Queen Anne’s Proposes $209M Budget: No Tax Hikes, Focus on Schools and Infrastructure

Queen Anne’s County Unveils $209.1 Million Budget Plan for Fiscal 2026

The Queen Anne’s County Commissioners have released their fiscal year 2026 proposed budget, outlining a $209.1 million operating budget and a $47.2 million capital budget to maintain critical services, invest in education, and address infrastructure needs — without raising property or income tax rates.

The property tax rate remains steady at $0.83 per $100 of assessed value, and the local income tax rate stays fixed at 3.2%.

Despite rising costs and new fiscal responsibilities, the County funds essential services while preserving its AAA bond rating.

County Shoulders More State Costs

Starting in fiscal 2026, Queen Anne’s County will assume funding responsibilities previously covered by the State, including new obligations for teacher and community college pensions and operations for the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT).

These cost shifts and reductions in state and federal support for health, social services, and emergency management have added millions in new unfunded mandates for local taxpayers.

Investing in Education

The proposed budget allocates $83.4 million for the Board of Education, marking an $8.3 million increase over fiscal 2025. County funding exceeds the State’s maintenance of effort requirement by $7.6 million, reflecting a continued commitment to local schools.

Over the past three years, county contributions to public education have grown 29%, compared to just 4.6% in state funding. The Board of Education accounts for 43% of the total operating budget.

The capital budget includes $8.5 million for public school projects, focusing on HVAC and roof replacements to improve school facilities.

Significant Capital Investments

Queen Anne’s County’s six-year capital improvement plan totals $464.8 million, with significant projects planned for fiscal 2026, including:

  • $7.2 million for road projects, including design for a pedestrian bridge over Route 50 in Stevensville
  • $1.25 million toward the new Regional Hospital
  • $4.4 million for emergency services infrastructure and equipment upgrades
  • $1.3 million for IT infrastructure and security enhancements
  • $3.9 million for parks and recreation, including planning for a new Recreation Center
  • $8.1 million for the Southern Kent Island sewer project and $4 million for water system improvements
  • $1 million for repairs and upgrades at five public housing facilities now managed by the County

Public Engagement Opportunities

Queen Anne’s County encourages residents to review the proposed budget and provide feedback through several public hearings:

  • May 19, 2025, at 7:00 pm – Kent Island Library, Stevensville
  • May 20, 2025, at 7:00 pm – Liberty Building, Centreville
  • May 21, 2025, at 7:00 pm – Sudlersville Middle School, Sudlersville

All sessions will be broadcast live on QACTV’s YouTube and Facebook pages, and live streaming will be available at http://www.qac.org/live.

Residents may also submit written comments via email to publiccomment@qac.org with “FY26 Budget” in the subject line.

For more information and to access the budget proposal, visit the Queen Anne’s County website.