Westminster, MD, Wednesday, April 22, 2026 –On Tuesday morning, the Board of County Commissioners unveiled its proposed budget for fiscal year 2027, which begins July 1, 2026.  The $645 million (M) General Fund, which authorizes day-to-day expenses, sees an increase of $64.8M or 11.2% from FY2026. The 11.2% increase is driven by, but not limited to, one-time use of surplus funding for capital projects, the Board of Education budget allocation, Eldersburg Library Modernization/Replacement, 12 Department of Fire and EMS positions, and improvements at Krimgold Park, including parking, walking trails, and additional fields.

The proposed FY2027 Budget will be available by May 1st for public viewing on the county’s website or in hard copy at each branch of the public libraries. 

Other significant additions the commissioners made are:

  • Liberty High Modernization/Replacement – Total project of $148.7M, with $19M included in FY27
  • Eldersburg Area Road Improvements - $11.2M, including Route 26 from Georgetown Blvd to Homeland Drive
  • Volunteer Emergency Services Association – One-time funding of $0.7M in FY27; Ongoing additional $0.5M beginning FY28
  • Park Field Restoration – Funding of $5M for field improvements and upgrades
  • State’s Attorney’s Office – Funding of $0.2M included for 2.5% salary increase

Beginning tomorrow evening, Mr. Zaleski, Budget Director, will host five community meetings at library branches to review and explain the budget. All interested residents are encouraged to attend.

Community Meeting Schedule, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm:

  • Wednesday, April 22         Exploration Commons
  • Thursday, April 23             Eldersburg Library   
  • Tuesday, April 28               Taneytown Library
  • Wednesday, April 29          North Carroll Library
  • Thursday, April 30              Mt. Airy Library

A Budget Public Hearing is scheduled on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 7:00 pm at the Carroll Arts Center located at 91 W. Main Street in Westminster.  Doors will open at 6:30 pm. The meeting will be live-streamed for viewing purposes on the county’s YouTube channel, but participation must be in person. The recording will be available later via the county website and channel 24. Those unable to attend the public hearing but wish to comment may submit any questions or concerns directly to Director Zaleski at tzaleski@carrollcountymd.gov.

Additional Budget Work Sessions may be held by the commissioners to make modifications to the proposed budget based on the information received during the Budget Public Hearing, emails, and public comments.  These work sessions are tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, May 12th, and Tuesday, May 19th.

The FY2027 budget adoption is planned for Thursday, May 21st.

Updated information can be viewed on the Division of Budget’s web page. Comments and questions can be submitted via the webpage or sent to Director Ted Zaleski at tzaleski@carrollcountymd.gov at any time.

Sessions that are in person and open to the public will be televised on Channel 24 and streamed live on the county website.  Meetings will be held in the County Office Building, 225 N. Center Street, Westminster, MD 21157, unless otherwise noted.  Meeting times and places are subject to change, so please check the county website or call 410-386-2400 to confirm.

Any previous open budget meetings and presentations are available for viewing on the county meeting portal and the county YouTube channel. In addition, all meetings will be replayed on Comcast Channel 24.