Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman has released a proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget that continues investments in education, public safety,
and essential services, while maintaining relatively stable tax rates.
As counties across Maryland continue to navigate rising costs, education funding requirements, and evolving service demands, the proposal offers a snapshot of how one jurisdiction is balancing competing priorities.
The County Council will now begin its review of the proposal, with public hearings scheduled later this month.
A Closer Look
Their proposal reflects several trends facing counties statewide:
- Ongoing pressure to fund local education systems, including Blueprint-related costs
- Continued investment in public safety staffing and infrastructure
- Growing demand for health and human services programs
- Efforts to balance service delivery with taxpayer affordability
Education Funding
The proposed budget includes a $72.8 million increase in direct funding for Anne Arundel County Public Schools, the largest increase to date. The proposal also includes a step increase for all school system bargaining units, a 2.25% cost-of-living adjustment aligned with county employees, and funding for 26 additional special education positions.
Expanded Health and Human Services Support
The proposal includes several investments aimed at addressing ongoing community needs:
- $2 million for the Anne Arundel County Food Bank, an increase from the prior year
- Five new Medicaid Navigator positions to assist residents with maintaining coverage
- Additional case managers for programs supporting uninsured residents
- Expanded funding for legal and crisis support services for immigrant families
- Continued investment in violence interruption programs and youth homelessness initiatives
Public Safety Staffing and Facilities
The budget proposal adds new positions across public safety agencies, including:
- Nine new Police Department positions, supporting 24/7 staffing for the Real Time Information Center
- Twenty-one new firefighter positions to support additional fire service capacity
The proposal also continues funding for several public safety facility projects, including a new Northern Police Station and multiple fire stations.
Infrastructure, Environment, and Operations
The proposal includes funding for several infrastructure and operational initiatives, including:
- A new Capital Program Optimization Initiative to address project delivery timelines
- Nearly $60 million to support wastewater system capacity improvements
- Additional funding for road repairs
- Continued investment in parks, recreation, and environmental conservation
- Planning and design work for housing, recreation, and agricultural facilities
Tax Rates and Fiscal Balance
The proposed budget maintains the county’s current income tax structure while slightly lowering the property tax rate to 96.8 cents per $100 of assessed value.
