Read more about the article County Exec Fitzwater’s Budget Plan Prioritizes Education, Core Services — Without Raising Taxes
County Budgets / County News
County Exec Fitzwater’s Budget Plan Prioritizes Education, Core Services — Without Raising Taxes

Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater has released her proposed fiscal 2026 budget, presenting a plan that delivers record investments in education, expands essential public services, and maintains fiscal responsibility — all without raising taxes. The $508 million proposed for public education marks the County’s largest-ever investment in its school system, reflecting a $118 million increase in just three years. With added commitments for school construction, employee compensation, and strategic long-term planning, the proposal underscores the…

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April 15, 2025
Read more about the article Deep Dive: The Disparity Grant’s Patchwork Fix Isn’t Enough
County Budgets / County News / Feature / Policy Deep Dive / Taxes and Revenues
Deep Dive: The Disparity Grant’s Patchwork Fix Isn’t Enough

This article is part of MACo’s Policy Deep Dive series, where expert policy analysts explore and explain the top county policy issues of the day. Read all of MACo’s Policy Deep Dives.  Counties at or near the maximum local income tax rate face some of the toughest budget pressures in Maryland — from rising education mandates to aging infrastructure and limited flexibility to raise new revenues. The State created the Disparity Grant to help these…

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April 15, 2025
Read more about the article Harford County Expands Programming for Senior Wellness with Innovative Additions
County News / Health and Human Services
Harford County Expands Programming for Senior Wellness with Innovative Additions

Harford County is expanding their wellness and nutrition programming to encourage the health and well-being of seniors in the community, through innovative efforts like their new Blue Zones Program. Enhanced programming will be offered at 10 senior housing sites and four county senior centers, offering monthly and quarterly health events. A mix of traditional senior wellness activities and more innovative efforts - like exploring "Blue Zone" health theory and practices - will help seniors take…

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April 15, 2025
Read more about the article Cecil Exec Streight’s Budget Holds Tax Rates Steady, Invests in Safety, Schools, and Infrastructure
County Budgets / County News
Cecil Exec Streight’s Budget Holds Tax Rates Steady, Invests in Safety, Schools, and Infrastructure

Cecil County Executive Adam Streight has proposed a $280 million operating budget for fiscal 2026 that keeps tax rates flat while funding key priorities across public safety, education, infrastructure, and government modernization. The proposal holds the property tax rate at $0.9824 per $100 assessed value, the personal property tax rate at $2.4560, and the local income tax rate at 2.74%. It also expands targeted tax relief for seniors, law enforcement, and military retirees. Strengthening Public…

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April 15, 2025
Read more about the article Davis Martinez Safety Act Reflects County Input and State Commitment
County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Labor
Davis Martinez Safety Act Reflects County Input and State Commitment

MACo supported SB 26, the Davis Martinez Public Employee Safety and Health Act, with amendments. As amended, MACo submitted a letter of information on SB 26’s cross-file, HB 176, Labor and Employment—Occupational Safety and Health—Revisions (Davis Martinez Public Employee Safety and Health Act). The Maryland General Assembly passed SB 26/HB 176 – Davis Martinez Public Employee Safety and Health Act, a bill MACo supported with amendments to ensure it is operable for local governments. This…

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April 14, 2025
Read more about the article Montgomery FareShare Program Offers Cash for County Commuters Using Public Transit
County News / Human Resources / Transportation and Public Works
Montgomery FareShare Program Offers Cash for County Commuters Using Public Transit

Montgomery County is offering a program that could both ease traffic congestion and provide a welcome recruitment and retention benefit for employers. With a $25 employer contribution, the county will pay up to $300 per employee, per month - tax-free. Employees working in Montgomery County can receive up to $325 a month to help cover the cost of their commute using public transit with the County FareShare Program. Employers must contribute $25 a month per…

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April 14, 2025
Read more about the article Major Issues & More – 90 Day Report Reviews the 2025 Legislative Session
County News / Feature / General Assembly News
Major Issues & More – 90 Day Report Reviews the 2025 Legislative Session

The Maryland Department of Legislative Services’ annual synopsis of the General Assembly’s time in Annapolis provides an update on taxes, education, energy, transportation, environmental, and health issues addressed in bills that passed – and didn’t pass – in the 2025 Session. As the Maryland Department of Legislative Services describes, the 90 Day Report is divided into 12 parts, each discussing a significant policy area. Each part contains a discussion of the majority of bills passed in…

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April 14, 2025
Read more about the article Klausmeier Proposes $4.8 Billion Budget Focused on Education, Public Safety, and Infrastructure
County Budgets / County News / News You Can Use
Klausmeier Proposes $4.8 Billion Budget Focused on Education, Public Safety, and Infrastructure

Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier has proposed a $4.8 billion budget for fiscal 2026, prioritizing funding for public education, public safety, infrastructure, libraries, parks, and essential community services — all without raising taxes. The proposed budget comes amid ongoing State budget constraints and growing federal uncertainty. Despite these challenges, the plan builds on the County’s existing commitments and invests in long-term community priorities. https://www.youtube.com/live/ndk4TvO0pV0?feature=shared Strong Commitment to Education and Workforce Development The proposal includes nearly…

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April 14, 2025
Read more about the article 2025 Session: Recap and Wrap-Ups
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2025 Session: Recap and Wrap-Ups

Catch up on all of the latest outcomes of the 2025 Maryland General Assembly session with wrap-ups on important county-related bills in each policy area. Maryland’s 447th legislative session was defined by one of the most challenging budget environments in over a decade — with a $3.3 billion shortfall driving proposals for aggressive cost shifts, spending cuts, and tax changes. Despite these unprecedented fiscal pressures, counties worked together through MACo to protect essential services, limit…

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April 11, 2025
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