Calvert County Budget Hearing Focuses On Maintaining Services Despite Rising Costs – And The Public Came With Opinions

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — The Calvert County government hosted a public hearing on its proposed FY2027 budget on Tuesday, March 24, a meeting that outlined both the county’s priorities and the public’s concerns going into the next fiscal year.

The public hearing was a critical step in the FY27 budget process. The county is required by law to hold public hearings on the budget. This particular hearing was a “staff recommended draft budget” put forward by those who work within the county government to outline their anticipated financial needs versus the county’s revenue. It also allows the county to share its priorities and reshape them according to public feedback.

County officials emphasized their desire to be fiscally responsible while continuing all government services and their quality, claiming that the budget is designed to meet needs without overextending resources.

As in FY26, education remains the top spending area, with funding to support school operations, staffing, and ongoing construction and maintenance projects. The budget also includes four additional school resource officers (SROs).

The public comment period lasted about 30 minutes, placed at the end of the meeting. Residents at the meeting called for better transparency in the budget process and independent scrutiny of the budget. Many residents were concerned about the rising cost of living and possible tax increases.

“Two of our community pillars, our schools and our public libraries are being asked to reduce their budget request,” said Calvert resident Mike Shisler. “They face a conundrum. Continue to do a great job, continue serving this community, because that’s what this community expects, great service, but don’t dare to ask for any more money.” Shisler also cited Calvert County’s wealth related to other counties in Maryland and across the country.

County staff will consider public comment and make changes to the draft budget before it is brought up for a vote, with additional public comment periods and hearings to be determined.

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