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Caroline board adopts interim FY2026–27 budget, levels school funding pending state budget
Summary
The Board approved a level-funded operating transfer to Caroline County Public Schools for FY2026–27 and will revisit allocations after the state budget and ADM numbers are finalized in August.
The Caroline County Board of Supervisors voted on June 9 to adopt a temporary fiscal year 2026–27 budget that level-funds the school operating transfer at the FY2025–26 amount while awaiting the state budget and updated Average Daily Membership (ADM) figures.
County finance staff presented two options. The first would have adopted the manager's full proposed transfer, which included an increase supervisors were asked to consider; staff said that number could change when the state finalizes school funding. The board adopted "resolution two," the level-funding option, by voice vote after a motion by Supervisor Cely and a second by Supervisor Underwood.
Finance director Charles Cully explained the rationale for the temporary measure: "We prepared two resolutions ... one is level funding the operational transfer to the same thing it is currently in 26 going to 27 with the commitment that obviously you'll have to amend that once the state adopts a budget," he said. Cully advised the board to amend categories and totals in August when the state provides final numbers and the Department of Education issues the ADM spreadsheet.
Under the motion approved June 9, the school operating transfer will remain at the FY26 level (staff referenced $18,936,331 for the operating transfer in the packets) until the board reconvenes to adjust appropriations after the state budget is enacted. Board members said the step preserves spending authority for the schools on July 1 while avoiding premature local commitment to an amount that could change based on state action.
Supervisor discussion focused on timing, alternatives for interim funding and how any mid-year adjustments would be processed. The board scheduled its next regular meeting for June 23 and planned an August review to amend appropriations if needed following the state's actions.
Vote: Motion to adopt resolution two (level funding) by Mr. Cely; second by Mr. Underwood; approved by voice vote.
