The Worcester County Commissioners approved a nearly $265 million fiscal 2025 operating budget that focuses on maintaining essential public services and funding critical capital projects while holding tax rates steady.
The approved budget reflects an increase of $26 million (eleven percent) over the current year’s budget while maintaining a real property tax rate of 84.5¢ per $100 of assessed value and a local income tax rate of 2.25 percent.
“This is a fiscally conservative budget that allocates funding to cover vital public services and needed capital projects without burdening property owners and taxpayers,” said Worcester County Commissioner President Chip Bertino. “I want to thank our staff, agencies, and department heads for their partnership in ensuring that taxpayer money is allocated judiciously.”
The Worcester County Board of Education receives record funding at $105.4 million, a $5.4 million increase over the current fiscal year. This funding covers salary increases, health insurance, pensions, and other benefits.
The budget allows a salary step plus a 4 percent COLA for county staff. Additionally, $3.5 million in rate stabilization funds will reduce health insurance rates for County and BOE employees from 12.65 percent to 4.3 percent.
The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office budget sees a modest increase of $95,807, ensuring funds for continuing education, certifications, and capital equipment upgrades. “This budget is like an insurance policy for the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office as a whole,” said Sheriff Matthew Crisafulli. “It ensures that our sworn deputies and support staff have access to the professional development and training they need to keep pace with the fast-moving changes in law enforcement.”
The budget includes $2.67 million in grants to County fire companies and $8.7 million in ambulance grants, providing supplemental funding for 10 EMS companies. Town grants increased by $200,253, with significant boosts for Berlin, Pocomoke, Ocean Pines, and Ocean City.
An additional $5.6 million goes to the Health Department to meet the State Mandated Core Funding Match. The budget also realigns insurance and benefits costs within each department to remain consistent with the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
The approved budget increases reserves by $2.7 million to maintain a 15 percent reserve, vital for emergency preparedness and fiscal health. Moreover, healthy reserve funds contribute to the County’s stable bond rating, enabling it to borrow money at low interest rates for capital projects.
Several public, emergency, and education projects receive funding from assigned reserve funds, including $4.2 million for a new Pocomoke Branch Library, $2.2 million for roof replacements at Snow Hill Middle School and Cedar Chapel Special School, and $2 million for upgrading the emergency radio system.