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Havre de Grace council adopts FY2026 budget, approves three city code ordinances; multiple appointments confirmed
Summary
At its June 16 meeting the Havre de Grace Mayor and City Council adopted the fiscal year 2026 budget, passed ordinances updating forest-conservation and grading rules and introduced arts-commission changes. The council also confirmed appointments to the ethics and youth commissions and approved several procedural items.
Havre de Grace94The Mayor and City Council adopted the city99s fiscal year 2026 budget and approved multiple code changes and appointments during their June 16 meeting.
The council voted 6-0 to adopt Ordinance 11-94, the city budget for fiscal 2026, and approved two other ordinances on second reading: Ordinance 11-91 (amending Chapter 81, forest conservation) and Ordinance 11-92 (amending Chapter 89, grading and filling). The council also introduced Ordinance 11-95 (changes to Chapter 25 on boards, committees and commissions pertaining to the Arts Commission) on first reading; a public hearing on 11-95 was scheduled for July 7.
The meeting also included confirmations: Ed Garono (listed in materials as Ed Gurono/Garano) was sworn in after council approval to the Ethics Commission; Jennifer Joseph, Joanne Teal and Ed Worthington were appointed to the Youth Commission. All noted roll-call votes were recorded 6-0 in favor.
Other actions approved by unanimous vote included removing Ordinance 11-93 (landscaping ordinance) from the evening99s agenda for additional work; extending First Fridays operating hours from 5 p.m. 94 8 p.m. to 5 p.m. 94 9 p.m.; and a council motion to meet in closed session at the conclusion of the meeting to discuss a personnel matter (Open Meetings Act authority cited in the motion). The council also approved routine meeting minutes and public hearing minutes by voice vote earlier in the evening.
Why it matters: The FY2026 budget vote sets the city99s spending priorities for the coming year, and the code amendments affect development and tree-protection practices. The appointments fill local advisory seats that advise council and staff on commissions, and the First Fridays time change alters downtown event hours.
What was said: During debate on Ordinance 11-92 (grading and filling), Councilmember Jones said the amendments were meant 9cto be consistent with our codes9d and current practice. On the budget, Councilmember Boker described extensive staff and committee work and urged continued committee oversight during the fiscal year.
Votes at a glance: - Ordinance 11-91 (amend Chapter 81, forest conservation): Adopted on second reading by roll call, 6-0. - Ordinance 11-92 (amend Chapter 89, grading and filling): Adopted on second reading by roll call, 6-0. - Ordinance 11-94 (FY2026 budget): Adopted on second reading by roll call, 6-0. - Ordinance 11-95 (amend Chapter 25, Arts Commission): Introduced and adopted on first reading for public hearing, roll call 6-0; public hearing set for July 7. - Ordinance 11-93 (landscaping): Removed from the agenda by unanimous consent for further revisions. - Appointment: Ed Garono to the Ethics Commission: Approved 6-0; oath administered. - Appointments: Jennifer Joseph, Joanne Teal, Ed Worthington to the Youth Commission: Approved 6-0. - First Fridays hours (change from 5948 p.m. to 5949 p.m.): Approved by voice vote, 6-0. - Motion to convene closed session after the meeting (personnel matter, GP Art. 973-305(b)(1)): Approved 6-0.
Next steps: Ordinance 11-95 will have a public hearing July 7; staff will implement the FY2026 appropriations effective July 1. Any subsequent budget amendments or contract awards will return to council as required by city code.
Ending: The council adjourned after a roll call and announcements about upcoming city events and department reports.
