Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano has proposed a fiscal 2027 operating and capital budget that lowers local tax rates while increasing funding for schools, public safety, employee compensation, and county capital projects.
The proposed operating budget totals approximately $237.3 million, an increase of roughly $21.3 million, or 9.8%, over the fiscal 2026 adopted budget.
The County Executive’s budget also uses approximately $33.4 million in prior-year revenue and fund balance for one-time costs, including more than $25 million for pay-as-you-go capital projects.
The County Executive’s budget lowers the real property tax rate from $0.8099 to $0.7799 per $100 of assessed value to align with the County’s revenue cap requirements. The personal property tax rate would also decrease from $2.0247 to $1.9497 per $100 of assessed value.
Continued growth in income tax collections also drives much of the proposed increase in spending. Wicomico increased its projected income tax estimate by $10 million, bringing total projected income tax revenue to approximately $84 million for fiscal 2027.
The proposal also reflects continued pressure from State cost shifts and funding decisions. Wicomico notes the elimination of the remaining Teacher Retirement Supplement grant funding, which will reduce county revenue by more than $700,000 in fiscal 2027. The County also includes approximately $2.4 million in teacher pension obligations and roughly $470,000 tied to private pre-K funding requirements.
Education remains one of the largest spending areas in the proposed budget. The plan fully funds maintenance of effort and includes additional requested Board of Education funding, increasing local school support from approximately $55.8 million to $58.2 million. The proposal also includes funding to begin implementing weapons detection systems at identified schools.
Public safety funding also sees significant increases. The Sheriff’s Department budget would increase from approximately $19.8 million to $23.9 million, corrections funding would increase from approximately $23.5 million to $25.5 million, and emergency services funding would increase from approximately $4.8 million to $5.5 million.
The proposed budget also includes a 5% increase for most county employees through a combination of a 2% cost-of-living adjustment and a 3% step increase. The County Executive’s budget also includes an additional $1.5 million pension contribution associated with those compensation changes.
The capital plan includes more than $25 million in pay-as-you-go funding for 33 projects, including $7 million for HVAC replacement at Fruitland Intermediate School, as well as additional investments in county facilities and infrastructure.
The proposed budget is with the County Council for review and action. Under the Wicomico County Charter, the Council must vote on the Annual Budget and Appropriation Bill on or before June 1, or a date set by resolution, but no later than June 15.