Prince George's County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Prince George's County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
FY 2027 Office of Ethics and Accountability budget
Ivey claimed Emerson is a friend of Council Member Burroughs and that the auditor shouldn't audit an organization connected to any council member. Other members demanded evidence and noted recusal rules apply; the accusation went unanswered because Burroughs wasn't present.
Open Meetings Act notice challenge
Ivey said she got notice of this special meeting less than an hour before it started and argued that violates the Open Meetings Act, since the auditor seat had been open a year and wasn't urgent.
Grant-making transparency and accountability
A new task force of outside experts will review how the council awards community grants and recommend ways to build public confidence in the use of taxpayer dollars.
National Harbor development project financial risk
Resident Margery Jones challenged the claimed $63 million-a-year tax benefit from a proposed National Harbor project, saying the real direct net is closer to $7.4 million after debt service, and asked for feasibility, attendance and surveillance-privacy studies.
WSSC Water FY 2028 budget preview
The water utility gave an early look at its preliminary FY 2028 budget, an early signal of possible rate and spending decisions ahead.
Permitting Fee Overhaul and Increases
Developers who want a waiver from universal design housing requirements would pay higher waiver, technology and administrative fees under this resolution.
Snow, Ice Control and Transportation Contract Funding
CR-147-2026 would raise contract ceilings for snow and ice control services and boost funding for transportation service contracts to meet Fiscal Year 2027 needs.
Data transparency obligations and Open Data Refresh
A package of access reforms had mixed results: the transparency workgroup advanced, listening tours advanced 4-0-1, evening meetings passed 3-0-2, and the virtual participation requirement was held in committee.
Council transparency and access rules
Three rules changes would let the public participate virtually, hold monthly evening meetings, and require yearly listening tours. Virtual participation was held in committee; evening meetings passed 3-0 with two abstentions; listening tours passed 4-0.
Health impact fees ballot question
Council Chair Oriadha highlighted a ballot question asking voters to allow health-based impact fees on industries like tobacco and liquor, which could create a dedicated fund for prevention and treatment programs.
Civil fine increases and state authority for higher penalties
Fisher urged tracking data on $5,000 fines because Annapolis won't grant the $10,000 repeat-offense authority without proof — a gap she says lets bad actors dump in Prince George's rather than DC.
M-NCPPC FY 2027 Project Charge Procedures
The council adopted a resolution clarifying how the Project Charge program works within the parks-planning commission's FY 2027 operating budget — a split 8-2 vote with Harrison and Ivey opposed.
Homestead Property Tax Credit Set at 104%
A new bill would set the county's homestead property tax credit at 104% for the tax year starting July 1, 2027 — capping how much assessed value increases can raise taxes for homeowners.
Independent Inspector General proposed
A new bill would create an independent Office of the Inspector General with subpoena power and budget autonomy to root out fraud, waste and corruption in county government.
$15.4 Million in Grant Appropriations for County Agencies
Over $15.3 million in federal, state and other grant funds were spread across eleven county agencies, from police and fire/EMS to health, social services and the environment.
FY 2026 supplementary appropriations
The Council moved extra money into the general fund and capital budget — covering unanticipated costs plus clean water, recreation facility and animal shelter projects.
FY 2027 development surcharges
The Council set the school facilities surcharge and public safety/behavioral health surcharge for Fiscal Year 2027 — fees charged on new development to help fund schools and public safety services.
Election Day administrative leave for county employees
Council Member Blegay's bill would make general election day an official county holiday, giving county government employees the day off to vote. The committee put off action, so the proposal will come back another day.
Referendum exemption for taxes on adverse-impact businesses
If voters approve, the county could tax 24-hour tobacco shops, liquor stores and self-storage without a public referendum. Chair Oriadha framed it as letting residents demand community investment from harmful businesses.
FY 2026 capital budget supplemental appropriations
The county's six-year plan for building and infrastructure projects — roads, facilities, and community improvements — was open for public comment.
Election Day leave for county employees
Instead of making general election day a full county holiday, the amended bill gives county employees four hours of administrative leave to vote — double the current two hours. Sponsor Wala Blegay framed it as protecting voting access at a time when voting rights are under pressure, while limiting the county's cost.
Procurement Refinements Act
This bill makes it easier for businesses to get certified as county vendors by refining certification rules, putting waiver authority in one place, and cutting redundant reporting. Committee members supported it with amendments.
Surplus real property disposition procedure
This bill would change how the county declares real property surplus, taking the Redevelopment Authority out of final disposition and giving that role to the Office of Central Services. The committee held it instead of moving it forward.
County Council Budget Parity
A resolution from Ivey and Harrison would guarantee each council member's office an equal annual budget allotment. The motion to move it favorably died without a second, leaving the parity question unresolved.
Regional Agency Budget Recommendations
The council was set to send recommendations to Montgomery County on the FY 2027 budgets of WSSC (water and sewer), M-NCPPC (parks and planning), and the transit commission — bodies whose rates and spending affect county residents' utility bills and services.
Constant Yield Tax Rate
The constant yield tax rate was on the hearing agenda — the rate at which the county would collect the same property tax revenue as last year despite property value changes. Testimony may influence whether the Council holds or adjusts it.
Non-departmental grant requests
Multiple nonprofits — Liberty's Promise, EcoLatinos, Passion to Compassion, CASA, Street Car Suburbs — asked for non-departmental grant funding in FY 2027; the chair noted over $30 million in requests against $4–5 million typically available.
Community Services Division transition
The division handling shelters, food pantries and homeless services is moving from Social Services to the County Executive's office; the state's ENOUGH grant funding also ended, though some funding shifts to other agencies.
FY 2027 Administrative Charging Committee budget
The committee reviewed how the county proposes to fund the Administrative Charging Committee in FY 2027. No decisions were made at this session.
Beltsville temporary fire station waste
Council Member Dernoga criticized the prior administration's roughly $2.4 million temporary station in Beltsville, built without council approval, leaving the county with a costly white elephant.
Charter Review Commission Recommendations
The 2025-2026 Charter Review Commission presented its final report with several proposed charter amendments for the Council's consideration.
Office of Finance FY 2027 budget and staffing strains
The office that collects $2.2 billion in taxes and cuts paychecks for 7,000 employees wants a 7.5% budget bump and two more positions. It's losing experienced staff to jobs that allow remote work, and veteran employees are nearing retirement — raising continuity concerns for tax billing and payroll services residents rely on.
FY 2027 housing budgets (DHCD and Housing Authority)
The committee reviewed proposed FY 2027 budgets for the county's housing department and the Housing Authority, which fund housing services and public housing operations. No votes were taken; budget decisions come later in the process.
FY 2027 Office of Human Rights budget
The EEOC told the county's Human Rights office it won't reimburse investigations into sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination — those cases would be dismissed if filed federally, so the county handles them alone. Staff also worry landlords may deny applicants because of ICE enforcement. The office held its first all-Spanish community event, streamed by a Latino influencer to 7,000+ viewers.
FY 2027 Office of Community Relations budget
The Office of Community Relations presented its proposed FY 2027 budget. The office handles community engagement and liaison work for the county.
FY 2027 Revenue Authority budget
The Revenue Authority, which runs county parking and real estate operations, presented its proposed FY 2027 budget to the committee. The discussion helps shape what services and facilities the authority will fund next year.
Elected officials' compensation
A bill locking in pay for the next County Council and Executive — no raise in year one, then inflation-tied bumps capped at 3% a year. Charter rules required a two-thirds vote within 90 days.
Collecting unpaid county fines through property tax bills
Millions of dollars in unpaid county fines sit uncollected. Fisher's bill would attach finalized fines to property tax bills so the county actually collects them; it was held for more work on technical issues affecting multi-unit property owners.
Collection of property-related fines and charges (CB-011-2026)
Fines assessed by code enforcement are collected at a very low rate, making them a weak tool for forcing compliance. Officials said a collections contract is in the works, and Council Member Fisher's bill to add fines to property tax bills may be the fix.
Board governance: chair election, terms, and transparency
The board's first big task — picking a chair — got pushed to April 8. Members also want answers on how staggered terms were assigned and whether term limits apply, and confirmed the board operates under the Open Meetings Act.
National Infrastructure Bank Act of 2025 support resolution
The county is backing a federal bill that would create a national infrastructure bank to finance major public works like roads, water systems, and transit. A new federal funding source could help the county tackle big capital projects without straining the local budget.
Board staffing and administrative capacity
Running a grant program is a heavy lift, and the current legislation doesn't allow paid staff for the board. OMB wants to amend the law so the health department can support the board and a portion of fund revenue can cover administrative costs like outreach and marketing.
Video lottery terminal tax spending plan
The FY2026–FY2028 local impact grant plan funds community groups, the community college, Forest Heights, and local development priorities.
People's Zoning Counsel FY 2027 budget
The committee reviewed the People's Zoning Counsel office's budget request for fiscal year 2027. That office represents residents in zoning cases, so its funding affects how well everyday residents can participate in land-use decisions.
Director of Human Resources appointment
The county's HR office has been slow to fill jobs — sometimes taking months — and the new director nominee says hiring times have dropped from 89 days to about 30. Faster hiring means county services get staffed and residents wait less.
FY 2027 legislative branch budget
Residents waiting to see how the council plans to spend its own branch budget next fiscal year will have to wait a bit longer — the briefing was pushed at the administration's request to ensure the numbers are accurate.
Compensation for County Executive and Council
The Compensation Review Commission presented its recommendations on elected officials' pay, comparing county salaries with other jurisdictions, state and federal officials. Any changes would affect the county budget.
Council Positions on Annapolis Delegation Bills
The Council formally sent its positions on state legislation affecting the county to the local delegation chairs in the General Assembly.
EITC outreach and baby bonds
Over 100,000 eligible Marylanders don't claim the Earned Income Tax Credit — worth about $1,100. The Comptroller launched an 'Earned It' campaign, and the council is interested in a local baby bonds pilot, with Adams-Stafford planning a District 5 investment account program.
County hiring and procurement reform
Budget reports keep flagging understaffing. The GOFP committee wants hiring metrics, faster processing, better pay for entry-level jobs, procurement transparency, and more veteran- and gender-based set-asides.