Read more about the article Senate President Ferguson Warns of Deeper Cuts as Federal Policies Squeeze Maryland’s Budget
County Budgets / Feature / General Assembly News / NACo and Federal Issues / Taxes and Revenues
Senate President Ferguson Warns of Deeper Cuts as Federal Policies Squeeze Maryland’s Budget

Federal policy shifts are adding new strain to Maryland’s already precarious fiscal outlook, forcing General Assembly leaders to consider deeper budget cuts beyond the $2 billion in reductions, cost shifts, and fund transfers already on the table. As previously reported on Conduit Street, Governor Wes Moore’s plan includes $2 billion in spending reductions, revenue enhancements, cost shifts to local governments, fund transfers, and a lower Rainy Day Fund balance. However, Senate President Bill Ferguson warned…

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February 7, 2025
Read more about the article Gov’s Proposed Income Tax Overhaul: County-by-County Effects
County Budgets / County News / Feature / General Assembly News / Taxes and Revenues
Gov’s Proposed Income Tax Overhaul: County-by-County Effects

BRE-BRFA-Proposal-AnalysisAs previously reported on Conduit Street, Governor Wes Moore's fiscal 2026 spending plan represents one of the most significant income tax overhauls in years, with far-reaching effects on local budgets, economic growth, and service funding. The latest Bureau of Revenue Estimates (BRE) analysis details the governor’s proposed income tax overhaul and its significant impact on county budgets. The analysis includes the county-by-county effects, highlighting how the proposal will impact local revenues, taxpayer liabilities, and fiscal planning across…

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February 7, 2025
Read more about the article Signals From the West With Commissioner Paul Edwards
County News / Feature
Signals From the West With Commissioner Paul Edwards

This week on the Conduit Street Podcast, hosts Kevin Kinnally and Michael Sanderson head to the MACo office for a chat with Commissioner Paul Edwards of Garrett County, geographically Maryland’s westernmost and second-largest county.   Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street Blog and stay in the know!

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January 24, 2025
Read more about the article DLS Fiscal Briefing Reveals Cost Shifts and Budget Challenges
County Budgets / County News / Feature / State Budget and Fiscal Issues
DLS Fiscal Briefing Reveals Cost Shifts and Budget Challenges

This week, the Department of Legislative Services (DLS) presented its annual fiscal briefing to the General Assembly budget committees. The briefing detailed the governor’s proposed fiscal 2026 operating and capital budgets, aid to local governments, and Maryland’s economic and revenue outlook. As previously reported on Conduit Street, Governor Wes Moore’s $67.3 billion fiscal 2026 spending plan, which the administration describes as fiscally responsible, blends fiscal responsibility with targeted investments in education, public safety, and workforce development…

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January 21, 2025
Read more about the article Conduit Street Podcast: Breaking Down the Budget
County Budgets / County News / Economic Development / Education / Feature / Housing and Community Development
Conduit Street Podcast: Breaking Down the Budget

The Governor's FY26 budget has arrived, bringing with it a $3 billion gap, $2 billion in proposed cuts, and a host of decisions that directly affect Maryland’s counties. Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street Blog and stay in the know!

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January 17, 2025
Read more about the article Governor’s Fiscal 2026 Budget: Navigating County Effects
County Budgets / County News / Feature / General Assembly News / State Budget and Fiscal Issues
Governor’s Fiscal 2026 Budget: Navigating County Effects

Governor Wes Moore’s fiscal 2026 spending plan blends fiscal responsibility with targeted investments in education, public safety, and workforce development, alongside substantial tax reforms and funding shifts. It presents opportunities and challenges for counties, pairing increased funding for critical services with new cost burdens and funding uncertainties. The governor's $65.3 billion proposed budget reduces the structural deficit, maintains reserves for economic challenges, and balances targeted investments with cost-cutting measures to address immediate and long-term priorities.…

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January 15, 2025
Read more about the article Counties Confront Fiscal Challenges Amid Sluggish Revenue Growth
County Budgets / County News / Feature / General Assembly News / Taxes and Revenues
Counties Confront Fiscal Challenges Amid Sluggish Revenue Growth

As counties across Maryland navigate turbulent fiscal waters, the latest revenue outlook reveals a mixed bag of challenges and opportunities. While property tax revenues anchor local budgets with predictable growth, other significant sources tell a more complex story. As previously reported on Conduit Street, Maryland faces considerable budget challenges that could drive spending cuts, tax increases, or other remedies to resolve significant structural deficits projected through fiscal 2029. Maryland faces a $2.9 billion deficit in fiscal…

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January 10, 2025
Read more about the article 2025 Session Primer: When Do State Tax Changes Spill Over Into County Budgets?
County Budgets / Feature / General Assembly News / News You Can Use / Taxes and Revenues
2025 Session Primer: When Do State Tax Changes Spill Over Into County Budgets?

As the 2025 Maryland General Assembly begins, tax policy is front and center for lawmakers and advocates alike. A closer look reveals a crucial question: do changes in State tax policy directly or indirectly affect county revenues? Here’s a quick primer to help navigate the intersection of State and county fiscal matters: Personal Income Taxes The State income tax is Maryland’s largest source of general revenue. While county income tax rates operate independently of State…

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January 8, 2025
Read more about the article Deal to Avert Federal Shutdown Secures Full Funding to Rebuild Key Bridge
County News / Emergency Management / Feature / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Transportation and Public Works
Deal to Avert Federal Shutdown Secures Full Funding to Rebuild Key Bridge

Update: December 22, 2024 Congress has passed the American Relief Act, 2025, a comprehensive funding bill that prevents a government shutdown and addresses a range of priorities. This new legislation, signed into law by the President, extends federal funding through March 14, 2025, and secures significant resources for disaster recovery, infrastructure, public health, and economic resilience. The bill, among other provisions, provides full federal funding to replace the Francis Scott Key Bridge, authorizes the transfer of…

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December 17, 2024
Read more about the article State Revenue Update: Modest Gains, Daunting Deficits
Source: Maryland Board of Revenue Estimates
County Budgets / County News / Feature / General Assembly News / State Budget and Fiscal Issues / Taxes and Revenues
State Revenue Update: Modest Gains, Daunting Deficits

As modest revenue gains fail to bridge a growing structural deficit, Maryland's fiscal landscape presents daunting challenges. The Board of Revenue Estimates’ December 2024 projections show slight revenue increases for the current fiscal year and fiscal 2026. However, these gains are insufficient to mitigate a budget gap that could reach nearly $6 billion by fiscal 2030. Revenue Projections: Small Gains Amid Growing Gaps The Board, which includes Comptroller Brooke Lierman, Treasurer Dereck Davis, and Department…

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December 16, 2024
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