Wicomico County Council reviews $20M fund balance for 28 capital projects

The Wicomico County Legislative and Open Work Sessions held on April 15, 2025, focused on budget discussions and capital project funding. The meeting began with an overview of the county's financial status, highlighting a placeholder of one million dollars in the budget that will be further discussed with the council.

The county's budget for 2025 is projected to reach $79 million, with optimistic estimates for income tax and interest income exceeding initial projections. Officials expressed confidence that the fund balance, despite planned expenditures, would be replenished due to these higher-than-expected revenues. The proposed use of $20 million from the fund balance would leave a healthy net balance of $67 million by the end of 2026, meeting all Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) requirements.

During the discussions, council members raised concerns about the necessity of spending and whether cuts could be made elsewhere in the budget. It was noted that the budget process would allow for further review of potential cuts and adjustments. The importance of addressing capital projects was emphasized, with 28 projects across multiple departments being funded, including equipment purchases for emergency medical services.

A council member pointed out that a study conducted in 2018 indicated the need for progress on certain projects, yet funding had been consistently allocated since 2020 without significant advancements. This raised questions about the management of the capital budget and the reasons for delays in project implementation.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue discussions on the budget and capital projects in future work sessions, ensuring that all council members are informed and involved in the decision-making process.