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Council trims some events, asks staff to seek sponsors for popular programs
Summary
Facing a sizable structural gap, councilors approved a range of staff-proposed program and events cuts while asking staff to pursue private sponsorships and grants for popular activities such as certain festivals and back-to-school programming.
Councilors reviewed a long list of proposed program reductions to close part of the FY2027 budget gap, including cuts to some festivals, community events, and small program lines across community services. Staff said the proposed reductions targeted low-attendance or duplicative activities; council asked staff to prioritize preserving high-impact programs and to pursue sponsorships and partnership funding in lieu of city dollars.
Staff described event-by-event recommendations: smaller historic-property events (a $5,000 line) and a larger fall festival were proposed for elimination; the Back-to-School bash (about $6,600) drew council support and was retained. "We already get sponsors for larger events like Buoiefest," staff said, and council members encouraged more private partnerships in the future. On the Old Bowie Celebrates event (a $43,800 line item), staff suggested the council either take over operations to realize efficiencies or ask the volunteer committee to secure sponsors and run independently; council asked staff to reach out to the committee for options.
Separately, council agreed to pause the $50 home-security camera rebate program for now but directed staff to pursue vendor partnerships and grant options that might restore the benefit without city general-fund expense.
What happens next: Staff will contact volunteer event committees about sponsorship and operating options, pursue grant and private-partnership leads, and return refined recommendations for Wednesday's follow-up session.
