Charles County Presents Proposed Fiscal 2027 Budget

News Release # 2026-051

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

On Tuesday, April 21, Jacob Dyer, Director of the Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services, was joined by the budget office team to present the county's proposed fiscal year 2027 General Fund budget of $641,826,500, an increase of 7.9 percent over last year. The General Fund budget was developed in alignment with Commissioners' strategic priorities, incorporates departmental needs, and is shaped by community input from surveys and town halls. For the 13th consecutive year, the proposed budget maintains the current property and income tax rate.

Acting County Administrator Deborah E. Hall led off the presentation with highlights about the challenges of balancing a budget with many vital and competing priorities. Hall stated, "Developing this budget requires making thoughtful, and sometimes difficult, decisions to ensure we are responsibly stewarding taxpayer dollars while still delivering the essential services our residents rely on. It's a careful balance of meeting today's needs while planning for the long-term stability and success of our community."

General Fund budget highlights include:

• Proposed increase of $12.14 million for Charles County Public Schools, which exceeds maintenance of effort by approximately $14.73 million. This year's investment supports Blueprint implementation, salary increases, transportation costs, and operational needs.
• Proposed increase of $6.26 million for the Charles County Sheriff's Office (CCSO), with a total allocation of $145.23 million. The budget supports compensation adjustments, new positions, technology enhancements, and capital equipment.
• Proposed increase of $10.63 million for County Government operations. The total allocation is $116.88 million. Funding includes expanded emergency medical services staffing, new positions to support the new Animal Care Center which is scheduled to open during fiscal year 2027, the new rental licensing program, facility maintenance, technology improvements, and other enhanced community programs.
• Debt service totals $35.82 million, supporting the County's Capital Improvement Program and long-term infrastructure investments which include approximately $12.6 million towards education related debt.
• Proposed increase of $14.97 million for other government functions, including the State's Attorney's Office, Health Department, Circuit Court, Election Board, and other local agencies.
• This proposed increase includes $800,000 in funding for a potential Inspector General's office.

The FY2027 budget reflects key financial assumptions, including continued investment in employee compensation, pension obligations, and rising operating costs, while embedding equity considerations into decision-making to ensure resources are allocated in a way that benefits the entire community.

Community engagement played a significant role in shaping the proposed budget. The County gathered input through surveys requesting internal and external stakeholder input, resulting in more than 650 complete surveys. Residents consistently prioritized funding for K-12 education, public safety, emergency medical services, and transportation infrastructure. Feedback also highlighted concerns about growth outpacing infrastructure, the need for school funding and classroom resources, EMS staffing, and maintaining government accountability while avoiding tax increases.

The requested fiscal year 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Governmental budget totals approximately $940.9 million, with $533.8 million in funded projects. It provides for county infrastructure including schools, county buildings, roads, and parks.

Highlights include:

• $246.0 million for Board of Education projects, including funding to renovate La Plata high school, a new middle school, and capacity improvements
• Continued investment in transportation projects such as road reconstruction, traffic safety improvements, and sidewalk expansion
• Funding for public safety and government facilities, including emergency services stations, communications upgrades, and detention center improvements
• Investments in parks, recreation, and community amenities, including Waldorf Park development and facility improvements

A public hearing to receive comments on the proposed fiscal 2027 budget is scheduled on Wednesday, April 29, at 6 p.m. in the Charles County Government building, 200 Baltimore St., La Plata. Commissioners will discuss additions and changes at a budget work session on Tuesday, May 5, and the Fiscal 2027 Budget is scheduled for final adoption on May 12.

More information is available at www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/Budget.

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