Baltimore County executive outlines FY2027 capital priorities, pledges no new taxes

Baltimore County Executive addressed the Planning Board on Jan. 15 to introduce the county's review of the FY2027 capital budget and to highlight fiscal priorities for the coming year. The executive emphasized continuing investments in schools, public safety and community amenities while saying the administration will seek to preserve the county's AAA bond rating and avoid new taxes.

The executive said the county has directed "record funding for our students, schools, and educators," citing more than $350,000,000 for school improvements and noting ongoing construction on three new schools. She also said the county is committing more than $75,000,000 for new or replacement police stations and related equipment. The presentation emphasized investments in recreation and parks and the importance of maintaining fiscal discipline to retain strong bond ratings.

The executive said the administration will travel to New York in February to meet bond rating agencies and described the budget approach as "bipartisan common-sense" while stressing no new taxes for residents. She invited the Planning Board's recommendations and announced forthcoming community town halls to gather resident priorities.

The executive thanked Planning Board leadership and DPWT staff and invited questions from members; none were raised at the time. Chair Scott Holupka closed that portion of the meeting and noted the board would continue its capital review in subcommittee proceedings later the same evening.

Next steps: the Planning Board will continue review of the proposed FY2027 capital program and departmental briefings; the Department of Housing will present its housing needs assessment to the board on Feb. 19.