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Havre de Grace council adopts budget amendment to fund Holly Jolly festivities
Summary
The Havre de Grace City Council unanimously adopted ordinance 12-13, a fiscal-year 2026 budget amendment to allocate additional funds for the city’s Holly Jolly festivities, following a public hearing with no testimony; council cited grant support for the event.
The Havre de Grace City Council voted unanimously Dec. 15 to adopt ordinance 12-13, approving a fiscal-year 2026 budget amendment to provide additional allocations for the city’s Holly Jolly festivities.
Council member Ellis moved to introduce the ordinance on second reading and the measure was carried forward. During discussion Council members noted grant support for the program; one council member referenced a TARC grant that contributed roughly $18,000–$20,000 toward the event’s budget. The council conducted a roll-call vote and the ordinance passed 6–0.
Mayor Martin said the amendment will cover costs associated with this year’s holiday events and thanked staff and volunteers who organized the festivities. Director of Administration Chris Ritchie told council that Santaland attendance for four days rose from 278 children last year to 346 this year, which he said supported the city’s investment in the program.
The ordinance was the subject of a public hearing earlier in the meeting; the mayor announced the hearing and closed it after no members of the public came forward to speak. The council recorded the ordinance as adopted on second reading and indicated the amendment will be implemented as part of the city’s FY2026 budget adjustments.
The council did not specify line-by-line reallocations in the public discussion; details were said to be in the agenda packet.
