Washington County Releases Budget Book, Expands Online Access to Local Priorities

Washington County’s Office of Budget and Finance has released its FY 2026 Operating and Capital Budget Book, now available on its website.

The new digital format makes it easier for residents, businesses, and local partners to understand where public dollars are going and how the County plans to meet community needs in the year ahead.

The FY26 budget covers the period from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, and includes both operating and capital plans.

The Budget Book includes:

  • A message from the County Administrator on key accomplishments, challenges, and priorities
  • A profile of the County’s leadership, organizational structure, and community demographics
  • A summary of operating funds, revenue sources, and major expenditures
  • A breakdown of the Ten-Year Capital Improvement Plan and debt management
  • Department-by-department summaries for the General Fund and other major funds
  • Additional resources, including FAQs and contact information

Washington County joins a growing number of Maryland counties improving online budget tools to increase transparency and help residents stay informed. The interactive format allows residents to track local spending, search by topic, and download reports to see how the County allocates funds across services and infrastructure.

Two Sides, Same Coin: Balancing State Policy and County Budgets

As counties work to explain budget priorities and improve public access to financial information, this year’s MACo Summer Conference will feature a timely session digging into how State policy shapes local revenue decisions.

At the 2025 MACo Summer Conference, explore the intersection of state tax policy and county service delivery in the session, “Two Sides, Same Coin: Balancing State Policy and County Budgets.”

This panel will unpack Maryland’s income tax structure and examine how state-level decisions ripple through local budgets. State and county budget experts will share insights on managing revenue volatility, responding to policy shifts, and planning for long-term fiscal health — all while continuing to meet community needs.

MACo’s Summer Conference, “Resilient. Responsive. Ready.,” is August 13–16, 2025, at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland. This year’s theme is “Funding the Future: The Evolving Role of Local Government.” For more information, please visit the conference website.

Learn more about MACo’s Summer Conference: