Reflection on FY27 Budget conversations + June community updates

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AmyJean Chung Fry

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Jun 1, 2026, 8:25:21 PM (11 days ago) Jun 1

to cmw...@cheverly-md.gov

Neighbors,

May has been quite a month, and it's hard to believe we're already halfway through the year and heading into summer.

We've had some intense conversations around the budget, and I appreciate how many of you came to the table in such a constructive way. Money conversations are never easy. We all bring different perspectives and priorities, but what stays constant is the Cheverly value of inclusion and respect.

A big shoutout to our staff for listening to resident feedback, pivoting quickly, and putting in many late nights to produce a FY27 Proposed Budget Booklet with clearer explanations of what the different line items actually mean. The final tax rates are:

$0.60 for single family | $1.03 for multifamily

Chief Morris shared some really thoughtful remarks at the end of the special budget meeting on May 21, 2026. I'd encourage everyone to tune in. The video link is here, starting right at the 1:36:45 mark.

The Council threw the standard process for a loop this year, and I'll own that. I'm grateful it was received with grace and a genuine desire to improve from staff. There was a lot to learn from this year's process and I definitely have a list of things I want to do different.

As I've mentioned before, I've proposed adding a budget hearing earlier in the cycle so residents can weigh in before the proposed tax rate is set. The Constant Yield Hearing will still happen toward the end, but as I've said, that's not the moment for input. Meaningful input happens in the budget meetings held months before and next year, during a dedicated budget hearing that would bring that engagement to begin earlier in the process.

A few things I want every resident to keep in mind as we head into what will likely be an even harder FY28:

This town (and the County) relies heavily on property taxes as its main revenue source. Without a broader commercial base to share that burden, it falls on homeowners, and that's not going to get easier.
The full impact of federal layoffs hasn't hit yet, so next year will be difficult.
If we move forward with annexing Cheverly Hill, we'll need more staff and more services, not less.
Our county Parks taxes are going up. Keep an eye on the county and how those funds are being used.

Another increase next year will be very hard to avoid. That's exactly why we need to keep having honest conversations about wants versus needs, because many of the suggestions I raised weren't fully explored. It's one reason why I voted "no" on the tax rate. We should be making spending decisions with the full understanding that another tax increase will be a real hardship for many of our neighbors. I look forward to having continued meaningful and constructive conversations with you.

Coming up: Our June Town Meeting is on June 11. There will be no work session this month due to the Maryland Municipal League Conference. (I did ask about canceling, but the hotel and registration costs were booked months ago and are non-refundable at this point.)

On a more fun note: a composting pilot program we ran with the Town of Edmonston is now being offered as an opt-in program for residents. It's available at a group rate and will not subsidized by the town. If you're interested in joining the Compost Crew, this is more than backyard composting. You can divert all food waste from landfills, including meats and bones! You can learn more here, and the town will be putting out details soon for those who want to join. If you're already in the program, check your inbox (or junk folder) for a recent email that looks like this:

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, June 2 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm: Youth Craft Night

Youth Study Hall: Craft Night • Cheverly, MD

Thursday, June 4 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm: Youth Open Gym Night

Youth Open Gym Nights • Cheverly, MD

Thursday, June 4: Deadline to submit a Hometown Heroes Banner Request

Hometown Heroes Deadline Approaching! • Cheverly, MD

Saturday, June 6 at 9:00am: Rec Council Annual Scholarship Pickleball Tournament Big shout out to Ms. Velinda Mays Carter for her annual scholarship tournament that has grown every year. She has single-handedly made this a pickleball event in the COUNTY bringing folks from all over to participate.

Rec Council Annual Scholarship Pickleball Tournament • Cheverly, MD

Saturday, June 6 at 11:00am: Pride Flag Raising

Annual Raising of the PRIDE Flag • Cheverly, MD

Thursday, June 11 at 6:30pm: Youth Council Meeting
Thursday, June 11 at 7:30pm: Town Meeting (Final Reader)

Saturday, June 13 from 8:00am-12:00pm: Community Market

Reminder: Town Hall Parking lot will be temporarily closed on the Friday before the Market at 5:00pm until the Market Saturday at 1:00pm.

Sunday, June 14 – Wednesday, June 17: MML Conference
Tuesday, June 16 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm: Youth Craft Night

Every First & Third Tuesday

Thursday, June 18 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm: Youth Open Gym Night

Every First & Third Thursday

Friday, June 19: Town Offices Closed
Saturday, June 20 from 12:00pm to 4:00pm: Town of Cheverly and CAACO Juneteenth Celebration

Thank you to Ms. Barbara Brown for pouring into our Juneteenth Celebration for the Town. We are lucky and grateful for your consistent dedication!

Stay Connected

Check out the Cheverly Town Newsletter [en Español]
If you missed the Town Meeting on Thursday, you can watch recordings of all town meetings [here] or watch on YOUTUBE.

Hometown Heroes Banner Program Click Here To Find More Information and Apply