Caroline County Board of Supervisors 05/26/26

The Caroline County Board of Supervisors held a meeting on May 26, 2026, which included extensive discussions on the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget and related school funding. The board reviewed a proposed general fund budget of approximately $81.3 million, reflecting a 7.17% increase over the previous year, including a 6-cent real estate tax rate increase. Key budget items included funding for new full-time positions in public safety, fire and rescue, inspections, solid waste, and parks, as well as utility fund staffing increases. The school budget proposal included nearly $20 million in local funds for operating expenses, a 6% increase, and nearly $1 million for the purchase of eight new school buses. Public hearings featured multiple speakers advocating for increased school funding, particularly for literacy programs, career and technical education, and addressing overcrowding issues at schools such as Lewis and Clark Elementary. The board also discussed grant funds for schools, including literacy and math innovation grants, and the need for budget authority to spend these funds. Additionally, the board considered capital improvement projects, including a $2.5 million local match commitment for a $10 million Lady Smith Road bridge project, which is part of a larger $26 million effort including Smart Scale funding. Motions were passed to approve the consent agenda and to proceed with the capital project funding letter. The meeting included closed sessions related to real estate acquisition and personnel matters. Overall, the meeting focused heavily on budget allocations, school funding priorities, grant management, and capital infrastructure projects affecting county operations and education.