New Carrollton · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in New Carrollton, MD public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Fleet management and vehicle dormancy
Council reviewed the fleet dormancy report and flagged concerns about the age and condition of several vehicles; staff said older vehicles remain serviceable.
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.
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.
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.
Spanish-language communication
Councilmember Malavé pushed for the council statement and rebuttal to be translated into Spanish, noting many Spanish-speaking residents only heard partial accounts. The council agreed, using the existing language-access budget line.
Civility and meeting security
After a disruptive resident approached the dais and council members were harassed in the hallway, the city is redesigning the room layout, repositioning cameras, and adding officer coverage at town halls.
Citywide Stump Removal
A $112,230 contract with Artistic Landscaping to grind 300+ tree stumps citywide and restore turf, with 80% resident support in the survey.
Grounds maintenance services
Ordinance 27-03 would spend $112,230.30 on stump grinding and turf restoration by Artistic Landscaping, sprucing up public grounds.
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.
Playground safety surfacing expansion
The council was scheduled to consider buying pour-and-play surfacing for the remaining city playgrounds, funded by a $370,000 grant already received — meaning new or upgraded playground surfaces at little cost to local taxpayers.
New Carrollton schools discussion
Director Matlock was scheduled to join for a 15-minute conversation about New Carrollton schools — a topic of direct interest to families in the city.
Harland Street project and Boys & Girls Club funding
The city landed $250,000 for Harland Street and $1 million for the Boys & Girls Club, and is working to move an older $250,000 earmark from the Hanko Building to consolidate funding. A $2 million federal earmark request for the Hanko Building is pending.
State-mandated accessory dwelling unit law
Counties must adopt ADU legislation by the end of October; Olson outlined open questions on size, setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and stormwater. The city plans to weigh in, possibly with a joint letter through Core Cities.
Parking Study Recommendations
A councilmember raised concerns that the city's $300 building permit waiver for disabled residents isn't being implemented properly.
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.
Residential parking enforcement
Residents are fed up with commercial and construction vehicles parked on residential streets. Council and police discussed stepped-up enforcement for expired tags, vehicles parked over 72 hours, commercial vehicles, and cars blocking intersections.
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.
Immigration Enforcement Impact on Local Businesses
Councilmember Urbina flagged that immigrant-owned restaurants are seeing a big drop in dine-in customers due to immigration enforcement fears, and suggested city support. Mayor Nembhard cautioned against public 'ICE not welcome' signage, citing advice that it could draw federal attention.
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.
Fire Department Donation Increase
The city will donate $10,000 to the New Carrollton Fire Department in FY2027 — a bump one councilmember pushed for and one member opposed.
Mahoney Woods improvements and $280K state grant
The item to add a $230,000 state grant for Mahoney Woods to the FY27 budget was pulled from the agenda — the grant must be spent and the project finished by May 2029 whenever it returns.