New Carrollton · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in New Carrollton, MD public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Third-party debt collection (Ordinance 26-13)
The city has millions in past-due citations headed to a collection agency that adds a 35% fee. Council is considering a 60-day amnesty letting people pay the original fine only — but details, debtor counts, and mailing costs are still being gathered.
Grant Funding and Overtime Costs (Amendments 26-16 and 26-17)
A $22,500 grant the police department won last year but couldn't spend got moved into the new budget year so the city can claim the reimbursement.
Finance Department Staffing — Accounting Clerk Vacancy
An Accounting Clerk resigned effective October 2, 2026, leaving a gap in the office that processes payroll, vendor payments, and city financial records. The council was asked to consider allowing the city to hire a replacement despite the ongoing hiring freeze.
Electronic message signs RFP NC2026-4
The city wants new electronic display signs, but the old $250,000 estimate for three signs gave members pause. The Council agreed to have the Procurement Officer issue an RFP to see if better pricing is out there before committing during budget season.
Equipment and Capital Purchases
A slate of purchases was up for discussion: a hot box and roller, two electronic signs, pour-and-play playground surfacing backed by a $370,000 grant, a recycling truck, an electronic scoreboard for Beckett Field, brine equipment, and stump grinding/turf restoration.
FY 2026 Budget Amendment No. Twelve
A budget amendment to the FY2026 budget was scheduled for consideration, tied to a personnel settlement discussed in closed session.
FY 2027 Proposed Projects and RFP
DPW is working on the Lamont community garden renovation, clearing invasive species and planting native trees, and citywide sidewalk repairs. Bridge inspection reports are coming to the council in May.
Newsletter print cost savings ahead of budget season
Instead of paying for a new Constant Contact account, councilmembers' updates will go out as a section in the city's existing weekly newsletter — an easy way to hear what your representatives are doing.
LGIT Insurance Coverage and Salary Dispute
The city's insurer, LGIT, told the city it covers injury-type claims, not contract disputes — so the salary fight may not be covered. That leaves the city potentially on its own if this turns into litigation.
City Reserves and 2012 Street-Paving Loan
The city still owes about $655,000 on a 2012 street-paving loan at 2.9% interest and has paid roughly $470,000 in interest so far. The Council will consider paying it off early at Wednesday's meeting.
FY 2026 budget reallocation (Reconciliation No. Nine)
Ordinance 26-17 moves money between departments and line items — overtime, police training travel, vehicle maintenance, MML conferences — without growing the total budget.
Administrator transfer authority (Resolution 26-10)
A resolution to repeal limits on the administrator's ability to move money to cover salaries and expenditures was postponed until the compensation study is done and the salary compromise is settled.
Budget code modernization (Charter C-6, C-14, C-18)
The council wants to overhaul outdated budget rules: longer public hearing notice (21 days), online-first publication, detailed line-item budgets, tighter controls on unbudgeted spending, and a 12% operating reserve. The goal is more transparency and accountability in how city money is handled.
Disabled residents' permit waiver
A councilmember raised concerns that the city's $300 building permit waiver for disabled residents isn't being implemented properly.
Storm overtime and winter response budget
The council discussed a budget amendment for storm overtime and increasing future public works overtime, plus equipment needs for ice removal and possibly sharing resources with other jurisdictions.
Landfill fees running hot in the budget
Landfill fees are already 80% spent well before the fiscal year ends, prompting a planned full budget amendment in March once accounting system updates are done.
Charter Resolution 26-01
The council is advancing a charter amendment to public hearing. Members agreed to debate their proposed amendments at the second March meeting so residents see the final version before testifying.
Charter violation in November dump truck purchase
A November emergency budget amendment for dump trucks passed without the required two-thirds council vote. The council admitted the error and is formally documenting it in the minutes.
Administrative duties vs. council duties
The Mayor wants councilmembers to stop contacting vendors and staff directly, saying it undermines operations. The council agreed she'd be included on all staff communications.
No tax increases planned
The Mayor emphasized during department reports that no tax increases are planned, while noting budget constraints.