edited by Nikola Tzenov
The Carroll County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday unveiled a proposed $645 million general fund budget for fiscal year 2027, marking a $64.8 million increase — or 11.2% — over the current fiscal year.
The proposed budget, which takes effect July 1, reflects spending increases driven in part by one-time use of surplus funds for capital projects, expanded education funding, and public safety and infrastructure investments. Major items include funding tied to the Board of Education, modernization or replacement of the Eldersburg library, the addition of 12 Department of Fire and EMS positions, and upgrades to Krimgold Park, including parking, walking trails and additional athletic fields.
The county plans to make the full budget available for public review by May 1 online and at all public library branches.
Among other notable allocations in the proposal are $19 million toward the $148.7 million Liberty High School modernization or replacement project; $11.2 million for Eldersburg-area road improvements, including work along Route 26 from Georgetown Boulevard to Homeland Drive; and $5 million for park field restoration and upgrades.
The Volunteer Emergency Services Association would receive a one-time $700,000 allocation in FY2027, with an additional $5 million in recurring funding beginning in FY2028. The State’s Attorney’s Office is slated to receive funding to support a 2.5% salary increase.
County Budget Director Ted Zaleski will host a series of community meetings at local library branches beginning Wednesday to review and explain the proposal. Meetings are scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m. at Exploration Commons (April 22), Eldersburg Library (April 23), Taneytown Library (April 28), North Carroll Library (April 29) and Mount Airy Library (April 30).
A public hearing on the proposed budget is scheduled for 7 p.m. May 6 at the Carroll Arts Center in Westminster. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The hearing will be livestreamed on the county’s YouTube channel, though residents must attend in person to participate. A recording will be made available afterward.
Residents unable to attend may submit comments and questions via email to Zaleski or through the county’s budget webpage.
Following the public hearing, commissioners may hold additional work sessions, tentatively scheduled for May 12 and May 19, to revise the proposal based on public input. Final adoption of the FY2027 budget is planned for May 21.
Meetings are open to the public and will be broadcast on Comcast Channel 24 and streamed on the county website. Updated information, including any schedule changes, is available through the county’s Division of Budget.
