Laurel City Councilman To Lead Municipal Association

Laurel City Councilman Frederick Smalls (Ward 2) is set to become the president of the Prince George's County Municipal Association.

The announcement was made during this week's city meeting.  The association, a chapter of the Maryland Municipal League, is a collection of the county's 27 municipalities--the most in the state. 

Smalls had previously served as the association's president in 2004. He's currently vice president of the association and will rise to the position of president in May.  He said that he plans to ensure more involvement from association members and create stronger relations with state and county governments.

"We've had a bit of a lull," he told Laurel Patch. "I'm looking to get more active involvement from our members. We work to speak as a unified voice on municipal issues."

City approves 2012 budget and $2 million bond

Council members in the City of Laurel also unanimously approved the passage of the fiscal year 2012 budget this week and a $2.86 million [municipal?] bond.

After working last month to, Mayor Craig A. Moe delivered a $25.5 million budget that skimmed funds from several city programs and froze pay for city employees through 2012. Moe noted the budget did not include layoffs or furloughs for city workers.

"We were down $3 million but we know it's  going to be tight for the [rest of the fiscal year]," Moe said.

The city is also poised to purchase new dump trucks and repair roadways, thanks to the $2.86 million bond approved earlier this week.