Caroline County Board reviews $75.9M fiscal year 2026 budget proposal

In a recent meeting of the Caroline County Board of Supervisors, the proposed fiscal year budget for 2026 took center stage, revealing a complex financial landscape for the county. As the discussion unfolded, the board members were presented with a general fund budget totaling $75,967,821, marking a 5.28% increase from the previous year. However, the overall proposed budget, which includes all funds, showed a decrease of 4.18%, primarily due to reductions in the capital improvement budget for schools.

The meeting highlighted a significant adjustment in the tax rate, which was set at 52 cents per hundred dollars, down from 78 cents. This change came after a reassessment of property values, aiming to alleviate the tax burden on residents. The board also discussed the necessity of transfers from the unrestricted general fund balance, proposing a one-time capital purchase transfer of $1,464,702 for vehicles and other essential items.

New positions within the budget were a focal point, with the sheriff's department requesting a full-time sergeant for court duties and additional road deputies. The budget also included provisions for a full-time building inspector and an upgrade for a part-time HR generalist to full-time status. The total funding for employee compensation adjustments was set at $1,019,732, which included a 3% pay increase for constitutional officers and a 2% cost-of-living adjustment for other county employees.

Education funding was another critical topic, with the proposed budget allocating $18,936,331 to the school operating fund, reflecting a $1,267,286 increase from the previous year. This amount exceeded the required local effort, accommodating growth for an additional 35 students. However, the school system faced challenges, including a significant loss in grant funding, which impacted their overall budget.

As the board navigated through the complexities of the proposed budget, it became clear that balancing fiscal responsibility with community needs would be a continuing challenge. The discussions underscored the importance of strategic planning and resource allocation as Caroline County prepares for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting concluded with a sense of urgency to finalize the budget, ensuring that essential services and educational needs are met while maintaining financial stability for the county.