Hyattsville council hears first reading of FY2027 budget; staff outline $1.8M gap

City Treasurer/Finance presenter Ron Brooks (speaker 16) and the budget director Ben (speaker 27) gave the first reading of the FY2027 budget ordinance. Brooks said the general‑fund revenue estimate remains $34,500,000 and reiterated an estimated property‑tax rate of 63¢ per $100 of assessed value; he said certain operating‑tax parameters were adjusted in the draft. The proposed general‑fund expenditures were summarized at $36,350,000 (inclusive of council motions), with capital requests and vehicle replacements noted on the capital side.

Ben told the council the budget is heading into the 1st reading with a projected gap of about $1.8 million (the initial proposed gap was about $1.4 million), and staff outlined a goal of working toward a balanced budget for final adoption. "We want to approach that as kind of our philosophy heading into the following year," Ben said, describing planned efficiency and revenue strategies and a forthcoming 10‑year forecast attachment for the final ordinance.

Council members questioned the auditors' certified fund‑balance figure (staff said the most recent certified balance is from 2023 and that the FY24 audit is nearing completion, which may adjust the number), the housing affordability fund status (staff said $1,000,000 from lot sales is held in a designated fund but has not been appropriated; program guidelines are still needed), OPEB account balances and special‑revenue fund dynamics (speed‑camera and parking revenue vs. expenses). Staff confirmed the FY27 draft includes a 2.5% COLA increase and funding for a community‑services case manager and a $100,000 emergency relief appropriation for households impacted by ICE.

Next steps and votes: the ordinance was introduced (first reading); staff will return with the audit attachment and the second reading with opportunity for amendments and final passage at a future meeting. No formal adoption occurred at first reading.