The Greenbelt City Council adopted the budget for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) at its June 5 regular meeting. Council also approved submission of the FY24 Program Open Space plan to the county and witnessed Mayor Emmett Jordan present several proclamations.
Budget
Council approved the council-suggested changes that had garnered consensus support at the May 24 final budget worksession. These included $20,000 to the Greenbelt Refugee Assistance Committee, $30,000 for a legislative support coordinator to help the city track county and state laws that might impact Greenbelt, $5,000 to purchase electric tools ahead of schedule for the gas-powered tools they would replace, $10,000 for additional trees and $15,000 to cover miscellaneous expenses.
Other changes included adding $138,100 to the contract covering police cameras, tasers and other equipment and $7,500 for improvements to one of the city’s historic cemeteries. After these and other adjustments to both expenditures and revenues, the adopted budget calls for total general fund expenditures of $36.05 million paid for by revenues of $36.08.
After adopting the budget in a series of voice votes, council introduced the associated appropriations ordinance and voted to suspend the rule requiring action over two meetings, then passed the ordinance on a 6 to 1 vote with Councilmember Rodney Roberts opposed. Roberts did not give a reason for his opposition.
Cameras
Councilmember Colin Byrd, supported by Roberts, raised concerns about the police department’s policy regarding release of body camera footage. Byrd said he was aware of at least one incident where the department did not release footage of a use-of-force incident. Police Chief Richard Bowers said that the footage was released to the requesting individual who chose not to review it and it was not released publicly. Byrd argued that public release was required. After a short discussion the issue was deferred to a future meeting.
Program Open Space
Council unanimously approved the submission of the city’s Program Open Space (POS) annual program to the county. The county has previously notified the city that it will receive $297,423 in development funds.
Under the adopted plan FY24 POS funds will be allocated to 1) $50,423 – Greenbelt Station South Core Recreation Amenities (in addition to $112,500 previously approved) and 2) $247,000 – Aquatic & Fitness Center Facility Improvements.
Proclamations
Jordan presented proclamations declaring the second week of June as Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week and June as Peace Month and Pride Month.
