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Lobbyists warn of state budget shortfall and urge Annapolis push for county flood relief
Summary
Griffin Firm lobbyists told Allegany County commissioners that a combination of federal changes and rising costs could produce a $1.5 billion FY27 shortfall and larger structural deficits; they urged pursuit of $20–30 million in state backfill for FEMA flood denial and recommended seeking rainy-day fund support and multi-year commitments.
Representatives of the Griffin Firm briefed Allegany County commissioners on the state fiscal outlook and local funding priorities ahead of the legislative session.
Mike Johansen summarized recent spending-affordability committee estimates and said federal legislation (referred to in the briefing) could reduce state revenues and increase expenditures: Johansen cited a projected $400 million revenue reduction in FY27 and up to $800 million in additional expenditures, producing a roughly $1.5 billion negative swing for FY27. He warned structural deficits could rise to $3.2 billion in FY28 and about $4 billion by FY30 if no corrective action is taken.
Given the fiscal pressures, lobbyists urged the county to prioritize a request for state backfill of FEMA-denied flood relief. Brad and Griffin Firm staff said the county should prepare to seek between $20 million and $30 million to reimburse cash already spent and fund outstanding repairs; commissioners said recouping about $8 million already expended was an immediate priority.
Lobbyists and county staff discussed possible funding sources — rainy-day fund draws, fund swaps, or pushing some costs to local governments — and agreed to raise the flood and other county priorities with the governor's office and new budget secretary during upcoming Annapolis meetings. The transcript records planning and discussion but does not show a final appropriation or formal legislative action.
