Anne Arundel County Council adopts FY27 budget with school, public‑safety and infrastructure additions

The Anne Arundel County Council voted 7–0 on June 11 to adopt the countyFY27 annual budget ordinance (Bill 3226 as amended), after approving a package of supplemental amendments that add funding for schools, public safety, information technology and local capital projects.

The council first approved a block of 22 supplemental amendments (Nos. 25through 46) that made programmatic and technical funding adjustments, including reallocating $100,000 of video lottery impact aid to the Department of Public Works, a $58,800 library mechanic position, $535,400 to the board of education for temporary support pay and a $1.14 million net increase to reflect omitted grant special revenue funding and to add SAFER grant dollars that add five fire department positions. Amendment 27 places $150,000 in the chief administrative officer(CAO) budget for one‑time security grants for houses of worship.

"We will need to establish the grant program, the parameters of the grant program," said Chris Trem of the budget office when asked whether the security grants could be written to include nonprofit organizations. He added that the CAOwill set up the grant and "whatever a majority of you want to do, communicate that to the CAO." The budget officeexpects to work with the council to define eligibility and parameters.

Councilmembers also approved amendment 47, a balancing amendment that revised bond and pay‑go (PGO) proportions for board of education feasibility studies; the budget office described the change as a transmission correction that does not alter the overall funding totals.

Several individual ordinances related to tax levies and special taxing districts were considered and passed by roll call during the meeting. The council also approved a set of utility and fee changes: Bill 4126 raised the fireflow test charge (the council recorded a 6–1 vote, with one negative), Bill 4226 restructured an infrastructure maintenance/utility investment fee (7–0), Bill 4326 adjusted solid waste collection charges (7–0) and Bill 4426 changed metered water and wastewater charges (6–1). Councilmembers recorded their votes on the public record during each roll call.

Councilmember Mr. Vulki, during discussion of the fireflow charge increase, said the proposed 164% single‑year rise was "troubling" and said he would have preferred a phased approach. "This cost certainly is not something that an individual homeowner is going to pay," he said, adding that builders or developers will likely pass the cost on to consumers. He recorded the lone negative vote on the fireflow test charge and later cast the lone negative vote on the property‑tax related bill when he said he opposed going over the tax cap.

Several councilmembers offered closing remarks before the final vote, thanking the budget and audit staffs and highlighting priorities funded in the package. Councilmember Miss Feedler singled out investments in public safety, education and infrastructure, including 26 new special education positions in response to repeated requests from the board of education. "This was a difficult one, but I'm happy with where it's landing," she said.

The council reconvened after a short recess to accept the balancing amendment, took a final roll call on Bill 3226 as amended and adopted the annual budget ordinance by a 7–0 vote. The council adjourned and scheduled its next regular legislative session for June 15, 2026, at 7 p.m. in council chambers.

Votes at a glance: amendments 25through 46 (adopted as a block) (adopted 7affirmative); Amendment 47 (adopted 7affirmative); Bill 4126 (fireflow test charge, passed 6yes, one negative); Bills 4226, 4326 and multiple special taxing district bills (passed by majority unanimous roll calls); final budget Bill 3226 as amended (passed 7affirmative).