The latest topic to heat up on Next Door is just trash talk. Seriously. An inordinate amount of time and energy has been spent discussing the City’s latest proposal on bulk trash. I’m not saying this trash talk is unimportant, but let’s be real. There is a simple answer to this. Communicate with those offenders and fine them if necessary. The Public Works Office keeps track of anyone requesting a bulk trash pickup. So, done! Let’s not waste anymore of our time on an issue which can be so easily resolved.
With such a simple solution at hand, it only makes sense this trash talk is a smokescreen or a red herring to divert residents from the real issues: the fiscal year 2020 budget, four-year terms for mayor and council, a commitment to the university to spend some undetermined part of $30 million of taxpayers’ dollars on a new City Hall, just to name a few.
It’s spring again, and the FY2020 budget cycle is in full swing. See below for a complete schedule. It’s worth noting that although Councilmembers and residents have asked for a later budget review process, this year’s is even earlier than usual. Per the City’s Director of Finance, Gary Fields, the proposed budget is scheduled to be distributed to our elected officials posted on the City website is March 8. A limited number of hard copies will be available on Monday afternoon, March 11.
March 11 is also the second public forum regarding possible charter changes to the mayor and council’s terms to take place at Davis Hall. The City’s newly appointed Election Commission is mandated to collect public comment and report back to the Mayor and Council on the public’s opinion on four-year terms as well as staggered terms. (See Residents oppose Four-Year Terms)
As for the new City Hall, taxpayers and dare I say, our elected officials and staff, have no idea of the total bill facing us. Some may remember it started off at $8 million, then it jumped to $12 million. Now, because the construction is a joint project with the University of Maryland, no one, at least connected with City, is clear on the total costs!
So don’t be fooled! Don’t be taken in by trash talk! Look at the more important issues before us.
Proposed FY 2020 budget schedule:
