Council approves 2025 appointment calendar after debate over pending packages

The Prince George's County Council voted 9-0 on Feb. 11 to adopt a proposed 2025 appointment calendar and legislative schedule, after debate about whether to pause appointments during the county executive transition.

Councilmember Fisher moved to adopt the calendar; Councilmember Harrison seconded. Some members asked whether the council should delay appointments that arrive while the county executive's transition is underway. Councilmember Harrison and others asked staff when the incoming county executive would take office; one councilmember said "June" in response to that question during the discussion on the floor. Members also discussed the charter's timing requirements that can compel the council to act on appointments once they are transmitted.

Councilmember Blaguey proposed a substitute motion to hold appointments; that motion was withdrawn after council members clarified the calendar before the council vote. Clerk and staff reported there were five transmittal packages currently in process: Cannabis Reinvestment and Restoration Board, Commission for Women, Board of Ethics, Human Rights Commission, and Police Accountability Board. Councilmember Blaguey withdrew the substitute motion and the council proceeded to adopt the proposed calendar.

The chair called the roll for final passage; the motion carried 9-0. Several members emphasized they would take up process questions about handling additional packages offline and noted charter time frames could require action on any appointment once transmitted by the executive.

The calendar adopted on Feb. 11 lays out advertising and hearing dates for appointments and other legislative items for the coming months. Council members asked staff to provide clarity on packages in process and how the council will handle incoming transmittals during the transition period.