Maryland Lawmakers Demand Prince George’s Co. Cease Agency Fund Diversions
A provision on page one of the budget signed by the governor this week prohibits Prince George’s County from transferring funds out of the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission’s budget. The change responds to repeated transfers made since last September.
Scope of the transfers
County records show the council moved more than $27 million from the commission into other budget areas. State officials also ordered the county planning board to stop issuing grants amid transparency concerns.
Why state leaders acted
Delegation leaders argued the moves should occur during the formal budget process. Del. Nicole Williams, who chairs the county delegation, said the measure aims to strengthen governance and transparency.
The action reflects heightened scrutiny. A delegation member told Filmogaz.com the transfers should be taken as a sign state lawmakers are watching closely.
Local leaders respond
Opposition from Sydney Harrison
County council member Sydney Harrison voted against the transfers. He said he never received required written notifications or testimony from commission leadership.
Harrison said the absence of documentation created ambiguity about how funds were used. He welcomed the budget provision as a corrective step.
Defense from Krystal Oriadha
County Council Chair Krystal Oriadha said the transfers were made openly. She added Park and Planning asked the council to move funds, and the council honored that request.
Oriadha said the money supported projects in the county’s southern areas. She called the reallocation an effort to serve historically underserved communities.
Ongoing questions and next steps
At issue is whether transfers followed state law and the commission’s mission. Harrison maintains the process lacked formal requests and approval from the state delegation.
The new budget language aims to prevent future diversions of agency funds. The move echoes the concerns captured by Maryland Lawmakers Demand Prince George’s Co. Cease Agency Fund Diversions.
Officials say work will continue to fund underserved neighborhoods. County leaders also say the change will not alter their focus on community programs.
