At the MACo Summer Conference, the Large County Coalition (LCC) convened county leaders and Comptroller Brooke Lierman for a high-level discussion on Maryland’s economy, its fiscal outlook, and the challenges shaping county budgets.
Large County Coalition Chair and Prince George’s County Council Member Wanika Fisher led the session with Comptroller Brooke Lierman and Montgomery County Chief Administrative Officer Rich Madaleno.
Comptroller Lierman discussed Maryland’s revenue outlook and the Comptroller’s transition to a new tax administration system. The system will provide more detailed information on income tax collections and revenue trends, giving the State and counties better data as they develop future revenue projections.
Federal funding also remains a source of uncertainty for county budgets. Changes in funding levels, requirements, or the flow of federal dollars can affect programs counties administer and the services residents rely on.
Comptroller Lierman also addressed the longer-term indicators counties should watch when evaluating their fiscal health. Looking beyond a single budget year can help identify growing obligations, revenue pressures, and other challenges before they become more difficult to manage.
The session also covered the State’s new role collecting local lodging taxes from accommodations intermediaries. As the Comptroller’s Office develops the program, counties want transparency into collections and distributions so they can verify that local revenues reach the jurisdictions where they belong.
Madaleno brought a county budget perspective, discussing the pressure from rising costs and growing demand for services, even as counties continue to invest in infrastructure and economic development. Maryland’s largest counties generate significant economic activity, but they also bear significant responsibility for the services and infrastructure that support that growth.
The panel also addressed the importance of strengthening Maryland’s economy and giving counties greater flexibility to meet their needs. With costs rising and budgets tightening, the session offered county leaders a closer look at both the fiscal challenges ahead and the tools available to manage them.
WSSC Water sponsored the Large County Coalition meeting and breakfast. Government Affairs Director Monica C. Marquina welcomed attendees and highlighted WSSC Water’s partnership with counties and communities across its service area.
More about MACo’s Summer Conference:
