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Allegany County previews $118.6M budget; utility rates to rise ~3% and stop‑loss insurance to increase about 26%

Board of County Commissioners of Allegany County, Maryland · May 28, 2026
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Summary

County staff presented a balanced $118.6 million preliminary budget (no proposed tax increases) and scheduled adoption for June 4. Presentations noted utility rate adjustments averaging about 3% and a recommended CareFirst stop‑loss renewal with an estimated 26% cost increase (about $270,000) already included in the FY27 budget.

County staff presented a secondary hearing on the preliminary FY27 budget and related items, saying the proposed $118.6 million budget is balanced and includes no property or income tax increases.

Adam Patterson, during a utilities presentation, said wholesale water cost increases from Cumberland drove the county's proposed adjustments and that "on the far right column here... the averages, increases are around 3%." He also said the county would offer to hold rates for Maryland Water Service purchases where feasible and described a small adjustment to Frostburg water rates tied to a 2005 Public Service Commission court order.

Christie Lillard, discussing employee benefits, recommended renewing the county's stop‑loss insurance with CareFirst after a brokered bid process. Lillard said the renewal would mean an increase of "roughly 26%, which is approximately $270,000" for the coming year; county staff confirmed that increase was anticipated and included in the FY27 budget.

Dan DeWitt previewed the county's five‑year capital improvement program and said recommended projects largely match prior recommendations; the CIP and the other items (utilities, POS and personnel changes) are planned for formal adoption alongside the county budget at the June 4 meeting.

Next steps: the board is scheduled to adopt the budget and associated items on June 4, with the utility rate schedule and CIP expected to be adopted as part of the overall budget package.

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