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Worcester County adopts FY2027 budget 4–3 after split over school funding
Summary
The Worcester County Board of Commissioners approved the FY2027 general fund budget on June 2 by a 4–3 vote after weeks of negotiation, choosing to place a $2.97 million surplus into capital reserves — a move opponents said reduces funding available for the Board of Education.
Worcester County commissioners adopted the FY2027 general fund budget on June 2 after a contentious debate over how to treat a roughly $2.97 million surplus. The motion to adopt the budget and hold the surplus in capital reserves passed by a 4–3 vote.
The administration presented the budget after a midmeeting revision, reporting a $419,746 decrease in reserves and a $2,798,302 reduction for the Board of Education that left the county with a $2,965,322 surplus. The commission voted to place that surplus in capital reserves rather than allocate it directly to the school system.
Why it matters: Commissioners who opposed the move argued it effectively reduces funds available to meet school needs, including negotiated pay increases and required program costs. Commissioner Metresse said the proposal “still leaves this budget woefully underfunded,” warning that cutting items the school system considers essential will force the board to reallocate its own budget and could imperil services. Commissioner Purnell said she “cannot vote on this budget” while the $2.9 million is removed and called the choice “not good at all.”
Supporters of the budget said the county had increased school funding relative to prior years and cited outstanding audits and the need for financial prudence. One commissioner noted the county had increased funding to the Board of Education by $7 million last year and $9 million this year, arguing that reserving funds for capital needs (including potential repairs or new buildings such as Buckingham Elementary) is a responsible step.
The vote and next steps: The commission approved the budget with a 4–3 roll call (recorded as 4 in favor, 3 opposed). Commissioners who voted against the budget said they would press for future action to address school funding; the administration indicated the county will hold the surplus in reserve for capital projects and bring forward any related proposals as needed.
The meeting record shows that commissioners also took several related actions during the session, including directing staff to prepare options for a volunteer firefighter tax credit and to draft zoning changes to address data centers. The county’s FY2027 adoption triggers the usual implementation steps for departmental budgets and capital planning.
