SNOW HILL, Md. — The Worcester County Commissioners on June 3 approved a $281.4 million operating budget for Fiscal Year 2026, cutting property tax rates while increasing funding for education and public safety.
The budget drops the real property tax rate by 3 cents, bringing it to 81.5 cents per $100 of assessed value.
“This budget increases funding for priorities like education and public safety and at the same time decreases the property tax rate for our residents,” said Worcester County Commissioner President Ted Elder. “Everyone is coming out of this with something.”
Education and Public Safety Receive Major Increases
The Worcester County Board of Education will receive $113.8 million in FY26, a $7.5 million increase from the previous fiscal year. The funding boost is expected to support salary steps and cost-of-living increases for school employees, as well as cover escalating health insurance, pension, and post-employment benefit costs.
In law enforcement, the Worcester County Sheriff's Office budget will grow by $2.4 million. Sheriff Matthew Crisafulli said the extra funding allows for a two-grade increase for sworn officers, continued education opportunities, and capital upgrades like new patrol vehicles.
“We must stay competitive as other law-enforcement agencies continue to increase their salary packages,” Crisafulli said. “This will be an ongoing process for my office.”
Other Local Funding Highlights
County fire companies will receive $2.9 million in grants, and $9.6 million is earmarked for ambulance services, including supplemental funds for 10 EMS providers. Town grants are also up by $250,000, with each town and the Ocean Pines Association receiving an additional $50,000 in unrestricted aid.
The budget allows for a $2,500 cost-of-living adjustment and a salary step for eligible county staff. Revenues enabling these increases include an $11.7 million boost in property tax collections, $6 million more in income tax, and $1.4 million in other local taxes—such as recordation and transfer tax hikes.
Fiscal Responsibility and Capital Projects
The FY26 budget includes a $3.8 million contribution to maintain a 15% Reserve Fund, key to sustaining the county's AAA bond rating from Fitch and strong ratings from other credit agencies. These high ratings help the county secure low-interest financing for large projects.
Several capital projects are already set to be funded by reserves, including $2.8 million to replace the Government Center roof, $1.7 million for Pocomoke Elementary School roof repairs, and $1.8 million in upgrades for the Fire Tower and Training Center.
Although initial department requests for FY26 totaled $286 million, the commissioners trimmed $5.4 million during budget sessions to balance the final plan. The result is a 7% increase over FY25’s budget, reflecting growing investments in core services while maintaining tax relief.