Forest Heights accepts $175,000 in Project Charge funding for youth and community programs

The Town of Forest Heights mayor and council unanimously approved Resolution 24-26 to accept $175,000 in FY2026 Project Charge funding from the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission to support youth and community programming.

Mayor Lilly said the resolution will continue access to structured recreational and enrichment programs that promote health, wellness and community engagement, and that the dollar amount for the resolution is $175,000. Mr. Jackson confirmed the types of eligible events include seasonal activities such as Harvest Fest and the Christmas celebration and said the grant covers expenditures within the fiscal year period.

Council member Brownson asked whether the funds must be spent before the end of the fiscal year and whether the town can bill earlier expenses to the grant; Mr. Jackson said the funding applies to the July 1–June 30 fiscal period and the town can charge eligible past expenditures to the project. Council President Noble and other members asked for a breakdown of how program dollars will be allocated, noting concern that the total $175,000 must cover multiple programs; Mr. Jackson said the treasurer will appropriate line items and reimbursements will follow actual expenditures charged to the project.

The clerk called the roll and the motion carried unanimously. Town staff said they will prepare budget line items and documentation to support reimbursements to vendors and to demonstrate how the funds are allocated across programs.