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Mount Airy council adopts FY26–27 budget and holds tax rate steady
Summary
The Mount Airy Town Council adopted the FY2026–27 budget and set the town tax rate unchanged. The budget includes PFAS remediation allocations, funds toward a new police station and support for the volunteer fire company; council also discussed downtown safety camera upgrades.
The Mount Airy Town Council on May 4 adopted its fiscal year 2026–27 budget and voted to keep the town d valorem tax rate unchanged.
Mayor Hushauer said the tax rate remained the same and highlighted budget priorities, including approximately $4.2 million allocated to initial PFAS remediation at water stations and an $8 million reimbursable loan program from the Maryland Department of the Environment to address longer-term remediation needs. She told the council that revenue increases tied to prior tax adjustments will provide about $464,000 toward a new police station and that the Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company is slated to receive $243,000 from the town.
The budget drew questions from council members about timing and implementation. One council member pressed staff on the downtown safety assurance initiative and replacement of aging surveillance cameras on Main Street; the town administrator said staff are piloting camera demos and will work with IT to select an appropriate system. The administrator said an engineering evaluation is planned for two overused wells to address distribution imbalances.
On water and sewer finances, staff said the new water and sewer rates taking effect in July are expected to generate roughly $72,000 in operating revenue that can be moved to capital projects. The mayor also noted an 8% increase in health insurance costs.
The council approved the budget by voice vote after a series of workshop discussions and budget amendments were introduced for further review. Council members thanked staff for the budget work and noted the package includes both operating and capital priorities the town plans to advance during the year.
The council also adopted Ordinance 20‑26‑6 to set tax rates for FY26–27 by voice vote; members stated the rate will not change from the prior year. The adopted budget and tax ordinance take effect under the town—inancial procedures and will guide spending and capital work in the coming year.
