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Caroline County adopts $79.2M operating budget, holds property tax rate at $0.98
Summary
The Board approved the fiscal year 2026 operating budget of about $79.2 million, a $22.4 million capital program and a fee schedule; the county also noted an S&P upgrade to AA.
Caroline County commissioners on June 10 adopted the fiscal year 2026 operating budget and capital program and approved an updated county fee schedule.
The operating budget adopted for FY2026 was presented as approximately $79,208,471; the capital budget was presented at $22,443,227. The board also approved Resolution 2025-015 (the FY2026 government fee schedule) and Resolution 2025-016 (adoption of the FY2026 operating and capital budgets).
"The operating budget is looking to finish in about $79,208,471. And then as far as capital, you're looking at $22,443,227," said Stacy, a county staff member presenting budget details. Commissioners noted the package held property tax rates — including the county’s real property rate — at the same level as the prior year, 98 cents per $100 of assessed value.
Staff and commissioners described a handful of specific changes to the fee schedule: creation of a new pre-CCPN review fee in the planning department, cleanup of liquor-related fees that had not been published consistently, a small change to the Jonestown water service fee (placed in a special revenue fund), and minor adjustments related to solar reviews.
Commissioners and staff also highlighted a newly implemented 25-step pay plan for county employees that will be part of the FY2026 package and said the budget process included several months of work with department heads on priorities. County staff said most fees (about 99%) remain the same as the prior year.
The board recorded that the county’s bond rating was upgraded by S&P in the budget process from AA-minus to AA; staff said that upgrade reflected the county’s financial practices and audited financials and could lower future borrowing costs.
Commissioner Larry C. Porter, who discussed state-level fiscal pressures, thanked staff and department heads for work on the budget. The board approved both resolutions by voice vote; the chair announced the ayes had it.
The county also discussed implementation items tied to the budget including staff compensation steps and the need to finalize administrative actions to support the approved spending and fees. Staff said department heads and allied agencies’ responsiveness over several months was key to finalizing the package.
