Hyattsville City Council Meeting and FY27 Budget Adoption - June 8, 2026

The Hyattsville City Council held a regular virtual meeting on Monday, June 8, 2026, beginning at 7:04 PM and adjourning at 7:59 PM. The meeting addressed a full agenda: adoption of the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget on second reading, first reading of a resolution to refund bonds for the University Town Center Special Taxing District, discussion of retiree health benefits, six proclamations, committee appointments, and routine consent items. All votes were unanimous.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Chuck Perry (Ward 3) expressed concerns about a complaint filed against the Police Department and the status of an investigation; he also requested data on complaints in 2025.
• Dan Behrend thanked the city for recognizing Arrow Bicycle for its support of the annual Bike Rodeo.
• Chris Militello, co-owner of Arrow Bicycle, thanked the Council and staff for recognizing their 19 years of sponsorship of Bike to Work Day.
• Mr. Marshall (Ward 4) voiced opposition to budget funding for The Spot, Throne portable bathrooms, the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department, and the immigrant relief fund; he also expressed concerns about the proposed refunding bonds and the Constant Yield Tax Rate.
• Mike Bonds (Ward 3) thanked staff for reducing the budget deficit and catching up on meeting minutes, and encouraged the Council to consider city funding for Bike to Work Day in future budgets.

City Administrator Update

City Administrator Tracey Douglas reported on staffing changes, including the departure of Director of Public Works Lesley Riddle after 13 years and Chief of Operations Aaron Jones after 14 years. She highlighted new businesses (Primark, Nothing but Cakes, Nova Consignment), successful ward check-ins and community events (Kennedy Street stormwater meeting, Ward 3 pop-up, Ward 1 trail cleanup), police-community initiatives (Coffee with a Cop, DARE graduation, faith leaders meeting), youth programs (Youth Advisory Council applications and interviews, 10 scholarship recipients), and upcoming events (Canvas garage ribbon cutting, The Spot groundbreaking on June 13, Juneteenth Summer Jam, Trolley Trail Day, FIFA watch parties). Councilmembers noted strong attendance at ward check-ins and thanked staff.

Proclamations

Six proclamations were adopted by a unanimous vote (11-0):

• LGBTQIA+ Pride Month – June 2026
• Caribbean American Heritage Month – June 2026
• Immigrant Heritage Month – June 2026
• Juneteenth – June 19, 2026
• Arrow Bicycle – Honoring Chris Militello and Chris Davidson for 19 years of supporting Bike to Work Day
• Lesley Riddle – Honoring her 13 years of service as Director of Public Works

Appointments

The Council approved two appointments by unanimous vote (11-0):

• Jimmy McClellan (Ward 4) to the Hyattsville Environment Committee for a term ending June 8, 2028.
• Seven members to the Compensation Review Committee: Erin Payne (Ward 1), Michael Horlick (Ward 2), Kara Brooks (Ward 3), Thomas Wright (Ward 3), Jimmy McClellan (Ward 4), Rommel Sandino (Ward 5), and Aprill Willis (Ward 5).

Consent Calendar

Three routine items were approved on a single unanimous vote (11-0):

• Acceptance of a FY25 BJA Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant of $23,806.92 for body armor for HPD officers (FY26 CIP budget amendment).
• Authorization of a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Mount Rainier for street sweeping services at $850 per day, on a requested basis.
• Disbursement of $190.59 from Ward 1 discretionary funds to Councilmember Joanne Waszczak as reimbursement for refreshments purchased for the Ward 1 check-in on June 6, 2026.

Action Items

Resolution 2026-02: Refunding Bonds for University Town Center Special Taxing District (First Reading) The Council introduced a resolution authorizing the issuance of refunding bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $12,500,000 at an interest rate not to exceed 8% per annum. The proceeds would refund or advance refund the outstanding Series 2016 Special Obligation Bonds (University Town Center Project). The bonds are payable solely from special taxes levied on property within the district and do not constitute a general obligation debt of the City. The purpose is to take advantage of lower market rates, reducing debt service and lowering special taxes paid by district property owners. City Treasurer Ron Brooks and Deputy Budget Director Ben Bosch explained the process. The resolution passed on first reading by a vote of 11-0; a public hearing and second reading are scheduled for July 13, 2026.

Hyattsville Ordinance 2026-01: Fiscal Year 2027 Budget (Second Reading and Adoption) The Council adopted the annual budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, fixing tax rates and appropriating funds. The ordinance passed on second reading by a vote of 11-0.

Note: Agenda Item 10.a, a letter to the Prince George's County Board of Education supporting language immersion programs, was removed from the agenda during approval.

Discussion Items

Retirement Health Benefits Human Resources Director Jay Joyner presented the final staff recommendations to modify the retiree health benefit program. The proposal fully protects current retirees and employees (grandfathering them under the existing plan) and closes the benefit to new hires effective July 1, 2026. Key fiscal details include:

• Current net annual city cost: approximately $384,000
• Projected five-year cost under current plans: over $3 million
• Projected savings from the recommendations over the next five years: about $450,000
• The city contributes up to 70% of the premium for eligible retirees, spouses, and dependents.
• Cost-containment measures include coordinating benefits with Medicare and setting future city contributions to the lowest cost qualifying plan.

The Council discussed the proposal and thanked staff for their work. No formal vote was taken; the item was for discussion and is expected to return for action.

Key Outcomes

All votes taken during the meeting were unanimous. Key decisions include:

• FY27 Budget Adoption (11-0): The budget for July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027 was adopted on second reading.
• Resolution 2026-02 (First Reading) (11-0): Authorization to issue refunding bonds for the University Town Center Special Taxing District, with a public hearing and final reading set for July 13, 2026.
• Approval of Proclamations (six items, 11-0)
• Approval of Appointments (two items, 11-0)
• Approval of Consent Agenda (three items, 11-0)
• Approval of Agenda as Amended (9-0, with two absent)
• Approval of Minutes from May 11 and May 26, 2026 meetings (9-0, with two absent)
• Removal of Item 10.a from the agenda (letter to Board of Education)
• Discussion Item on retiree health benefits: no vote taken; staff recommendations noted for future action.

The meeting adjourned at 7:59 PM (motion passed 11-0).