Will Taxes Rise In Baltimore County? Klausmeier Unveils Spending Plan

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — Baltimore County does not plan to raise taxes this year, County Executive Kathy Klausmeier (D) announced Friday when she unveiled her budget proposal.

"We cannot ask Baltimore County residents to pay more taxes, and I'm not going to," Klausmeier said, according to WBAL-TV.

The $4.8 billion budget proposal includes funding for a new Dulaney High School and a like-new Towson High School. The Essex Police Precinct would be replaced, and Sparrows Point would get a new fire station. The North County and Jacksonville Senior Centers would also be completed, while Randallstown would get a new library and recreation center.

With federal funding uncertainty and the state trimming costs to offset its $3 billion budget deficit, Baltimore County had to cut some plans to make up the missing funds.

"These uncertainties coupled with increased insurance and utility bills, new state taxes and inflation are already a burden on our families and businesses. Because of this we cannot ask Baltimore County residents to pay more taxes," Klausmeier said, according to WYPR.

WYPR reported that Baltimore County Public Schools Superintendent Myriam Rogers did not get her requested 11% budget increase. Klausmeier gave schools a boost, but only 3.5% above the required minimum maintenance of effort.

WYPR said Klausmeier's budget proposal also put plans for a Middle River library on hold, at least for now.

"Transportation programs, public safety investments and our funding for our students, schools and teachers have all been reduced by an ever-growing (state) deficit in Annapolis," Klausmeier said, according to WBAL-TV. "When the state can't close the deficit, it challenges counties like ours to pay more and make up the difference. These challenges continue at the federal level with severe and unexpected cuts to vital jobs, grants and contracts."

The budget proposal covers fiscal year 2026, which starts this July 1.

The County Council is scheduled to vote on the proposal on May 22.

Klausmeier's full budget presentation is posted here.

Some of the highlights are listed below:

Schools

• 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

Neighborhoods

• $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.

Public Safety

• 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.

Employees

• 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 Police and Fire personnel).

Related:

• Schools Request Bigger Budget, But Baltimore County Can't Afford It
• BCPS Budget Cuts Possible, Baltimore County Faces Tough Choices: Report
• BCPS Short $20M In Budget Proposal, Job Cuts Also Planned: Reports