Bowie’s City Council has signed off on an 18-cent property tax rate increase in a 4-2 vote, a move city leaders say is needed to chip away at a roughly $20 million structural budget shortfall that they largely tie to police costs. The council had previously rejected a larger 20-cent hike earlier this month, and councilmembers Clinton Truesdale and Roxy Ndebumadu opposed both versions. City officials say the increase follows about $3.8 million in cuts this budget season, and Mayor Michael Estève has warned that more reductions or other revenue moves may still be on the table.
Mayor: Shortfall Still Remains
Estève’s original plan called for a full 20-cent increase, and he has said the smaller 18-cent hike still leaves an unpaid "2-cent" gap that would require another roughly $2 million to close. "We’ve got to figure out what we’re going to do... We’re either going to explore $2 million in cuts, or we’re going to need to look at some other alternatives to try and cover the remaining 2-cent gap," Estève said, as reported by The Banner.
What the City Books Show
City financial documents show the police department’s direct budget is roughly $15.7 million and total public safety spending is about $17.7 million in the most recent Annual Comprehensive Financial Report from City of Bowie. Those line items help explain why leaders say public-safety costs have outpaced the growth of the tax base and drained reserves that once cushioned the blow.
Cuts So Far and the Council Split
According to city officials, Bowie has already trimmed about $3.8 million from the budget, including reduced grants and scholarships, staffing cuts at the senior center, museums and the city manager’s office, and scaled-back programs and events. Estève has pointed to rising equipment costs as another warning sign, noting that trash trucks that once cost about $120,000 now run roughly $280,000, and the council ultimately approved the 18-cent rate on a 4-2 vote. As reported by The Banner, Truesdale and Ndebumadu cast the opposing votes.
What Happens Next
The council is set to consider formal adoption of the FY 2027 budget and the capital-improvements plan at an upcoming meeting, where leaders will have to decide whether to find the remaining revenue or pursue deeper cuts. Residents can track meeting schedules, hearings and budget materials on the city’s finance pages as the debate continues. City of Bowie budget documents list the calendar and supporting records.
