Queen Anne's County presents balanced FY 2026 budget; proposes $47.2 million in capital spending and $8.3 million boost for schools

Queen Anne's County officials presented the county's proposed fiscal year 2026 operating and capital budgets and opened the proposal to public comment, showing a projected $209,100,000 in revenues for FY 2026 and no change in the county tax rate.

The presentation, delivered by county staff, outlined an overall revenue increase of 8.8% driven mainly by property and income tax growth and a proposed capital program totaling $47,200,000 for FY 2026. The proposal includes an $8,300,000 increase for the Board of Education and several reorganizations within county departments intended to reduce administrative costs.

County Administrator (presenter) said, "We're very pleased to submit tonight a balanced operating budget for the next fiscal year without any tax increases or decreases in current levels of service." The presentation said property and income taxes account for roughly 85.6% of county revenues and projected growth was expected to outpace FY 2024 actuals.

Why it matters: The budget proposal shifts more county resources to public education and public safety while planning capital investments in schools, trails and water/sewer systems. The document also reflects state-level funding shortfalls that the county says have increased local fiscal pressure.

Revenue and major expense highlights

The county presented projected revenue of $209,100,000 for FY 2026, an 8.8% increase over the current year's budget. The presentation said the county expects…