Second in a Series of Public Hearings Countywide Seeking Citizen Input on County’s Fiscal Future

The Blue Ribbon Commission on Addressing Prince George’s County’s Structural Deficit, established by Council Resolution 26-2015 as a part of the approved FY 2016 County Budget, will hold the second of three countywide public hearings in North County on Thursday, April 28, 2016, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., at the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, in the Hearing Room, 6600 Kenilworth Avenue, Riverdale, Maryland 20737.

The public is invited to attend and share views on the Blue Ribbon Commission’s Preliminary Report or other topics related to the Commission’s charge. A Blue Ribbon Commission public hearing was held on March 24th at Harmony Hall in South County and a third and final public hearing is being planned for communities in the central portion of Prince George’s County.

The Blue Ribbon Commission is charged with recommending policies to the County Council and County Executive over the next year that will address the County’s structural deficit – the imbalance caused when normal government spending exceeds tax revenues on an annual basis. The Commission is researching and reviewing comparative budget data and information regarding Prince George’s County’s fiscal health; policies and practices that affect the County’s revenue structure and the strength of its tax base; the structure and fiscal dynamics of the Prince George’s County Government; and feedback from community stakeholders concerning the County’s budget and tax structure.

The Commission presented its Preliminary Report during County Council session on Tuesday, March 1, 2016. A final report is expected in July 2016.

Fort Washington resident Earl Adams, Jr., Esq., chairs the Blue Ribbon Commission. Blue Ribbon Commission members include: David C. Harrington, representing the Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce; James R. Estepp, representing the Greater Prince George's Business Roundtable; Desiree Callender, representing the Prince George 's County Association of Realtors; Jamal I. Miller (MSEA UNISERV Director/Prince George's County Educators' Association) and Gino Renne (UFCW Local 1994 MCGEO) representing affiliates of organized labor; David Van Dyke (County Auditor) and Turkessa Green (Audit Manager) representing the County's Office of Audits and Investigations; and Terri Bacote-Charles (Director) and Amber Hendricks (Deputy Director) representing the County's Office of Management and Budget. The County Council has appointed the following 6 citizens to serve on the Commission: Earl Adams, Jr., Esq.; Henry W. Mosley, CPA; John Rogard Tabori; Ron L. Watson, Ph.D.; Sherman L. Ragland, II; and Mark E. Tomassoni, Ph.D. Council Chair Derrick L. Davis (D) – District 6, serves as the Council's non-voting ex-officio member, and Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Budget, Finance & Administration, Thomas Himler serves as the County Executive’s non-voting ex-officio member.

What:
Blue Ribbon Commission on Addressing Prince George’s County’s Structural Deficit Public Hearing in North County

Who:
Blue Ribbon Commission Members
County Residents

When:
Thursday, April 28, 2016
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Where:
Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Hearing Room
6600 Kenilworth Avenue
Riverdale, Maryland 20737