Cecil County Executive Adam Streight has proposed a $280 million operating budget for fiscal 2026 that keeps tax rates flat while funding key priorities across public safety, education, infrastructure, and government modernization.
The proposal holds the property tax rate at $0.9824 per $100 assessed value, the personal property tax rate at $2.4560, and the local income tax rate at 2.74%. It also expands targeted tax relief for seniors, law enforcement, and military retirees.
Strengthening Public Safety and Emergency Response
A new three-year agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police and the Correctional Officers Union raises starting salaries. It improves the pay scale — already helping the Sheriff’s Office retain experienced staff. The budget continues capital investments to modernize emergency response and enhance public safety operations.
Highlights include:
- $9.3 million for the Sheriff’s Public Safety Training Center
- $10.7 million for new paramedic stations
- $400,000 for new ambulances
- Full funding to replace the County’s aging computer-aided dispatch system
Investing in Schools, Libraries, and Workforce
The proposed budget includes $6 million above Maintenance of Effort for Cecil County Public Schools, plus $1.3 million to absorb new teacher pension costs shifted from the State.
Additional investments include:
- $561,000 in new funding for Cecil College, and
- $491,000 in additional support for the County’s library system.
The plan continues Cecil County’s focus on connecting education and workforce development, preparing students and adult learners for careers in high-demand fields.
Backing Economic Growth and Local Priorities
The budget maintains local funding for the Enterprise Zone program — a long-standing local priority. The governor proposed eliminating State support for the program in his fiscal 2026 budget, but MACo successfully advocated to preserve it. Cecil County credits the program with generating over 5,000 jobs and $1 billion in private investment, with thousands more expected in the coming years.
It also includes $16 million in infrastructure improvements at the Bainbridge site to help unlock new economic development opportunities.
Roads, Bridges, and Local Infrastructure
The County will fund ongoing road resurfacing and vital transportation projects, including the Mechanics Valley Road bridge and Oldfield Point Road. These projects support both safety and economic access in growing areas of the County.
Improving Government Operations and Transparency
The budget expands the County’s OpenGov platform to improve service delivery, resident engagement, and fiscal transparency, building on Cecil’s broader efforts to modernize government and streamline operations.
What’s Next
The Cecil County Council will consider the proposed fiscal 2026 budget in the weeks ahead.
