Lanham, Maryland Dec 2, 2020 (Issuewire.com) - November 30, 2020
Glenarden, Maryland
(240) 601-8356
Concerned Citizens of Glenarden, MD. have
“NO CONFIDENCE” in City Council Members
In a time of economic uncertainty and public health crisis, on Tuesday, November 25, 2020 the City of Glenarden City Council failed to pass the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget due to the “NO” votes of council members James Herring, Carolyn Smallwood, and unexcused absence of council member Celestine Wilson — resulting in:
(1) No access to $4.4 million for Fiscal Year 2021
(2) A potential loss of $378,000 in COVID-19 Relief Grant funds – resulting in no hazard pay for public safety personnel
(3) No 3% cost of living salary increase for city personnel
(4) Under staffing and under sourcing of public safety and public works personnel and equipment
(5) No funding for the May 2021 election
Council Inaction:
• Under the direction of former Council President James Herring and Vice President Celestine Wilson, the council did not meet during a critical four-month period, which would have allowed for the review and possible passing of the Fiscal Year 2021 budget.
• In Fiscal Year 2020, the City of Glenarden has forfeited 60% (-$232k) of the $378,000 State Grant Block Funding and will lose another 20% (-$76k) of funding if the 2021 budget is not passed by December 7, 2020. If the budget is not passed by December 15, 2020, the City of Glenarden will forfeit an additional $76k.
The Concerned Citizens of Glenarden demand the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget be passed by the aforementioned deadline to avoid any further loss of the COVID-19 Relief Grant Funds and have access to $4.4 million in operating funds to carry out the business of the City.
Citizen Action:
As a result of the Council’s inaction and failure to pass the Fiscal Year 2021 budget, The Concerned Citizens of Glenarden have created an online petition that can be accessed at http://chng.it/9GKrxMY5 to express their vote of “NO CONFIDENCE” for the following council members:
• James Herring: JHerring@cityofglenarden.org
• Carolyn Smallwood: CSmallwood@cityofglenarden.org
• Celestine Wilson: CWilson@cityofglenarden.org
The City of Glenarden, City Council:
https://cityofglenarden.org/government/city-council/
Media Contact
Concerned Citizens of Glenarden, MD. *****@outlook.com 2406018356
