Queen Anne’s County Fiscal Excellence & Economic Outlook
At our recent, 2026, Economic Outlook event, Jeff Rank, Director of Queen Anne’s County Budget & Finance Office presented an overview of the County’s financial management and what lies ahead for our economic and revenue expectations. Rank also highlighted the disciplined financial management practices that have positioned Queen Anne’s County among the top counties in the nation for fiscal stability and transparency.
Queen Anne’s County is one of fewer than 2 percent of counties nationwide to earn AAA bond ratings from all three major rating agencies, Moody’s, S&P Global, and Fitch. These top-tier ratings are results of conservative budgeting, strong reserve levels, low debt, and transparent financial reporting, and they allow the County to borrow at the lowest possible interest rates, saving taxpayer dollars.
Rank also emphasized the County’s strong and diverse revenue base, driven primarily by income and property taxes, which together account for more than 85 percent of General Fund revenues. Since FY2022, income tax revenues have grown by approximately 34 percent and property tax revenues by about 21 percent, all without increases to property tax rates, which remain among the lowest in Maryland.
Maintaining healthy fund balances and reserves above national benchmarks continues to provide financial flexibility, allowing the County to respond to emergencies, manage economic uncertainty, and support long-term planning. At the same time, Queen Anne’s County maintains a low debt burden, using strategic “pay-as-you-go” funding for major capital investments such as schools, public safety, and transportation infrastructure.
Looking ahead to FY2027, we will continue to budget conservatively. Although we anticipate continued growth in economic activity and stable resources, factors such as tight labor markets, inflationary pressures, and potential federal and state funding shifts underscore the importance of conservative revenue projections and careful cost management.
Overall, Queen Anne’s County’s financial strength supports reliable public services, long-term infrastructure investment, and a stable environment for businesses and residents alike, all while maintaining transparency and accountability in government finances.
As the County enters the upcoming budget season, residents will have multiple opportunities to learn more, ask questions, and help shape next year’s County government budget. Budget work sessions, financial documents, and public information meetings will be posted and recorded, ensuring full transparency throughout the process.
Stay up to date by visiting qacbudget.com and plan to attend our budget public information sessions this spring.
Monday, May 19 at Kent Island Library
Tuesday, May 20 at the Liberty Building in Centreville
Wednesday, May 21 at Sudlersville Middle School
Make sure to take part in the conversation. Your input helps guide priorities, investments, and services that impact our community every day.
You can watch the entire presentation here https://youtu.be/t1VF70aq84E?si=oJU4aA0rrgTsNPv2