Cecil County’s proposed fiscal 2027 budget combines tax relief, workforce investments, and significant capital projects while continuing support for education, public safety, and infrastructure priorities. County Executive Adam Streight described the plan as a balanced approach focused on financial stability and long-term growth.
The proposed budget lowers several local tax rates while increasing funding in several core areas.
The plan reduces the property tax rate from $0.9824 to $0.9724 per $100 of assessed value, lowers the business personal property tax rate, and reduces the local income tax rate from 2.74% to 2.72%. The budget also expands tax relief eligibility for seniors, veterans, military personnel, and law enforcement.
Education remains the largest area of spending in the proposed budget. Cecil County Public Schools would receive $111.4 million in operational support, a $6 million increase over the prior year. The budget also adds funding for the North East Middle/High School project and improvements at Rising Sun Elementary School.
The proposal also includes $2.3 million in salary adjustments tied to a countywide salary study, as well as additional funding to support firefighter compensation and recruitment efforts. New positions would support paramedic stations under construction, cybersecurity efforts, and animal control services. Employee healthcare premium shares would remain unchanged.
Public safety investments include eight new paramedic positions phased in over two years, funding for new technology and equipment, support for volunteer fire companies, and continued investment in emergency vehicle replacement. The budget also funds a countywide emergency services study and continues support for volunteer recruitment and retention efforts.
The capital plan also includes several large projects, including a proposed $21.9 million indoor recreation center at Calvert Park, road and bridge improvements, wastewater and solid waste projects, and public facility upgrades.
The proposal also reflects continued pressure from State-imposed cost shifts. County materials note more than $2.5 million in shifted costs in fiscal 2026 and an additional $1.1 million in fiscal 2027 tied to education, pensions, and SDAT expenses.
The Cecil County Council will continue budget deliberations through May and plans to hold final deliberations and adopt the fiscal 2027 budget on Tuesday, June 2.
