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Brentwood council outlines FY27 budget process, debates opposing state zoning preemption bill
Summary
Council set a March presentation for the mayor's draft FY27 budget, discussed priorities including $20,000 for new trees and a $10,000 climate-action placeholder, and debated whether to send a letter opposing Senate Bill 36, which some members said would curtail local zoning authority.
Mayor opened a discussion on the FY27 budget and asked council members to submit priorities to be included in the mayor's draft. Town Administrator Dorothy Washington said she had currently earmarked $10,000 for climate-action components and that the treasurer would circulate a detailed spreadsheet of line items to inform requests. Vice Mayor Jerry Burgess said he had requested a $20,000 appropriation specifically intended to plant mature trees rather than small saplings.
Council members asked for a timeline, past budgets and a ballpark for typical request sizes to help frame their proposals. Town Attorney Jason Galoach and town administration said the council could expect multiple budget workshops and a public hearing; the council must meet ordinance and public-notice deadlines for a budget effective July 1. The mayor said she plans to present the mayor's draft budget at a special work session on March 3.
During the same meeting the council considered Senate Bill 36 (described in the meeting as a state proposal limiting local land-use and zoning controls). The mayor said the mayor of Sykesville circulated an opposition letter and asked whether Brentwood should sign a similar letter ahead of hearings scheduled Feb. 12 and Feb. 17. Vice Mayor Burgess and several council members expressed opposition to the bill on grounds it would strip local decision-making authority; one council member suggested coupling opposition with constructive alternatives that address housing supply concerns. The mayor said staff would circulate the Sykesville letter and asked council members to indicate whether they wanted to join the call to action.
Next steps: staff will circulate budget documents and the Sykesville draft letter for council review and schedule the mayor's FY27 presentation; council will decide whether to send a formal opposition letter before the Feb. 12 hearing.
