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Finance committee presses for more sidewalk funding, hears public-works proposals and watershed fee concerns
Summary
Committee approved a new public-works project manager position, directed several CIP adjustments and recommended adding sidewalk funding while urging further work to find savings in the watershed restoration fund to limit fee increases.
The Finance Standing Committee on May 8 approved a series of recommendations affecting the Public Works capital program, directed staff to seek cost savings in the watershed restoration fund, and recommended adding money for sidewalks in FY26.
Project manager hire: The committee approved an amendment to shift existing contractual CIP funding into a full-time public-works project manager position (budgeted at approximately $189,000, funded from CIP contractual lines). The public-works director told the committee he had been unable to recruit the needed part-time contractors and now wants a permanent project manager to advance a backlog of capital projects.
CIP adjustments: The committee considered multiple proposed reductions in capital projects to free money for other priorities. Members approved removing $200,000 from the Acton Cove Waterfront Park project (project documents list a larger project budget; the director said the FY26 increase reflected design choices and more durable bulkhead material). The committee also approved removing $200,000 from a traffic-signal rehabilitation account where staff said prior-year balances had not been fully spent and the department expects unspent allocations.
Sidewalk funding and watershed fees: Committee members repeatedly returned to sidewalks and road maintenance as a top priority. The committee debated adding $500,000 for general sidewalks but, after amendment and member discussion, the committee approved an increase of $400,000 (committee directions and final vote recorded in the meeting). Public Works Director Brian Vogel told members his group has capacity to spend additional sidewalk funds and has a prioritized list of projects. Committee members also requested a targeted review of watershed restoration spending: members asked staff and the public-works director to identify changes — including possible use of critical-area or reforestation funds where appropriate — to reduce the FY26 watershed fee increase. The committee recorded a recommendation that staff seek expense reductions in the watershed restoration fund so that the fee need not increase as currently proposed.
Other capital items discussed: Committee members discussed Pitt Moyer restroom upgrades and raised questions about the $300,000 estimate; members considered and debated reductions to that project but did not approve a blanket cut to restroom renovations. The committee also discussed Annapolis Walk park improvements and a proposed $700,000 parking component; several members asked staff for a detailed cost breakdown because the per-space cost the director gave -- roughly $18,000 per net added space in the draft design — prompted questions about comparative value.
What happens next: The committee asked public-works staff to provide line-item cost breakdowns for the projects discussed and to return with specific recommendations on where watershed or other funds can be reduced; the committee’s recommendations will be included in the FY26 finance report to the full council.
Ending: The committee recorded its CIP amendments and follow-up tasks for public-works staff; public-works will provide additional detail before final council action on the budget.
