Caroline County board adopts $80.29 million FY2026–27 budget, holds school funding steady pending state numbers

The Caroline County Board of Supervisors on June 9 adopted the county’s FY2026–27 budget, setting total General Fund revenues and expenditures at $80,291,929.72 and keeping the school operating transfer at $18,936,331.

County Administrator Charles M. Culley Jr. presented two budget options because the state budget had not been adopted: one that would have increased the local school operating transfer by $1,030,000, and a second that would level‑fund school operations at FY2026 amounts and allow adjustments once the state budget is finalized. Vice‑Chair Jeffery M. Sili moved to adopt the second option; the motion carried unanimously.

The adopted General Fund includes projected local revenues of $69,905,655.87, state revenues of $6,576,722.36 and federal receipts of $121,616.48, with total projected revenues and appropriations of $80,291,929.72. Major expenditure categories in the document include public safety (Sheriff and Fire & Rescue), schools, public works, and transfers to debt retirement and other funds.

On schools, the Board adopted an appropriation resolution mirroring the General Fund decision: the School Operating Fund was budgeted with total revenues and expenditures reflecting a $18,936,331 transfer from the county. The school budget documents show total school revenues of $72,590,852 and detailed expenditures for instruction ($46,857,516), pupil transportation ($5,758,636), and technology ($3,077,364), among other line items.

Board members framed the vote as a prudent, temporary step while awaiting the state budget. The Board also approved a Capital Improvement Program and several other budgeted fund appropriations during the meeting.

The budget and school appropriation resolutions were adopted by unanimous vote. A revised budget will be considered in August or September if state allocations require updates.