HAGERSTOWN – The Washington County Board of Commissioners has approved a $374.9 million budget for fiscal 2026, spanning July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, according to the newly-released Operating and Capital Budget Book.
The interactive e-book bills itself as a comprehensive accounting of the county’s financial planning and strategic initiatives for the fiscal year.
“The budget book is designed to enhance transparency, increase accessibility, and promote a deeper understanding of how public funds are allocated to serve the Washington County community,” officials said in a statement accompanying the release.
This plan, which maintains the property tax rate at 95 cents per $100 of assessed value, focuses on education, infrastructure, and public safety to address the needs of the county’s 155,000 residents. The budget reflects a 4.8 percent increase over the 2025 budget of $357.7 million, driven by rising operational costs and investments in community growth.
Overview
The majority of the budget – $306.7 million – goes to the general fund, the primary operating fund, a 4.9 percent increase from 2025, which accounts for inflation, population-driven service demands and state-mandated obligations.
Contributing 53 percent of general fund revenue ($162.5 million), property taxes remain the largest funding source, supported by a projected 4.2 percent increase in assessed property values due to new development and market growth, according to the report. Income taxes are expected to generate $48.3 million, while sales taxes and other revenues, including $24.1 million in grants, bolster the budget.
To help ensure fiscal stability, the county maintains a fund balance of 20 percent of annual spending. This reserve of money acts as a financial cushion to help the county cover unexpected expenses, manage any shortfalls, or respond to economic downturns. The decision to keep the property tax rate unchanged from last year reflects a commitment to affordability, officials said, though commissioners reportedly debated whether funding needs for senior services and education could be adequately met.
The document noted that the public had two opportunities to comment on the budget through open hearings on March 18 and April 22, helping shape the document before its June 10 approval.
Education
Education is the budget’s largest line item, with $126.4 million allocated to public schools, a 5.3 percent increase ($6.4 million) from 2025. Comprising 41.2 percent of the general fund, the allocation supports 22,000 students across 46 county schools.
Priorities include compliance with state Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, which mandates higher teacher salaries, expanded pre-K programs, and improved career and technical education. State mandates require $8.1 million in local contributions beyond prior years, according to the book.
The budget funds 15 new teaching positions, $3.2 million for classroom technology such as cybersecurity upgrades and interactive displays, and $2.8 million for school safety enhancements, including upgraded security systems and mental health resources.
Infrastructure and capital improvements
Another major focus for the budget is the capital improvements program, taking up $68.2 million for 2026, the first year of a 10-year, $425 million plan that includes $14.1 million for transportation improvements like expansion of Dual Highway (Route 60), and $9.7 million for water and wastewater upgrades, including a new treatment facility.
The budget also allocates $5.3 million for park enhancements, and $4.2 million for energy-efficient upgrades to county buildings. Such investment addresses infrastructure needs driven by a growing population growth and aging facilities. This budget is funded through a mix of bonds, grants and local revenues.
Public safety
More than 16 percent of the general fund, $50.1 million, goes to public safety to support law enforcement, fire and emergency services. The $23.2 million to the sheriff’s office will fund 185 deputies, new body cameras and community policing. The Fire and Emergency Services Department receives $19.4 million for 125 personnel, two new ambulances and station renovations.
Emergency management, funded at $7.5 million, enhances disaster preparedness with investments in flood mitigation and a countywide alert system, critical for a region prone to severe weather. The budget adds 10 new public safety positions with an aim to maintain response times at under seven minutes. Sheriff Brian Schnebly said technology upgrades, such as a new $1.2 million dispatch system, will improve emergency coordination.
Economic development and community services
The $16.1 million for economic development is expected to drive business growth and tourism. Runway expansion to attract commercial flights to the Hagerstown regional airport are funded at $3.1 million.
Another $3.4 million to the economic development commission will support small business grants and workforce development programs, especially industries like logistics and manufacturing. Community services, including libraries, public transit, and senior programs, are set to receive $10.8 million.
The budget funds digital resources for libraries at $2.1 million and expands senior center activities to $1.3 million. Tourism initiatives, such as events at the Hagerstown Speedway, are supported with $1.8 million to boost local commerce.
Workforce and operational efficiency
The budget supports a workforce of 1,150 full-time employees, with $82.3 million allocated for salaries and benefits. A 3.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment addresses inflation, while $2.5 million funds 18 new positions, primarily in public safety and public works.
Debt management and fiscal responsibility
Debt service accounts for $19.2 million or 6.3 percent of the general fund, to manage $152.7 million in outstanding bonds, mostly for schools and infrastructure. With AA+ credit rating, the county can keep debt service below the 8 percent policy threshold. Grant management, funded at $1.5 million, pursues additional state and federal funding to reduce local tax reliance.
Sustainability and environmental initiatives
Sustainability efforts like recycling programs, stormwater management, and renewable energy projects for county facilities are funded at $3.8 million, aligning the county with Chesapeake Bay restoration goals and an aim to reduce municipal emissions by 12 percent by 2030. A $1.1 million investment in green infrastructure, such as permeable pavements, will help address runoff in urban areas.
Readers may review the budget book here.
