Calvert County FY2027 Budget Public Hearing - May 12, 2026
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Calvert County FY2027 Budget Public Hearing - May 12, 2026
The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners held a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2027 Commissioners' Recommended Operating and Capital Budget on May 12, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. The hearing included a presentation from county staff and the superintendent of schools, followed by public comment. The record will remain open until May 29, 2026, with adoption tentatively scheduled for June 9, 2026.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Jason Skaggs (owner of Skag's site development and county commissioner candidate) expressed that the board has passed one of the largest tax increases in county history in FY25 and increased the budget by approximately $19 million per year over four years. He urged the board to stop growing and make budget cuts. A young attendee expressed a desire for a go-kart track in Calvert County.
- Sherry Verden (Marley Run HOA Board, Section 1) raised concerns about timing, transparency, and the public process regarding an exclusive negotiating rights agreement (ENRA) with Natelli Investments from August 2024, extended multiple times over 19 months, for county-owned property. She questioned the simultaneous public narrative of water/sewer financial strain and private negotiations for industrial development, as well as zoning changes for data centers without fully updated forest conservation regulations. She also questioned the timing of announced school resource officer funding before an election, while stating she supports school safety and SROs.
- Patty Stuckler (candidate for commissioner at large) questioned the new Chief of Staff position in the FY2027 budget, asking for details on its duties, reporting structure, salary, and why the existing county administrator and deputy could not fill the role.
- Patrick Flattery (candidate) discussed school funding, noting that Calvert County Public Schools have proficiency rates of approximately 66% in ELA and 33% in mathematics on MCAP. He suggested funding only at the state-required maintenance of effort (MOE) level and requiring the Board of Education to publicly justify any additional funds, arguing that higher spending automatically locks in higher future MOE and reduces county oversight.
- Sheriff Cox expressed gratitude for the budget's support for deputy compensation and the school resource officer (SRO) project, which will expand to 22 SROs across all schools. He highlighted ongoing training and hiring to ensure proper placement.
Discussion Items
- Presentation of the FY2027 Budget: County Administrator Linda Turner opened, thanking employees and noting the budget totals approximately $420 million in the General Fund and $595.2 million across all funds. Chief Financial Officer Melena Brookshire highlighted that the budget is balanced, distinguishes ongoing operating from one-time resources, and prioritizes education, public safety, EMS, and long-term fiscal stewardship. Deputy Budget Director Mary Andes detailed revenue sources (property tax 54%, income tax 33% of General Fund), expenditures, staffing additions (including 6 school resource officers, a public safety recruiter, and others), special revenue funds, and grant management. Capital Projects and Grants Manager Daniel Russell presented the $89.9 million capital program for FY2027, with major investments in education (32% of six-year CIP), enterprise funds (17%), and public safety (15%). Superintendent Dr. Marcus Newsom thanked the board for fully funding the school board's request and for the six new SROs, bringing coverage to 100% of schools. He noted a $75 million backlog in capital maintenance and continuing pressures from the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. He also thanked the board for support for turf fields and weapons detection systems at high school stadiums.
Key Outcomes
- The public hearing record was opened and will remain open until the close of business on Friday, May 29, 2026.
- The Board of County Commissioners tentatively scheduled adoption of the FY2027 budget for Tuesday, June 9, 2026.
- No votes were taken on the budget itself during the hearing.
Meeting Transcript
Recommended budget public hearing May 12th, 2026. Can we all stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, please? One nation on individual. Thank you. And we also have President Arlen joining us remotely this evening. And I will entertain a motion. Yes, sir. Uh move to a reconvene. I move that we reconvene the meeting of the Board of County Commissioners. Second. We have a motion and a second. All approved. Say aye. Aye. Aye. And we have with us Mary Andes and Mrs. Brookshar, Chief Financial Officer with us. You all may begin. All right. Good evening, Commissioners, and welcome to everyone joining us here in person and online. I am Linda Turner, County Administrator for Calvert County Government. Thank you for participating in this important step in the annual budget process and for your continued interest in the long-term sustainability and success of our county. This evening, we are presenting the fiscal year 2027 Commissioners Operating and Capital Construction Budgets for public comment. These budgets will guide Calvert County government operations for the fiscal year beginning July 1st, 2026. As we begin tonight's presentation, I would first like to recognize and thank the more than 1,300 employees who serve Calvert County each and every day. Their dedication, professionalism, and commitment are what makes this county government work for our community. Whether responding to emergencies, maintaining our roads, facilities, and parks, supporting public safety, protecting public health, providing mission support services, serving our seniors, planning for responsible growth, or assisting residents in our senior and community centers. Our employees provide outstanding service to our more than 94,000 residents across Calvert County. Much of their work happens behind the scenes, but its impact is reflected every day in the quality of life our residents deserve. This proposed budget reflects not only fiscal responsibility, but also our continued investment in the people who deliver these essential services. I am deeply appreciative of their hard work and proud of the professionalism they bring to county government. Tonight we present a budget that balances the needs of our community while remaining mindful of our responsibility to our taxpayers and our long-term financial stability. Public input is an essential part of this process. This evening, we welcome comments from our residents and stakeholders. The Board of County Commissioners will carefully consider this feedback as the budgets are finalized in June. We value the perspectives of our residents, business owners, and our community partners. The FY27 operating budget totals approximately 420 million in revenues and expenditures and maintains current service levels across county departments and agencies while supporting counties' long-term goals and priorities. Overall, the proposed budget reflects the county's continued commitment to strong schools, public safety, emergency medical services, continuity of operations, and responsible long-term fiscal stewardship. Tonight's presenters include Melena Brookshire, Chief Financial Officer, Mary Andes, Deputy Director of Budget, Daniel Russell, Capital Improvement Projects and Grants Manager, and Dr. Marcus Newsom, Superintendent of Calvert County Public Schools. I thank each of them for their leadership in developing their budget, especially Mary Andes and her team for the countless hours developing the budget, implementing a new budgeting software, collaborating with each department, including our office team. I would also like to express my appreciation for all of our county departments and agencies for their collaboration and recommendations throughout this process. Their hard work and dedication help ensure informed responsible financial decisions for our community. At this time, I will turn the presentation over to Melina and Mary, who will provide an overview for tonight's key budget topics. There is one public hearing scheduled for today. The hearing was duly advertised, and the certificate of publication is made part of the record. Citizens were invited to provide comment on the hearing and will be after the presentation has concluded. The hearing may have a separate comment period following the brief presentation. Anyone here in person must sign in on that sign-in sheet outside the front door. Good evening.
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