Chapter 4 – Presiding Officers
Current through 2024. Source: DLR publication. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.
Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 4-1 (2026)
Rule 4-1 President to presideLinkCopy Citation
The President presides at all Council meetings unless the President is absent or excuses themself.
Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 4-2 (2026)
Rule 4-2 Vice-PresidentLinkCopy Citation
(a)
In general. Pursuant to Article III, Section 10(b) {“Procedures; Council officers – Vice-President — in general”} of the Charter, the City Council, by a majority vote of its members (8), shall appoint from its members a Vice-President.
(b)
Duties. Pursuant to Article III {“City Council”} of the Charter the Vice President shall be responsible for the following:
(1)
in the absence, sickness, or temporary disqualification of the President, preside at all meetings of the City Council;
(2)
be an acting member of the Board of Estimates in the absence, sickness, or temporary disqualification of the President;
(3)
in case of, and during, necessary absence, sickness, or the temporary disqualification of both the Mayor and the President of the City Council, be acting Mayor; and
(4)
carry out all other duties as required by the Charter.
Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 4-3 (2026)
Rule 4-3 Temporary presiding officerLinkCopy Citation
(a)
Vice-President. In the absence of the President, the Vice-President presides at Council meetings.
(b)
Other.
(1)
Temporary President. In the absence of the President and the Vice-President, a majority of the Councilmembers present at a meeting may designate a temporary president to preside at that meeting.
(2)
Lack of consensus. If a majority of the Councilmembers present are unable to agree upon a temporary president to preside at that meeting, the meeting is adjourned and all business will be held over until the next meeting called by the Council President.
Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 4-4 (2026)
Rule 4-4 Points of orderLinkCopy Citation
(a)
President decides without debate. The President decides all points of order without debate.
(b)
Decision final unless appealed.
(1)
A Councilmember may appeal by requesting a roll call vote on a motion to sustain the President’s decision.
(2)
A majority vote sustains the decision of the President.
(3)
If a majority vote does not sustain the President’s decision, the point of order is reversed.
Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 4-5 (2026)
Rule 4-5 Roll-call votesLinkCopy Citation
(a)
President called last. The President shall be called last whenever a roll-call vote is taken.
(b)
Voting by President. Unless the President disqualifies themself and is excused from a vote under Rule 5-5 {“Voting options”}, the President shall vote on all questions, including an appeal from a decision of the President on a point of order.
Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 4-6 (2026)
Rule 4-6 Appeal from President’s decisionLinkCopy Citation
(a)
When in order.
(1)
An appeal from the decision of the President shall be made promptly, before consideration of the next order of business.
(2)
An appeal may not be entertained if its passage would violate a provision of the Charter or of these Rules.
(b)
President to relinquish chair. During the determination of an appeal on a point of order, the President shall:
(1)
call on the Vice-President or, if the Vice-President is absent or was the one who made the appeal, another Councilmember to preside over the appeal; and
(2)
take a place on the floor of the Council.
(c)
Debate.
(1)
An appeal is not debatable:
(i)
when the ruling relates to indecorum;
(ii)
when the appeal relates to the priority of business;
(iii)
if the appeal is made while the previous question is pending; and
(iv)
while the immediately pending motion is not debatable.
(2)
Debate is restricted to the decision of the Chair and may not extend to the main question.
(d)
Member to relinquish floor. A Councilmember who had the floor at the time of the ruling from which the appeal is taken shall relinquish the floor pending disposition of the appeal.
(e)
Amendment; reconsideration.
(1)
The question presented by an appeal cannot be amended.
(2)
The vote taken on an appeal may be reconsidered.
Balt., Md., Council Rules r. 4-7 (2026)
Rule 4-7 ParliamentarianLinkCopy Citation
(a)
Selection. The President shall select a Parliamentarian for the City Council.
(b)
Duties. The Parliamentarian advises the President, Councilmembers, and any City employee charged with supporting the work of the City Council on parliamentary procedures and inquiries.