County Council Budget Public Hearing | May 13th, 2026

The Arundel County Council held a public hearing on May 13, 2026, to discuss the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget, including the County General and Board of Education budgets. The budget officer presented a balanced $2.557 billion general fund budget with no structural deficit, highlighting a modest revenue growth and a proposed property tax rate increase to support equitable compensation for school employees and new special education positions. The budget also includes funding for public safety enhancements, new firefighter positions, park operations, and capital projects with a focus on accelerating capital improvements. Public testimony emphasized support for increased funding for education, particularly special education staffing and compensation, the county food bank, library services including a data analyst position, and animal services including a new shelter design study. Several speakers urged maintaining or increasing property tax rates to fully fund these priorities. The council also heard requests for a pilot security grant program for faith-based and nonprofit organizations. The hearing concluded with no further business brought forward.