Takoma Park council approves compensation committee recommendations, adds anti-campaign language to communications allowance
March 05, 2026 | Takoma Park, Montgomery County, Maryland
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The City Council approved a resolution adopting recommendations from its council compensation committee on member pay and communications support after extended discussion about appropriate limits and safeguards.
The resolution included a provision for an annual communications reimbursement (capped at $500) intended to support council communications and outreach; council members debated safeguards to prevent city funds from being used for campaign purposes. Council member Schlegel proposed and the council accepted separate language clarifying that "Funds cannot be used for non council related activities, including but not limited to campaigning." The mayor said reimbursements will be processed through finance with receipts and that staff will provide guidance on permissible uses.
Other adopted recommendations expanded allowable communications activities (including translated emergency updates and editable staff-provided materials for council use), clarified retirement-plan contribution language, and authorized the mayor slightly higher communications funding to reflect citywide responsibilities. The council approved the amended resolution by voice vote.
Why it matters: The resolution sets the operational parameters and modest budget support for council communications and clarifies expectations about permissible uses of public funds, including explicit anti-campaign language.
What's next: Staff will draft administrative guidance and reimbursement procedures to implement the new allowances and ensure compliance with finance and ethics rules.
The resolution included a provision for an annual communications reimbursement (capped at $500) intended to support council communications and outreach; council members debated safeguards to prevent city funds from being used for campaign purposes. Council member Schlegel proposed and the council accepted separate language clarifying that "Funds cannot be used for non council related activities, including but not limited to campaigning." The mayor said reimbursements will be processed through finance with receipts and that staff will provide guidance on permissible uses.
Other adopted recommendations expanded allowable communications activities (including translated emergency updates and editable staff-provided materials for council use), clarified retirement-plan contribution language, and authorized the mayor slightly higher communications funding to reflect citywide responsibilities. The council approved the amended resolution by voice vote.
Why it matters: The resolution sets the operational parameters and modest budget support for council communications and clarifies expectations about permissible uses of public funds, including explicit anti-campaign language.
What's next: Staff will draft administrative guidance and reimbursement procedures to implement the new allowances and ensure compliance with finance and ethics rules.
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