Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee Budget Worksession – April 23, 2026

The Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment (TIEE) Committee met on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 10:11 AM in Committee Room 2027. Chair Thomas Dernoga presided, with all five members present. The committee held budget worksessions for the Department of the Environment (DOE) and the Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPW&T). No votes were taken on either budget item.

Discussion Items

Department of the Environment (DOE) – FY 2027 Proposed Budget

• Presentation by Staff: Alex Hurdle, Legislative Budget and Policy Analyst, presented the DOE proposed budget of $273.7 million, an increase of $8.1 million (3.0%) over FY 2026. The budget is composed of 94.9% from enterprise funds (solid waste, stormwater, water quality), 3.6% from general fund, and 1.5% from grants. A supplemental general fund request of $1.5 million for FY 2026 was noted due to high animal intake and critical operational needs. The overall net position of the Solid Waste Management Enterprise Fund was negative $26.8 million as of June 30, 2025, requiring structural changes.
• Director’s Overview: Dr. Samuel Moki, DOE Director, introduced his team and highlighted key budget areas. The solid waste fund faces a structural deficit; proposed solutions include increasing user fees, debt management, and improving revenue capture (e.g., GIS technology to ensure all property owners pay the solid waste fee). The methane capture project at Brown Station landfill is underway, expected to generate significant future revenue.
• Council Member Harrison expressed deep concern over the solid waste fund deficit, noting a $26.8 million deficit and a $92 million unrestricted fund balance deficit. He advocated for a committee to educate the public and explore regional models (e.g., Charles County’s subscription service). Chair Dernoga countered that the solution is straightforward: either change the fee and risk litigation or put a referendum to voters, but noted the political difficulty. Council Member Adams emphasized that a referendum is an opportunity for public input and that education must happen now.
• Council Member Olson asked about composting participation (30% of landfill waste is organic); DOE reported a slow increase in participation and ongoing education efforts. He also raised capital needs at the animal shelter, noting $3.1 million allocated for HVAC and other improvements, but at least another $3.1 million needed. He requested data on spay/neuter services and budget for FY27.
• Council Member Hunter questioned surveillance and prosecution for illegal dumping. Deputy Director Bennett reported 26 prosecutions over three years with a 100% conviction rate, but fines are low. The department is exploring administrative citations (like red-light cameras) to increase penalties. Council Member Adams requested a cost-benefit analysis of cameras versus cleanup costs.
• Council Member Harrison also asked about the climate action plan (CAP). Dr. Moki stated the CAP draft is ready but the implementation plan (CASP) has five remaining items, including land-use elements. The committee agreed to convene an internal work group to finalize and adopt the CAP.
• Chair Dernoga inquired about the methane capture project; Dr. Moki confirmed it is a P3 project in procurement, no upfront county cost, and will generate revenue from gas sales.

Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPW&T) – FY 2027 Proposed Budget

• Presentation by Staff: Sylvia King, Senior Legislative Budget Officer, presented the DPW&T proposed operating budget of approximately $43 million, a decrease of $2.3 million (5.1%) from FY 2026. The decrease is largely due to the creation of a new Emergency Operations Fund ($15 million) to support snow/ice control and other weather emergencies. The FY 2027-2032 capital budget is proposed at $2.2 billion (53 projects). The department’s staffing complement is 460, with 101 funded vacancies.
• Director’s Overview: Director Johnson highlighted key initiatives: the emergency operations fund (a “game changer” for snow response), a new administrative citation program for littering (using AI cameras and license plate readers), and the use of “thin lift” asphalt for low-volume roads to expand paving capacity six-fold. He noted that 1.8 million pounds of litter were collected in the past year; grauitous littering (not illegal dumping) is the majority. He proposed legislation to allow administrative fines similar to speed cameras.
• Council Member Hunter asked about utility coordination; Director Johnson clarified that DPI is responsible for enforcing utility restoration after road cuts. Council Member Olson praised the free bus fare initiative, which increased ridership to nearly 3 million trips annually (up 50%). He also requested updates on bus shelters (one location on 64th and Riverdale remains), road resurfacing on Riverdale Road, and solar lighting pilot. Council Member Adams asked about the scale of potential litter fines given 3.3 billion vehicle trips; Director Johnson estimated up to 600 million potential offenders and noted the administrative citation approach could generate substantial revenue.
• Council Member Harrison raised the issue of the 42 unfunded positions requested by DPW&T. Director Johnson and Deputy Director Stacey Smalls explained that hard-to-fill roles (engineers requiring PE licenses, transit operators, etc.) contribute to high vacancies and that a new project management job series is being developed by OHRM. The council agreed to further review the staffing needs and the impact of the compensation study.
• Chair Dernoga asked about road paving lists, pedestrian safety on Salmon Road in Beltsville, potholes on Springfield Road, and the status of the road resurfacing program. Staff noted the resurfacing budget is $25 million (down from $33 million in previous years), and that new paving techniques (thin lift) will help cover more roads. The NTMP speed hump program is being expanded to include quick-build roundabouts and other low-cost traffic calming devices.
• Council Member Harrison also inquired about traffic line restriping on Richie Road and Walker Mills Road; DPW&T confirmed the restriping contract is now in effect.

Key Outcomes

• No votes were taken on either budget item; discussion only.
• The committee directed staff to follow up on the solid waste fee structure and explore legislative options to address the fund deficit.
• The committee agreed to create an internal work group to finalize the Climate Action Plan (CAP) and its implementation strategy.
• DPW&T will provide data on sidewalk assessment, road paving plans by district, and a cost-benefit analysis of illegal dumping cameras versus cleanup costs.
• The committee requested further analysis of the 42 unfunded DPW&T positions and the impact of the compensation study on engineering vacancies.
• DPW&T will pursue an administrative citation ordinance for littering and illegal dumping, with draft legislation under review by the county attorney.
• The meeting adjourned at 1:09 PM by unanimous consent.