On June 13, students in Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) will have their last day of classes, and the Anne Arundel County Council will convene to vote on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposed by the county executive. The $2.4 billion budget sees a majority of expenditures going to AACPS (49%) followed by the second largest investment in public safety (21%).
Since the budget was proposed on May 1, the county council held two public hearings where we heard from national board-certified school counselors, the library system employees and special education teachers, just to name a few. I have also heard from residents via email, pleased that there are no property or income tax increases, a sentiment I agree with.
The county council has also concluded all budget hearings with each county department. These hearings are an opportunity for council members to ask questions about year-to-year budget changes and new or ongoing projects. The departmental budget hearings take place over several days of hearings both in person and virtually, and all are available online for your review.
The acting county auditor has recommended budget adjustments, and the county executive’s budget officer has responded to those recommendations. Ultimately, as the final fiscal authority, the council will determine what changes to make through the amendment process, proposing cuts to various areas of the budget either from the recommendations of the auditor or individual councilmember proposed changes. A proposed cut via amendment requires four affirmative votes to pass.
At the conclusion of amendment day, which will take place on June 9, there will be some amount of budget money to be reallocated through the supplemental budget process. While ultimately the authority to introduce spending legislation lies solely with the county executive, the executive and legislative branches communicate to identify shared goals for the supplemental budget.
In past supplemental budgets, there have been additional investments like vehicles for the sheriff’s office, additional teachers, increased library staff salaries and additional police officers. Each year’s supplemental budget is different and is dependent upon all of the hearings and steps in the budget process that lead to that point.
Within the package of budget bills each year are the bills related to the different community/private property taxing districts, taxing districts that were voted on by residents as a self-imposed tax collected by the county for maintenance use within the community or among a group of private property owners.
A bill proposed by the District 6 councilmember, Bill 32-25, aims to change the fee structure and impose regulations with penalties for non-compliance. The three taxing districts that the county manages are the special community benefit district, shore erosion control districts, and waterway improvement districts. If you live in any of the listed communities below, I encourage you to contact community leadership so that they are aware of this legislation and can provide feedback on the impact it may have on residents.
Amberley
Birchwood
Cape St. Claire
Capetowne
Carrollton Manor
Chartwell
Hollywood on the Severn
Homewood
Indian Hills
Kensington
Landhaven
Little Magothy River
Magothy Beach
Manhattan Beach
Pines on the Severn
Scheides Cove
Severna Forest
Severndale
Timbers
I welcome your feedback every budget session, because I never forget that the money at work is the money you worked hard for. Any member of the public can testify on the budget bills, or any other legislation, at our legislative meetings. The county council meets on the first and third Monday of every month (Tuesday if there is a holiday) to consider legislation that may impact you. Be sure to visit the county council website to stay up to date on information: www.aacounty.org/county-council.
As always, you can reach out to me with any county related questions or concerns by emailing amanda.fiedler@aacounty.org. It is an honor to serve you and your family.