Havre de Grace council adopts FY2027 operating budget, highlights street repairs and public safety

The Havre de Grace City Council on June 11, 2026, adopted Ordinance 1223, the city’s fiscal year 2027 operating budget, by a 5-0 roll-call vote during a special meeting that began at 6:00 p.m.

Council Member Ellis moved to introduce the ordinance on second reading; the motion was seconded and the council later moved to adopt the ordinance on second reading after discussion and a roll-call vote. The adoption was recorded as unanimous, with the presiding officer announcing a 5-0 affirmative tally.

Why it matters: Council members said the FY2027 budget emphasizes day-to-day municipal operations rather than large capital projects. In remarks before the vote, one council member thanked staff and administration for preparing the plan and noted a reduction in workers’ compensation costs that will ease budgetary pressure. Council members also highlighted continued support for volunteer organizations, investments in sidewalks and streets, and a “significant investment in public safety,” including support for the police department.

Council Member Booker thanked municipal staff and the finance team for their work on the budget, calling the insurance savings “a feather in the cap” for the city’s efforts to manage costs while maintaining services. Council Member Jones said she was “glad that we’re able to do that and we continue to do that going forward,” referring to funding for volunteer groups in the coming year.

The ordinance was presented under the authority cited in the meeting record: Article 11 of the Maryland Constitution, the Annotated Code of Maryland, and Section 37 of the Havre de Grace city charter. The meeting record did not specify an effective date for portions of the budget beyond the ordinance adoption on second reading.

The council adjourned at 6:06 p.m.; the presiding officer thanked staff and citizens and noted the next regular meeting will be held as scheduled.