Dear Neighbors:
Here’s a link to the April 13, 2022 City Council meeting agenda: https://takomaparkmd.gov/meeting_agendas/city-council-meeting-agenda-wednesday-april-13-2022/. There are no votes this week. The meeting will start early at 6:30 PM with a presentation on the Montgomery County budget and related matters from County Council President Gabe Albornoz. When the regular meeting starts at 7:30 PM there will be a Public Hearing on the proposed City budget presented last week by the City Manager. Our work session will cover two issues: changes to the Police employee retirement plan, and a discussion of proposed City expenditures under the Federal Community Development Block Grant program. There will also be a presentation from the Youth Council. For more information on the agenda items, see below.
As I did last week, I’ll be participating remotely, owing to my mild case of COVID. I’m feeling fine now, but the recommended CDC isolation period is just coming to an end, and I think it would be preferable for me to wait until next week to resume in-person participation in Council meetings. In that regard, I would note that in addition to the regular Wednesday night meetings, for the next three weeks the Council will also meet on Monday nights for special budget sessions.
To make a public comment via Zoom in this week’s meeting, sign up by 5:00 PM on Wednesday via this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_p7qVtlHpRmmLRWOx_PkJ7g. To comment in-person, simply go to the Council auditorium at 7:30 PM (no advance sign-up required). This week, comments will be taken first for the Public Hearing. There’s a separate sign-up to watch Council President Albornoz’s presentation (which doesn’t include a public comment period): https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WL2PthgyTXmhSlUdMwOxYw. The meeting and the Albornoz presentation can be seen on City TV (RCN -- 13, HD 1060; Comcast/xfinity -- 13, HD 997; Verizon Fios -- 28), on the City Council Video Page; on YouTube, or on Facebook.
PUBLIC HEARING ON BUDGET: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2022/council-20220413-2-rev.pdf
Link to Proposed Budget: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/finance/budgets-and-financial-documents/proposed-budget/fiscalyear_2022-2023_budgetbook.pdf
Last Week’s Budget Presentation: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2022/budget-presentation-2022-04-06.pdf
In last week’s meeting, the City Manager made an initial presentation of his proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2023, which starts July 1. It’s a dense document, and I’m still in the early stages of reviewing it. Page 15 of the presentation states that “Departmental and non-departmental budgets are largely maintenance of effort. Budget increases in the General Fund generally reflect a return to pre-pandemic levels of service, as opposed to an expansion of services or new programming.” That’s appropriate as the City emerges from the pandemic. Most of the significant new spending will come from ARPA monies, which -- while part of the City budget -- are all from the Federal government and not funded through our local property tax.
That said, there are areas of proposed higher spending, including a proposed 5% increase in personnel costs (equal to $613,000 in added dollars), and new investments in areas like financial forecasting; a new website and constituent request system; a new Human Resources system; and a new phone system. In addition, with current inflation trends, a number of basic costs are expected to be higher. On the other hand, we’ve gotten an additional infusion of over $400,000 in tax duplication funds from the County in the current fiscal year, with an improved tax duplication formula going forward.
The bottom line is that the proposed budget calls for a property tax increase from $0.5397 per $100 of assessed value to $0.5697. That 3 cent increase, if approved by the Council, would have a substantial impact on homeowners’ tax bills, even those who are seeing no or minimal hikes in their assessments. For a home valued at $600,000, the current .5397 rate produces a City tax bill of $3,238, while the proposed rate of .5697 results in a tax of $3,418, an increase of $180. When you consider that many homeowners have been notified of significant increases in their assessments, the impact could be even higher. And of course, the $600,000 value referred to above is solely for illustrative purposes; many properties are assessed well above that level, and they would face correspondingly higher tax increases. This interactive map gives a sense for the kinds of increases homeowners have seen in the recent reassessment (not to mention the seemingly random nature of many of the changes): https://r.takomaparkmd.gov/property/property-tax-map-points.html
Taking the potential impacts described above into account, I have serious concerns about the impact of the proposed property tax rate increase. I’ll be exploring options for reducing spending which can in turn help reduce the rate. In this year’s budget each one cent increase in the tax rate is equal to $267,000. If the Council agrees to net budget cuts of that amount, the tax rate can be reduced by one cent. Cutting expenditures by three times that amount or a net of $802,000 in savings would bring the tax rate back to the current level. I’d add that the Constant Yield Rate -- the rate calculated by the State to produce the same overall amount of revenue in the next fiscal year as in the current one -- is .5195. That’s roughly another two cents lower than the current rate, meaning further net reductions of roughly $534,000 would be needed to get there.
Again, I’m continuing to dig into the details of the proposed budget, so I don’t know at this point what specific savings I may want to pursue, or where there will be Council support for cuts. Meanwhile, I’ll be scheduling some opportunities for Ward One residents to meet with me to discuss the budget (I’ll announce those events separately). Residents can also weigh in directly in this week’s Public Hearing, a second Public Hearing on April 27, and of course in the public comment periods of any regular Council meeting, or by contacting me directly. Here’s the budget schedule between now and the scheduled final vote on May 18:
Wednesday, April 13 -- Budget Public Hearing
Monday, April 18 -- City Council Budget Work Session
Monday, April 25 -- City Council Budget Work Session
Wednesday, April 27 -- Budget and Tax Rate Public Hearing
Monday, May 2 -- City Council Budget Reconciliation Work Session
Wednesday, May 11 -- City Council First Reading Vote on Budget and Tax Rate
Wednesday, May 18 -- City Council Second Reading Vote on Budget and Tax Rate
COVID UPATE
The Takoma Park COVID-19 Data Dashboard has been updated through April 7: https://takomapark.shinyapps.io/covid_dashboard/. Key data points noted by City staff:
Cases are up in Maryland (43%) and some parts of the Country (although not nationally), likely due to the spread of the BA.2 subvariant of omicron. The subvariant is more infectious than the omicron variant, although it does not seem to be more severe. While it is still early and difficult to know, it does not seem that health experts expect a similarly high surge due to BA.2 as in December/January or with the Delta variant; however, the City will continue to monitor case levels and CDC guidance, and unvaccinated residents are encouraged to get vaccinated.
There were 16 new cases of COVID-19 in the 20912 zip code reported in the last week, compared to 3 the prior week. The zip code's new cases per 100,000 residents in the last 7 days rose to 61, a "substantial" level of transmission based on CDC guidance. In Montgomery County, the case rate per 100,000 is slightly higher at 80.1 (still a "substantial" level of transmission). But the County's "community level" -- which is based on case levels, hospitalizations due to COVID-19, and hospital capacity -- is still "low", because COVID-19 admissions to hospitals are low at 2 per 100,000 residents, and the percent of County hospital beds in use by COVID-19 patients is low at 1.6%. Cases in the County are up 108% over the last 14 days, while hospitalizations are down 34% and the test positivity rate remains at 1%.
The zip code’s fully vaccinated rate increased from 68.5% to 68.6% since last week, and the at least first-dose vaccination rate increased from 78.3% to 78.4%. There were no new deaths reported in the 20912 zip code due to COVID-19 since last week, leaving the zip code's total at 49 since the start of the pandemic.
Old Takoma Business Association Vaccination Clinic -- Tuesday, April 19, 1:00 - 5:00 PM: In partnership with the Maryland Department of Health, OTBA is hosting a free COVID Vaccination Clinic on Tuesday, April 19 in the Laurel Ave Streetery. Moderna, Pfizer and J&J vaccines will be offered - 1st dose, 2nd dose, and all boosters (check out the new guidance for additional boosters for those over 50 here). Pre-registration is encouraged, but not necessary. Register HERE. Insurance is not required. Open to Maryland and DC residents.
PCR Testing at the New Hampshire Avenue Recreation Center: Now extended through April on Wednesdays, April 20 and 27 (but not April 13) from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM: https://takomaparkmd.gov/news-alert/extended-onsite-covid-19-testing-every-wednesday-in-march/. Test kits and masks will be given to each person after testing.
Mask/Testing Kit Distribution: https://takomaparkmd.gov/public-notices/covid-19-rapid-test-kits-and-kn95-masks-available-now/. The Takoma Park Library is continuing to distribute N95 masks and COVID rapid testing kits during all open hours.
Other COVID resources: Vaccines for children ages 5 - 11: https://takomaparkmd.gov/news-alert/covid-19-vaccines-are-now-available-for-children-aged-5-11/; vaccines for people who are 12 and older: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/vaccine/ or State Vaccine Website; Testing: Montgomery County Testing Sites; Food aid: Submit an online request for help with food resources or call 240-777-0311. The City is partnering with the Salvation Army to help residents with utility bills: email to housing @takomaparkmd.gov or call 301-891-7119.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
ARPA Small Business Grants, Application Deadline April 15: These grants are funded through the ARPA spending plan. Visit the Takoma Park Small Business Support Grant page for details, grant criteria, applications, etc. HOME-BASED BUSINESSES ARE ELIGIBLE.
Eggstravaganza -- April 15 & 16: https://takomaparkmd.gov/government/recreation/eggstravaganza/. On both dates from Noon - 3:00 PM, participants (aged 2 - 8) in the City’s alternative to the traditional Egg Hunt, will get baskets and a map, and then solve clues to identify local businesses which are giving out treats. In addition, on April 16 only, the same age group is invited to be part of the Speggtacular Field Day at Ed Wilhelm Field from 4:00 - 6:00 PM.
Welcome Reception for City Manager Jamal Fox -- April 20, 6:30 - 7:20 PM: Join the reception in the Community Center to formally welcome our new City Manager. Of course he’s been on the job since August, but like so many events, this one was delayed due to COVID.
Arbor Day Tree Walk, Saturday, April 23, 10:00 AM -- Noon: https://takomaparkmd.gov/news-alert/join-us-for-our-arbor-day-tree-walk-on-saturday-april-23/. Residents are invited to a tree walk meet-and-greet in honor of Arbor Day led by Urban Forest Manager Marty Frye. Participants can speak about community tree-related work they are doing. Contact Marty to speak about your tree project: urbanforestmanager@takomaparkmd.gov. For more details and to RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/takoma-park-arbor-day-gathering-and-tree-walk-tickets-295370580357
Main Street Takoma Community Shredding Event, Sunday, April 24, 1:00 - 4:00 PM: https://mainstreettakoma.org/event/free-community-shred-2022/. This event will take place in the Seventh Day Adventist Church parking lot (6810 Eastern Avenue).
Takoma Metro Station Development: https://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/over-300-apartments-retail-park-and-plaza-proposed-at-takoma-metro-station/19341. The EYA development company is proposing a new design for an apartment building at the Metro Station parking lot and surrounding area. There will be several opportunities to participate in informational meetings about the proposal in the coming weeks including an ANC meeting on April 25, and a Takoma Park meeting in May (time and date to be announced). The project is expected to enter the formal DC government approval process in the summer. You can register for the ANC meeting through this link: bit.ly/TakomaMetroDevelopment.
Takoma Foundation Spring Grant Cycle -- April 29 Deadline: The Takoma Foundation raises funds to advance the social, environmental, economic, educational and cultural interests of the greater Takoma Park community. For the spring grant cycle, the Foundation will award general operating grants of up to $5,000 to support a nonprofit’s overarching mission. The grants can be used to support utility bills, fundraising, board and leadership development, salaries, meeting expenses, materials, or a specific project. View the grant guidelines at takomafoundation.org/grants/guidelines and use this link to apply: takomafoundation.org/grants-app.
Prescription Drug Take Back Day -- Saturday, April 30: The Takoma Park Police Department will participate in the DEA Nationwide Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on April 30, 2022, from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Bring unused medications to the collection boxes in the first floor police lobby of the Community Center. Prescription, over-the-counter and pet medications will be accepted. In addition, vape pens and other e-cigarette devices are now accepted BUT only after the batteries are removed. As a reminder, the collection site is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Drugs can be dropped off with no questions asked. Items that CANNOT be left are liquids, inhalers, aerosol cans, regular household ointments/lotions, needles/sharps and/or thermometers. If you have questions, please contact Cathy Plevy at cathyp@takomaparkmd.gov.
Takoma Park Safe Routes Virtual 5K Run, May 15 - 31: https://takomaparkmd.gov/government/housing-and-community-development/planning-and-community-development/safe-routes-to-school/tkpk5k-challenge/. The proceeds from this annual event will benefit health, fitness, bike, and pedestrian safety activities at five local schools.
Independence Day Parade: https://www.takomapark4th.org/. After being cancelled the last two years, the parade and evening celebration are returning in 2022. For information on how groups, performers, etc. can register, use the above link.
WORK SESSION
Amendment to Police Retirement Plan: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2022/council-20220413-3.pdf. We’ll be discussing a technical adjustment to the effective date for the Deferred Retirement Option Plan to ensure eligible applicants can still apply, despite administrative delays in developing the application forms. DROP is a valuable option for members of the Police force, and it’s important to ensure that it functions effectively. So I look forward to hearing more from City staff about the amendment.
Proposed Community Development Block Programs: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2022/council-20220413-4.pdf. The City has received $91,000 annually from the CDBG program the last several years. While the funds had been allocated initially for ADA streetscape improvements, the relevant work has not gone forward owing to challenges connected to compliance with Federal guidelines on the use of the funds for this purpose. City staff are now proposing an alternative use of the funds relating to park improvement. I’m open to that shift, though I do want to hear more details.
Please in touch with questions or comments about any of the topics covered in this week’s blog.
Peter Kovar, Takoma Park City Council, Ward One
240-319-6281; www.councilmemberkovar.com
(He, Him, His)
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