Budget Work Session - Final Budget Review

The City of Greenbelt, Maryland held a budget work session on May 19, 2026, focused on finalizing the fiscal year 2027 budget. Key procurement-related discussions included proposed budget adjustments for employee health and prescription cost increases, board of elections funding for ranked choice voting, and increased utility and operating costs for the city-owned Greenbelt Cinema. The council considered additional funding proposals for the cinema, including a $60,000 business stabilization contribution and a $25,000 increase in the operating subsidy. The session also addressed personnel reclassifications with neutral budget impact, such as reclassifying an environmental coordinator to operations manager and upgrading police records and HR positions. Funding allocations for local community organizations were debated, with adjustments made to grants for groups like the Greenbelt Arts Center, GATE TV, and the Greenbelt Business Alliance. The council discussed the restructuring of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) officer role within the Human Resources department, which sparked public and council debate about the implications for equity work. The council planned further discussions on DEI restructuring in upcoming work sessions. The budget remains balanced with some use of reserve funds, and the final budget adoption is scheduled for May 26, 2026.