Westminster, MD, Tuesday, April 22, 2025 – The Board of County Commissioners unveiled its proposed budget for fiscal year 2026, which begins July 1, 2025. The $ 581 million (M) General Fund, which authorizes day-to-day expenses, sees an increase of $36M or 6.6% from FY2025. The 6.6% increase is driven by, but not limited to, the Board of Education budget allocation, state pension cost shift to the public schools and community college, upgrading 12 Chase Paramedic positions, essential improvements at Krimgold Park, including parking, walking trails, and adding two ball fields.

The proposed FY2026 Budget will be available by May 1st for public viewing on the county’s website. 

Other significant additions the commissioners made are:

  • Funding for public safety pension benefits and disability increases
  • Sheriff’s Office - One-time funding of $0.5M for replacement of Armored Personnel Carrier (APC)
  • State’s Attorney’s Office - Funding of $0.2M included for 2.5% salary increase
  • State’s Attorney Building - Additional $13.4M for CIP project; replacing prior appropriation of $13.0M in bonds with cash, which reduces future debt
  • Fire & EMS - One-time funding of $0.6M for an additional ambulance replacement
  • Added 2 EMT/Firefighter and 2 Paramedic Firefighter positions

Beginning this 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.

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm:

Tuesday, April 22                Exploration Commons

Wednesday, April 23           Eldersburg Library

Thursday, April 24               Mt. Airy Library

Tuesday, April 29                 Taneytown Library

Wednesday, April 30            North Carroll Library

A Budget Public Hearing is scheduled on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 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 any modifications to the proposed budget based on the information received during the Budget Public Hearing.  These work sessions are tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, May 13th and Tuesday, May 20th.

The FY2026 budget adoption is planned for Thursday, May 22nd.

Updated information can be viewed on the Bureau of Budget webpage as it becomes available: https://www.carrollcountymd.gov/government/directory/management-budget/bureau-of-budget/.  Comments and questions can be submitted via the webpage or sent to Director Ted Zaleski at tzaleski@carrollcountymd.gov at any time.

These sessions 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.