Calvert County has released its Staff Recommended Budget for fiscal 2026, outlining a $402.9 million spending plan that reflects steady investments in core services while accounting for significant fiscal headwinds.
The budget prioritizes education, public safety, infrastructure, and compensation for county employees — all within a framework that emphasizes sustainability and strategic planning.
A New Approach to Budgeting
This year, Calvert introduced zero-based budgeting, a model that requires departments to justify every line item from scratch. Unlike traditional incremental budgeting, zero-based budgeting forces a closer look at spending decisions and ties every dollar to top county priorities.
The recommended budget highlights this shift by aligning expenditures more closely with long-term goals and identifying cost-saving opportunities across departments.
Revenues vs. Expenditures
The recommended budget reflects a gap between projected revenues and planned expenditures, driven by rising service costs, inflation, and growing uncertainty around State and federal budget decisions. County leaders plan to streamline operations to help close the shortfall.
At the same time, Calvert faces cost shifts uncertainty as federal policy decisions could have significant implications for state and local governments. The full impact remains unclear and will depend on the outcome of ongoing federal spending negotiations.
Education, Roads, and Compensation
The recommended budget meets the State’s maintenance of effort requirement for Calvert County Public Schools, providing $163.8 million in operational funding.
The County has also allocated $10 million for road paving, bolstering its investment in transportation infrastructure and long-term maintenance. Meanwhile, the budget continues efforts to retain and recruit talent, with a focus on competitive pay and salary enhancements for county employees.
Capital Investment and Fiscal Stewardship
The six-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) totals $89.8 million, with a focus on school construction, renovations, and upgrades to critical infrastructure. The County intends to monitor financial forecasts closely throughout the year and may adjust the plan in response to evolving economic conditions and commodity costs.
What Comes Next
The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners will host a public hearing on Tuesday, May 6, at 7:00 pm to present the fiscal 2026 commissioners’ recommended operating and capital improvement budget and to receive public comments.
Residents can attend the hearing in the Commissioners’ Hearing Room on the second floor of the Calvert County Circuit Courthouse, located at 175 Main Street in Prince Frederick.
Calvert County will post the commissioners’ recommended budget for fiscal 2026 in advance of the hearing at www.calvertcountymd.gov/PublicHearings.
