County Commissioners Approve Fund Realignment for Sandgate's Tower Remediation

St. Mary's County officials have taken a significant step towards enhancing their budgeting process by approving a realignment of funds for the remediation of the Sandgate's Tower. During the recent commissioners' meeting on August 26, 2025, the board unanimously approved a motion to allocate $31,963 from the emergency support reserve account for the first-year payment related to this project. This decision is expected to improve the county's emergency services infrastructure, ensuring better communication and response capabilities.

In addition to the funding approval, the meeting featured a detailed presentation on the potential shift to zero-based budgeting (ZBB) for the fiscal year 2027. This approach requires all expenses to be justified from a "zero base," rather than simply adjusting previous budgets. The county's finance director emphasized that ZBB promotes accountability and transparency, as each line item must be linked to strategic goals. This method aims to align spending with the county's priorities and could lead to more efficient resource allocation.

However, the transition to ZBB may face challenges, including resistance to change and the need for extensive training for staff accustomed to traditional budgeting methods. The finance team highlighted the importance of executive sponsorship and stakeholder engagement to facilitate this cultural shift. They proposed a phased implementation, potentially starting with a pilot department to refine the process before a full rollout.

The discussions at the meeting underscore St. Mary's County's commitment to improving fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency. As the county prepares for this potential change, officials are focused on ensuring that the budgeting process not only meets current needs but also aligns with long-term strategic objectives. The next steps will involve further discussions among commissioners and stakeholders to determine the best path forward for implementing zero-based budgeting.