PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — The Board of County Commissioners passed the FY 2026 operating and capital budget in a split vote on June 10, 2025.
The proposed budget includes a 1% cost-of-living increase for county employees, which is lower than a typical cost-of-living increase compared to the rest of the state — typically, this number is around 3 to 3.5%.
The six-month process to get the budget passed almost stalled in this final meeting when Commissioner Mike Hart questioned the 1% increase. The presentation of this budget at the June 10 meeting was intended to be a vote to adopt the budget. The budget had already been through the necessary procedures for adoption, including time for public comment. Hart expressed concerns that county employees would leave for other positions given the current job market.
Commissioner Catherine M. Grasso rejected Hart’s line of questioning, calling bringing it up on the day of the vote “unprofessional.” Grasso also expressed frustration with having to vote on a county operating and capital budget that didn’t include budgets from key departments, such as the school board and health department.
Though it only offers a 1% increase and a step increase for county employees, the budget does include the salaries for 20 new employees, 18 of which are public safety roles, and had to accommodate a lower tax-supported general fund than last year. The budget is developed over the course of several months through work sessions and budget formulas.
Commissioner Mark C. Cox called out some opportunities for potential savings, while Commissioner Todd Ireland thanked employees for what they’ve done throughout the year but cautioned that revenue wasn’t increasing year over year. Raises without revenue increases would put both employees and the county in a difficult position in the future.
The budget passed 3-2.
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Wage increase? I relocated to Calvert County three years ago and have since been increasingly disheartened by the cost of living. Prices across the board—including gas, groceries, and dining—are unreasonably high, especially given the limited options. The scarcity of quality retail establishments and restaurants, coupled with poor customer service at those that do exist, is particularly disappointing.
Having grown up in Maryland, I was always led to believe Calvert County was an ideal place to raise a family, known for its strong schools and community values. However, the reality has been quite different. The cost of living, especially property taxes, is disproportionately high for a rural area with underdeveloped infrastructure. Despite these elevated costs, county officials frequently cite budget shortfalls, which raises serious questions about fiscal management and priorities.