City Council Considers Grant for Youth Trip to Senegal from Tubman Museum

The Finance Committee of Annapolis convened on September 3, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, including funding proposals and community support initiatives.

The meeting began with a motion for a favorable recommendation on SA 5 26, which was quickly seconded and approved unanimously by the committee members. This motion reflects the committee's support for the initiative, signaling a positive step forward in the city's financial planning.

The discussion then shifted to a proposal concerning SA 6 26, which involves reallocating funds from the city’s reserve for one-time usage to support a grant for the Maryland Banneker Douglas Museum. This grant aims to facilitate an after-school program for youth, including a planned trip to Senegal. Alderman Gaye introduced the request, emphasizing the importance of the program for local students.

Committee members inquired about the specifics of the grant, including the number of students participating in the trip. It was noted that while there are ten students involved, the $10,000 grant may not fully cover all expenses, suggesting that additional funding from other organizations would be necessary to support the initiative.

However, some committee members expressed reservations about utilizing one-time funds for this purpose. One member voiced concerns about the depletion of the city’s reserve funds, which had significantly decreased from $4.5 million to less than $100,000. This member reiterated their opposition to spending these funds on various projects, including the current proposal.

The meeting concluded without a definitive resolution on the SA 6 26 proposal, highlighting the ongoing debate regarding the allocation of city resources and the prioritization of community support initiatives. Further discussions and decisions on this matter are expected in future meetings as the committee continues to evaluate the best use of available funds.