TOWSON, MD—Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier on Friday submitted a $4.8 billion budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2026 that provides funding for public education, recreation and parks, public safety, sustainability, public works and transportation, libraries, and beyond.
“Baltimore County residents deserve leadership that continues to invest in our communities, deliver record funding for educators, and provide for long-awaited infrastructure projects. My budget does all of this without raising taxes and placing more burdens on our neighbors’ shoulders,” said County Executive Klausmeier. “Despite state budget reductions and rising economic uncertainty at the federal level, our Fiscal Year 2026 Budget is a responsible path forward that builds on our progress and invests in our future so that residents and families in every community can achieve success.”
BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS
Below are highlights of the FY 2026 budget that County Executive Klausmeier submitted to the Baltimore County Council.
Investing in Students and Educators
- More than $350 million in capital funding towards ongoing facility improvement projects, including continuing funding for a new Dulaney High School and like-new Towson High School.
- Nearly $30 million in additional funding – or 3.5 % over Maintenance of Effort – for Baltimore County Public Schools.
- More than $27 million in capital funding for campus improvements at the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC).
- Continues the Baltimore County Promise Scholarship Program, enabling 98% of residents to attend CCBC tuition free.
- $2 million for welding program at CCBC Dundalk for workforce development to help rebuild Key Bridge
- $60 million to complete construction of the North County and Jacksonville Senior Centers.
- More than $38 million for roadway resurfacing, curb and gutter work
- Over $36 million for Baltimore County Public Library, including funding for a new Randallstown library and recreation center.
- $6 million to improve playgrounds, playing fields, courts, and other recreation amenities countywide.
- $3 million toward the redevelopment of the Pikesville Armory.
- More than $3 million for the Housing Opportunities Fund to support affordable housing projects.
- $1 million for continuation of bulk trash collection.
- More than $28 million commitment to replace fire safety equipment.
- $25.5 million towards an Essex Police Precinct replacement.
- $22 million for new Sparrows Point Fire Station.
- $6 million to improve Baltimore County Police Department’s Support Operation Division Building.
- $2 million for Volunteer Medic Unit Replacement Program.
- $2 million for police precinct perimeter fencing upgrades.
- More than $34 million for employee retirement and insurance increases
- Mid-year 2% Cost-Of-Living Adjustments (COLA) or equivalent increases in addition to full funding of steps and increments for eligible employees. (mid-year 3% COLA for all Baltimore County and Fire personnel).
The County Council is scheduled to vote on the proposed FY 2026 budget on May 22, 2025.
Read the full FY 2026 Budget Details here and view the presentation online here and in the video below.
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