Finance committee approves $39,000 appropriation to support broadband work in public housing

The Annapolis Finance Committee voted June 4 to recommend a supplemental appropriation that moves a portion of the affordable housing trust fund balance into contractual services so the city can pay bills tied to a broadband project for public housing.

The appropriation gives authority to spend roughly $39,000 identified in the housing assistance sub‑fund to cover work under a grant agreement between the city and HACA, the Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis. "This is simply giving them the authority to spend funds," Jake Trudeau, budget manager, said. "We're taking fund balance and moving it to contractual services for them to pay the bills."

The funding move was described as necessary because the current-year budget did not include sufficient appropriation to cover the agreement; the audited year‑end balance allowed staff to identify available fund balance and appropriate it now. Committee members asked whether a contractor had been selected; staff said HACA had engaged a provider and that documents indicate Connect Maryland is involved. Committee members also asked whether the appropriation was sufficient to cover the contract; Trudeau and a HACA representative said the amount appeared to be "more than enough."

Alderman O'Neil asked whether this money is part of the broader affordable housing trust fund. Trudeau and staff clarified that the housing assistance balance is a subset of the affordable housing trust fund and that auditors had confirmed the available balance. Committee members noted the mayor's proposed fiscal 2026 budget anticipates drawing down a larger portion of the affordable housing trust fund, and asked whether this appropriation would affect balancing for FY26. Trudeau said if needed the city would reflect changes in the balancing amendment when the FY26 budget is finalized.

The motion to give a favorable recommendation to SA 3225 passed by voice vote.

The committee did not amend the grant agreement in the meeting; staff and HACA will proceed with the contract administration steps described.