Glenarden council agrees to publish proposed property-tax rate increase to $0.3947 per $100

The Glenarden City Council voted by consensus to advertise a proposed real‑property tax rate of $0.3947 per $100 of assessed value, directing staff to run required public notices so the council can hold a public hearing before final action.

City Manager Simpson framed the proposal as the administration’s recommendation after it identified a structural shortfall under the city’s current rate. “The city of Glen Arden last adjusted its real property tax rate in fiscal year 2023, setting it at 0.3338 per $100 of assessed value,” Simpson said. He told the council the administration calculated a “required rate to maintain services” at 0.3947 and described the difference as a shortfall equivalent to 18.2% over the current rate.

The decision matters because the proposed rate would raise revenues the administration says are needed to avoid drawing down reserves beyond a level the treasurer recommended. Simpson and Treasurer Stewart told council members that without raising the rate the city would close budget gaps by using reserves and that would be fiscally unsustainable over several years. Council members asked staff for detail on how much of the gap would be closed by reserves versus new revenue, and for the advertisement and public‑hearing timeline.

Council members debated the balance between fiscal stability and pressure on residents. Councilman Herring warned that continued use of reserves would deplete the city’s savings within a few years and argued the council had “no choice” but to act now. Councilwoman Fareed cited the ordinance and charter process and supported moving forward with lawful notice. Councilwoman Jones and others asked staff to record and publish clear minutes for any consensus directions during the budget process.

After discussion the clerk polled the council on whether to advertise the proposed 0.3947 rate; all members present signaled yes when called. The council instructed staff to publish the statutory notice promptly and to schedule the formal public hearing required by law; staff said publication logistics required working with a newspaper and the earliest hearing date would depend on the publication schedule and the state filing deadline.

Staff directed the treasurer to prepare the formal advertisement and updated budget documents reflecting the proposed rate and to circulate the revised budget to council members before the next meeting. The council did not adopt a final rate at the work session; this action was limited to authorizing the required advertisement and setting the process for the hearing and final vote.