 PM to 9:40 PM, with the primary focus being the introduction of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. City Administrator Tracey Douglas, Treasurer Ron Brooks, Deputy Budget Director Ben Bosch, and department heads presented an overview of the proposed budget, which projects general fund revenues of $34.6 million and expenditures of $36.0 million, leaving a $1.4 million gap to be covered by general fund reserves. The council also heard three public comments.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mr. Marshall (Ward 4) expressed opposition to the proposed $100,000 immigrant relief fund, arguing it is a bad idea and that any such program should be administered by an organization neutral on immigration issues, not CASA.
• L. Parikh (Ward 2) voiced concerns about the rising cost of employee benefits and asked how the city plans to manage those costs.
• Melissa Schweisguth (Ward 5) expressed support for the $100,000 immigrant relief fund, but also raised concerns about drawing down from the general fund in the FY27 budget and requested more clarity around the tracking of PAYGO funds that offset the Capital Improvement Plan.

Discussion Items

• FY27 Budget Overview and Gap Closure: Staff presented the budget as a balanced financial plan aligned with the city's strategic goals. The initial projected gap of $4 million was reduced to $1.4 million through a combination of measures: $1 million in transfers from special revenue funds (parking and speed camera programs), $700,000 from a six-month vacancy hold on current open positions, $300,000 from revised property tax revenues, $300,000 from increasing the operating property tax rate from $3.00 to $3.50 per $100 of assessed value (for FY27 only), $400,000 in grant offsets, and other smaller adjustments. The remaining $1.4 million will be drawn from general fund reserves. The proposed budget also includes a 2% cost-of-living adjustment for staff.
• Department Presentations: Department heads presented priorities for FY27, including:
  • Administration: Focus on data-driven decision making, equity mapping dashboard, and community engagement.
  • Emergency Operations: CERT team expansion, opioid settlement usage, and Narcan training.
  • Parking: Request for a new part-time parking enforcement position; plans to increase rates to align with market, expand pay-by-app, and increase patrols in commercial areas.
  • Finance: Completion of FY24 audit, priority for an A2 bond rating presentation, and developing a property tax classification review for future cycles.
  • City Clerk: Transition of a part-time admin clerk to a full-time committee coordinator; preparation for the 2027 citywide election.
  • Human Resources: Updated compensation and classification study, expansion of wellness programs, and a full benefits audit.
  • Economic Development: Implementation of the new strategic plan, updated economic development strategy, possible Tax Increment Financing (TIF) exploration, and enhanced facade and corridor programs. Notable development updates: West Hyattsville Phase 2, St. Jerome's Academy, and the 7-Eleven redevelopment opened.
  • Code Compliance: Realignment of staff; emphasis on a new permit management system to improve efficiency; request for increased training for code officers.
• Council Dialogue and Questions: Councilmembers asked questions on several topics:
  • The red light and speed camera program revenue declines attributed to changed driver behavior and reduced activity.
  • The nature of the grant writer position (full-time contractor vs. employee).
  • The impact of the hiring freeze on services, with staff explaining cross-training and operational gapping.
  • Clarification that the $50,000 fire department stipend continues as in prior years.
  • The decision to not pursue a property tax classification change or rate increase in FY27; the matter was postponed to future years for further study.
  • A request for additional detail on the sustainability of fund transfers from speed camera and parking funds, with staff outlining a four-year draw down plan to maintain a 25% operating reserve in those funds.

Key Outcomes

• Agenda Approved: The council unanimously approved the meeting agenda at the start of the meeting.
• Budget Timeline: The budget introduction was the first of two budget meetings. The next departmental budget presentation (covering Police, Community Services, Public Works, and the Capital Improvement Plan) is scheduled for April 22, 2026.
• No Tax Increase: Council President Solomon confirmed that there is no proposed or discussed increase to the overall tax rate for FY27, and the discussion on property tax classification changes will continue with staff to potentially return in a future budget cycle.
• No Final Budget Vote: No vote was taken to adopt the FY27 budget; it remains in discussion. The council will continue its review before adoption later in the spring.
• Council Dialogue: No formal actions took place during the council dialogue portion at the end of the meeting.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 PM by unanimous consent.