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City manager gives FY25 midyear budget update; council approves consent agenda and appoints outreach committee member
Summary
City Manager Alfred Lott presented a midyear budget review showing higher first-half expenditures largely tied to capital projects and public works, updates on water and sewer capital work, IT and smart-city plans, and recreation facilities. The council approved the consent agenda and confirmed the nomination of Jackie Crumpton to the Community
City Manager Alfred Lott presented the Bowie City Council with a fiscal year 2025 midyear budget review on Feb. 18, highlighting increased first-half expenditures driven largely by capital transfers, water and sewer project spending, and planned investments in information technology and city services.
Lott told the council that general fund expenditures increased by approximately $4.6 million in the first half of the fiscal year, with about $2.8 million of that increase attributed to transfers to capital projects and a remaining increase allocated mainly to Public Works. He said the change in net position for the Water and Sewer division decreased by $1,806,616 due to increased capital expenditures for the water distribution system project. Lott said actual water consumption is improving but remains subdued by conservation and efficiency.
On municipal priorities, Lott highlighted continued work on the city’s Smart City initiative and said department heads are reviewing a draft framework. He said the city owns a .gov address and the IT Committee recommended studying a transition to a cityofbowie.gov domain to improve authentication for official communications. Lott also noted the city received HUD grant approval for Allen Pond amphitheater accessibility improvements and said staff expect construction bidding and work to proceed this summer without disrupting the summer concert series (staff will use a portable stage as needed).
Recreation questions included an update that the indoor facility’s new flooring had been installed and pickleball lines were being painted; staff said the room will remain multipurpose and be available for rentals. On the ice rink downtime, staff said the city has filed an insurance claim for lost revenue and repair costs and described the claim as looking favorable.
Lott also introduced the city’s new Public Works Director, Dr. Huyun Ahn, and said recruitment for an assistant manager position is underway. He reported that the Water and Sewer fund’s near-term capital work will be capitalized on the balance sheet and amortized over useful life, and said staff will include water and sewer work in the coming budget proposal.
Council action at the meeting
- The council moved, seconded and approved the consent agenda by voice vote; the mayor called the motion carried. - Council member [unnamed in the roll call] moved to nominate Jackie Crumpton to the Community Outreach Committee; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. Crumpton was sworn in and administered the oath of office.
Ending
City staff said they will provide additional details on budget questions submitted by council members, and several members indicated they would route written questions to staff for follow-up during the budget cycle. The midyear information will inform preparation of the FY26 budget; no budget ordinances were adopted at the Feb. 18 meeting.
