Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater has released her proposed fiscal 2026 budget, presenting a plan that delivers record investments in education, expands essential public services, and maintains fiscal responsibility — all without raising taxes.
The $508 million proposed for public education marks the County’s largest-ever investment in its school system, reflecting a $118 million increase in just three years.
With added commitments for school construction, employee compensation, and strategic long-term planning, the proposal underscores the County Executive’s emphasis on stability and smart growth in a year of broader fiscal uncertainty.
“In a year with great uncertainty, this budget puts students first with record investments in public education and protects core services that our residents rely on,” said County Executive Fitzwater. “It achieves all of these goals without raising taxes.”
Significant Investments in the Proposed Fiscal 2026 Budget
- Education: The budget allocates over $508 million for public education — a 30% increase over three years — and includes $175 million for school construction, nearly doubling last year’s investment.
- Workforce & Compensation: All County employees will receive a 2% salary increase beginning January 1, 2026. The plan also raises the base pay rate to $21 per hour to support recruitment and retention.
- Senior Services: The County will expand programming at the Middletown 50+ Community Center and begin planning for additional centers to support an aging population.
- Affordable Housing: Funding to guide and oversee affordable housing development, especially on County-owned land, which is part of the County Executive’s broader plan to address housing access and affordability.
- Public Safety: The Sheriff’s Office and State’s Attorney’s Office will receive added resources, including a new training space and additional staffing to address increasing case volume.
- Fiscal Stewardship: The proposal includes reserve contributions, funding for long-term pension obligations, and other steps to protect the County’s AAA bond rating — a top marker of sound financial management.
