Feature Archives

House Appropriations Committee Rejects AOT Cost Shift, Budget Moves to House Floor

The House Appropriations Committee rejected a proposed assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) cost shift and advanced the Budget Bill (SB 282) and Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act (SB 284) to the House floor. The Senate retained the AOT provision, which would have required counties to reimburse the Maryland Department of Health for escalating shares of program costs, starting at 25% and rising to 100%. The House removed that provision, avoiding a significant new State-mandated, locally funded…

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March 25, 2026

Feature

Join MACo’s Team! We’re Hiring an Operations Coordinator (Hybrid, Full-Time)

If you're a detail-oriented multi-tasker looking to contribute your skills to a dynamic and uplifting team, apply by March 29! The Operations Coordinator is the backbone of MACo’s team. This position ensures that day-to-day operations run smoothly, efficiently, and on schedule. This includes functions like ensuring that the office is tidy & organized, supporting financial and administrative processes, planning on-site meetings, and providing staff with the resources needed in implementing the work of the Association.…

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March 19, 2026

County Budgets / County News / Feature / State Budget and Fiscal Issues

Senate Advances Budget: Blocks Some Cost Shifts, But Fiscal Pressures Remain for Counties

The Maryland Senate has passed the Budget Bill (SB 282) and the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act (SB 284), advancing both measures to the House of Delegates. The Senate plan largely mirrors Governor Moore's overall spending level, maintaining a roughly $70.8 billion budget while closing a projected $1.5 billion structural gap through fund transfers, targeted reductions, and financing adjustments. The plan leaves approximately $2.2 billion in the Rainy Day Fund, about 8% of general fund…

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March 18, 2026

County News / Feature

Meet MACo’s New Member Services & Events Coordinator!

MACo is very pleased to announce that Abbey Duncan has joined our team in the role of Member Services & Events Coordinator! Abigail "Abbey" Duncan joins the MACo team this week, bringing her experience in event planning and guest relations to support MACo's members in our Member Services & Events Coordinator role. In that role, she will focus on member engagement and education, coordinating MACo's affiliate conferences, symposium, and other meetings and events. Abbey is…

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March 16, 2026

County Budgets / Education / Feature

MACo to MSDE: Private Pre-K Details Weeks Overdue as County Budget Deadlines Approach

Below is the full text of a letter sent Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from the Maryland Association of Counties to the Maryland State Department of Education, the Maryland State Board of Education, and the Blueprint for Maryland's Future Accountability and Implementation Board regarding the local share of funding for private prekindergarten expansion in Maryland. The Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) writes on behalf of Maryland’s 24 county governments regarding the continued delay in issuing invoices…

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March 11, 2026

County Budgets / County News / Feature / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Taxes and Revenues

State Revenue Forecast Improves for Now, Softens Ahead

Maryland’s latest revenue forecast boosts revenues for the current fiscal year by $355.7 million but lowers projections for fiscal 2027 by $108.0 million as budget pressures continue to build. The Maryland Board of Revenue Estimates (BRE) released its March update today, revising the State’s revenue projections as lawmakers continue to navigate a challenging fiscal environment. The latest forecast increases expected revenues for the current fiscal year by $355.7 million, while projections for fiscal 2027 decline…

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March 11, 2026

Feature / MACo Testimony / State Budget and Fiscal Issues

MACo: State Budget Plan Pressures Counties Toward Higher Taxes or Service Cuts

On March 4, Legislative Director Kevin Kinnally testified before the Budget and Taxation Committee in support of HB 392 - Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2026 with amendments. The BRFA shifts tens of millions of dollars in new, ongoing obligations onto county governments while limiting formula-driven State support. Taken together, these provisions place growing pressure on county budgets amid economic uncertainty, federal funding instability, and limited local revenue flexibility. Speaking on behalf of county…

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March 6, 2026

County Budgets / County News / Feature / General Assembly News / State Budget and Fiscal Issues

DLS Fiscal Briefing Warns of Mounting Cost Shifts and Budget Gaps

This week, the Department of Legislative Services (DLS) presented its annual fiscal briefing to the General Assembly’s budget committees. The briefing outlined the governor’s proposed fiscal 2027 operating and capital budgets, State aid to local governments, and Maryland’s broader economic and revenue outlook. As previously reported on Conduit Street, Governor Wes Moore’s $70.8 billion fiscal 2027 budget closes a projected $1.5 billion shortfall through fund transfers, capped formulas, and cost shifts rather than long-term structural…

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January 27, 2026

County Budgets / County News / Feature / General Assembly News / State Budget and Fiscal Issues

Governor Moore’s Fiscal 2027 Budget: Navigating County Effects

This week, Governor Wes Moore introduced a $70.8 billion fiscal 2027 spending plan that, according to the administration, expands funding for housing, education, and public safety while closing a projected $1.5 billion shortfall without increasing taxes or fees. The governor's budget increases aid flowing through county governments, but it does not resolve the underlying pressures counties face or meaningfully realign State funding with county responsibilities. Education funding continues to grow, and transportation aid remains temporarily…

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January 22, 2026

Corporate Partners / County News / Feature / NACo and Federal Issues

Counties Gain Access to New P-Card Procurement Contract

Counties now have a new opportunity to streamline purchasing operations through a cooperative procurement vehicle backed by county leadership and national partners. Fairfax County, Virginia has launched a new solicitation for P-Card and Payables Solutions, which, once awarded, will be made available to counties nationwide through Public Promise Procurement (PPP). As an endorsing partner of PPP, the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) is helping ensure Maryland counties are aware of this opportunity and can take…

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January 21, 2026