Dorchester County council opens public hearing on FY27 budget; college thanks council for support

The Dorchester County Council on the advertised night opened a public hearing on bill 2026-5, the county’s proposed fiscal year 2027 appropriation covering 07/01/2026 through 06/30/2027, and offered a chance for public comment before the council’s scheduled consideration of the budget on May 19.

Dr. Kompersmith, speaking for Chesapeake College, thanked the council “on behalf of the students, faculty, and staff” for approval of the college’s FY2027 budget proposal and outlined recent college investments and program expansions. “With your support, we have modernized our facilities,” the speaker said, and added that the institution contributes “over a $118,000,000 to income in the local economy annually.” The speaker also noted ongoing design work for a new finance and technology building and a memorandum of understanding with Queen Anne’s County regarding cost collaboration on the Queen Anne’s Building; the speaker confirmed awareness of that MOU when asked by the chair.

Council members did not take a final vote on the county budget at this meeting. The clerk read that the session was the second of three public comment opportunities on bill 2026-5 and reminded the public that the council will consider the budget on May 19. A council member later announced a final budget work session Thursday at 5 p.m. to outline adjustments made after clarifications from state officials.

Procedural motions at the meeting included approval of the consent agenda and the formal entry to and exit from the legislative session; those motions were approved by voice vote. The chair closed the public hearing after asking for additional speakers; only the earlier signed-up speaker had addressed the council during the hearing.

What's next: the council is scheduled to hold a final work session on the budget Thursday at 5 p.m., with formal consideration of the appropriation scheduled for May 19.