Bladensburg council narrows FY2026 shortfall to about $314,314; first reading proposes higher tax rates

The Bladensburg Town Council on Monday received a first reading of the FY2026 budget, with Treasurer Tonelli saying the shortfall had been reduced from roughly $1.5 million to about $314,314 after eight budget sessions and adjustments.

"As we started off the budget year again, we were about at $1,500,000 off of what we needed to close our complete gap," Treasurer Tonelli said, adding staff changes and updated commodity and insurance forecasts moved the figure down to approximately $314,314. He told the council that some administrative staffing adjustments contributed to the reduction.

Town Administrator Michelle previewed Ordinance 01‑2026 in its first reading, saying the document will show the town’s proposed tax rates by property class and that the second reading in June will offer another chance for amendments. "It's 85¢ for apartments, 82¢ for commercial industrial, and we remain at 74¢ for our residential," she said. The ordinance remains at first reading and is not yet final.

Chief Tyrone Collington urged the council to weigh public‑safety gains in budget decisions. "We have an obligation to keep this community safe," Collington said, noting recent crime‑reduction trends as context for staffing and resource choices.

Council members pressed staff for alternatives to deep cuts, including the possibility that speed‑camera revenue could exceed conservative forecasts and help close part of the gap. Staff also outlined efficiency steps, such as automation of administrative processes, online payment options and streamlining code‑enforcement workflows, that officials said could lower long‑term costs.

The first reading does not adopt final rates. Town officials said the June meeting will include the ordinance’s second reading and that the council can still adjust figures before the budget is finalized.