Indian Head proposes $2.67 million FY2027 budget, holds property tax and utility rates steady

The Town of Indian Head presented a balanced $2,665,716 FY2027 budget at a public hearing on April 30, with Town Manager Ryan Hicks saying the proposal keeps the property tax rate and utility and trash fees unchanged while funding infrastructure repairs, water-system projects and expanded public safety resources.

Hicks said the General Fund revenue and expenditure totals are both $2,665,716. "The General Fund revenue is $2,665,716. The General Fund expenditure is $2,665,716," he said, and summarized planned work on water and wastewater, parks and town facilities.

The budget preserves the town's property tax rate at $0.34 per $100 of assessed value and holds key user fees steady: residential and multiple residential water/sewer base rates at $75 and commercial at $217; water/sewer usage at $7.00 per 1,000 gallons; residential trash at $90, commercial trash at $100 and dumpsters at $500; bulk trash at $75 per flatbed truckload; and a capital contribution fee of $9,685.

Hicks told the council the budget priorities include repairing and replacing aging infrastructure; WWTP repairs and upgrades; upgrades to lift stations at Dogwood and Mattawoman Woods; repair or replacement work on wells #3 and #4 with a new well currently being installed; and a new booster station. Planned facility and park projects listed in the presentation include Boardwalk on the Potomac Phase Two, a splash pad on the Village Green, improvements to the Pavilion, Senior Center and Town Hall, Storm Water projects on East Poplar and Sixth Street, and additional parking in Riverwatch.

The presentation also said the town has actively pursued grant funding. Hicks listed grant and funding sources the town has received or applied for, naming the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), Maryland Energy Administration (MEA), State Highway Administration (SHA), Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), and said the town has applied for bond bills and earmarks to support upcoming projects.

On public safety, Hicks said the budget provides for additional officers and an expanded camera program and cited use of contracted services and extra-duty town patrols, naming Blackout Security Services as part of the plan to increase police presence.

Town Manager Hicks reported that a recent tax differential meeting with Charles County could yield additional rebate money for town residents. The budget ordinance, listed as 04-01-26, was introduced at the hearing and is scheduled for adoption at the Town meeting on May 4, 2026; if adopted as presented it would become effective July 1, 2026. "The draft Ordinance is available for review on the Town's website," the clerk noted.

Mayor Brandon Paulin moved to open the floor for public comment; Councilwoman Cassandra Stillwell seconded the motion and the council carried it. Town Clerk Andrea Brady reported no public comments had been received prior to the hearing; the floor was closed by motion and the hearing was adjourned by Mayor Paulin at 6:13 p.m.

The hearing did not include any public comments on the budget. The next procedural step is the May 4 Town meeting where the council is scheduled to consider formal adoption of Ordinance 04-01-26.