Westminster, MD, Friday, May 26, 2023 –Yesterday during Open Session, the Carroll County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt the FY2024 budget which begins July 1, 2023. The budget is focused on education, safety, and security of the community. The proposed FY2024 Budget will be available for public viewing on the county’s website soon.  All discussions to this point have been suggestions and placeholders, not decisions. All information in this adopted budget is final.

The $542.8 million General Fund, which authorizes day-to-day expenses, sees an increase of $41.6M or 8.3% from FY2023. The budget proposes no property tax rate increase for FY2024. Although previously considered, the budget holds the county’s Recordation Rate fee at $5.00/$500 with no increase for this upcoming fiscal year. The budget does include fee increases for solid waste and utilities. Utility revenue is used to maintain the safety and security of the public systems and to continue the self-supporting nature of the Utilities Enterprise Fund.  The money stays within the fund and cannot be used as part of general revenue. The county’s FY 24 operating budget is funded 45% from property tax, 38% from income tax, and 3% from recordation, with the remainder supported by other revenue sources including building permits, 911 service fees, investment income and others.

Several commissioners made comments and praised the discussions and collaborative efforts of colleagues, the community, and staff during this budget process. 

Open Session meetings 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. The entire library of budget discussions is also available on the county website.