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Takoma Park council advances aging-in-place program and adopts amended FY27 budget schedule
Summary
At its meeting, the Takoma Park City Council gave first reading to an ordinance to fund the Village of Takoma Park’s aging-in-place program and adopted an amended FY27 budget calendar, labeling an April meeting 'tentative' to spread budget reconciliation sessions.
The Takoma Park City Council on Tuesday advanced a city-funded aging-in-place agreement with the Village of Takoma Park and approved an amended fiscal‑year 2027 budget schedule. Council members moved and seconded both measures during the regular meeting and approved them by voice and roll-call votes.
The aging-in-place ordinance received a first reading after public testimony from Paul Huebner of the Village of Takoma Park, who described volunteer services such as rides and a small repairs team and urged continued city support. "I ask that you do this grant and give Sandy the recognition and the gratitude that she so roundly deserves," Huebner said, describing the Village’s direct assistance to seniors.
Council members emphasized the Village program’s local impact in their discussion. Council member Schlegel moved the ordinance and Council member Hansack seconded. In a roll-call recorded at the meeting the votes were: Landman — Aye; Dybala — Yes; Schlegel — Yes; Gilbert — Aye; Hansack — Aye; Weselek — Aye; Mayor Searcy — Aye. Because this was a first reading, the ordinance must return for a second reading before final adoption.
On the budget calendar, staff proposed adjustments to the FY27 schedule to add a Nov. 19 presentation with financial consultant Raf Tellez and to spread the budget reconciliation meetings so residents and staff have more time to review materials. City Manager De Espirito explained the change: staff sought to avoid squeezing three reconciliation meetings into eight days and recommended moving sessions to provide better preparation time. Council member Gilbert moved the amended calendar and Council member Landman seconded; the council adopted the resolution with the April 15 meeting marked as "tentative."
Why it matters: the Village contract would fund locally delivered home‑repair and support services that help older residents remain in place; the budget calendar sets the timeline for public hearings, reconciliation meetings and the council’s decisions that will shape city spending next year.
What’s next: the aging-in-place ordinance will return for a second reading. The FY27 schedule is in effect as amended; staff will proceed with the announced presentations and budget reconciliation dates.
Speakers quoted or referenced in this article are those who spoke on the record at the meeting, including Paul Huebner (Village of Takoma Park) and Mayor Talisha Searcy.
