COUNCIL CONVENES VIRTUALLY FOR FINAL SESSION PRIOR TO SUMMER RECESS; HOLDS PUBLIC HEARINGS; ADOPTS SEVERAL MEASURES; PLACES BOND BILLS ON NOVEMBER BALLOT; ADDRESSES HOMESTEAD PROPERTY TAX CREDIT CAP LEGISLATION
The Prince George’s County Council convened virtually on Tuesday, July 21st, in its final regular session before the August recess. During Tuesday’s session, the Council considered and adopted over 25 legislative measures; held 18 public hearings; and addressed proposed correspondence.
Council Chair Todd M. Turner noted the outstanding work of his Council colleagues, as well as staff, to address important issues given our virtual operations.
The Council adopted the following measures:
- CB-042-2020, legislation proposed by the County Executive realigning $20 million from the Police Department Capital Budget earmarked for a public safety training facility, to build a clinical health facility addressing mental health and addiction.
- CR-066-2020, legislation asserting that racism is a crisis of public health, public safety and economic welfare because of its effect on the entire Prince George’s County community.
- CR-062-2020, the Council established the Prince George’s County Food Insecurity Task Force to address issues related to the supply and demand of healthy food, and areas with limited access to healthy food, food-health connections, school meals, and food security.
- CB-043-2020, CB-044-2020, CB-045-2020, CB-046-2020 and CB-047-2020 - 5 (five) bond bills will be placed before voters during the November General Election for approval to fund County capital projects for public works, community college, libraries, public safety and county buildings.
- The Council voted to extend the appointment of Prince George’s County Acting Police Chief Hector Valez for four months pursuant to the County Charter.
- Approved the Prince George’s County Public School system’s budget reconciliation request for the $2.3 billion for the Fiscal Year 2021 school year.
- The Council also approved several measures addressing the Salary Plans for the County’s frontline workers, including provisions for COVID-19 Hazard Pay for first responders.
In other matters, following public testimony from over 25 residents on CB-048-2020, proposed legislation concerning a Charter Amendment to amend the Homestead Property Tax Credit Cap in Prince George’s County, District 6 Council Member Derrick Leon Davis, moved to table the bill, an action unanimously supported by the Council, and no further vote was taken. The matter will not be placed on the November ballot in the General Election for voters to decide. “The Council has heard from our residents on this matter and believes today’s action indicates the will of the people we were elected to represent, and a recognition of our current times,” said Council Chair Turner.
The Council also recognized Department of Corrections Director, Mary Lou McDonough, as she prepares to retire from Prince George’s County Government following over 40 years of service.
The County Council is scheduled to meet as the District Council on Monday July 27, 2020. The Council will reconvene in September, unless an emergency meeting is needed during recess.
To view Council Bills and Resolutions, please click HERE.
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