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Takoma Park council opens FY27 budget work session; members debate maintaining services vs. tax changes
Summary
Council began FY27 budget work session after a joint meeting with District 20. Discussion centered on whether to maintain current service levels, expand targeted support for residents affected by federal actions, and which tax/reserve scenario the city manager should present (maintain rate, constant‑yield, or constant‑yield+inflation).
Takoma Park’s City Council used a special session with Maryland’s District 20 delegation as a prelude to a lengthy FY27 budget work session during which members debated whether to maintain current service levels, trim programs, or change the residential property tax rate.
Public commenters framed the budget debate. Milford Specker, speaking for the Takoma Park Community Budget Working Group, warned that local property taxes have risen dramatically relative to inflation and urged the council to consider staff reductions, deferred capital projects and new local fees to improve affordability. "High taxes in the city are causing a lot of stress on community members, specifically seniors," Specker said.
Council discussion focused on three linked choices: desired service level, changes in…
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