Queen Anne’s County Commissioners Budget Public Information Sessions Start on Monday May 19

Queen Anne’s County Commissioners have released their proposed operating and capital budget for Fiscal Year 2026. The proposed operating budget for the general fund totals $209.1 million, reflecting an 8.8% increase over FY 2025. The proposed capital budget is $47.2 million, with a six-year capital improvement plan totaling $464.8 million for all County agencies and the Board of Education. 

The budget is balanced with no increases to property or income tax rates. The property tax rate remains at $0.83 per $100 of assessed value, consistent with the past three years. The local income tax rate remains at 3.2 percent. The Commissioners are proud to maintain a high level of service, while supporting education, and maintaining the county’s AAA bond rating while managing rising costs. 

Due to state budget shortfalls, counties are now expected to assume funding responsibilities previously covered by the state. Starting in FY 2026, Queen Anne’s County will assume costs associated with teacher and community college pensions, as well as staffing and operations for the State Department of Assessments and Taxation. Reductions in state and federal support for health, social services, and emergency management have further increased the burden on local resources—resulting in millions in new unfunded mandates. 

FY 2026 Budget Highlights 

Board of Education – Public School Funding:

• $83.4 million in FY 2026, an $8.3 million increase over FY 2025.
• County education funding exceeds the state’s maintenance of effort requirement by $7.6 million.
• Over the past three years, county contributions to local public schools have increased 29%, while state funding has only increased by 4.6%.
• The Board of Education accounts for 43% of the total county operating budget. 

Capital Budget Investments:

• $8.5 million for Board of Education capital projects, including HVAC and roof replacements.
• $7.2 million for Roads projects, including design for a pedestrian bridge over Route 50 in Stevensville.
• $1.25 million toward the new Regional Hospital.
• $4.4 million for Emergency Services infrastructure and equipment.
• $1.3 million for IT infrastructure and upgrades.
• $3.9 million for Parks and Recreation, including planning for a new Recreation Center.
• $8.1 million for the Southern Kent Island sewer project and $4 million for water system improvements.
• $1 million for repairs and upgrades at five public housing facilities now managed by the County. 

Public Participation Encouraged 

Residents are encouraged to review the proposed budget and provide feedback by attending one of the following public information sessions or by submitting written comments. Comments can be made in person, virtually, or via email to publiccomment@qac.org. Please include “FY26 Budget” in the subject line. 

Public Informational Meeting Schedule:

• May 19, 2025, at 7:00 PM – Kent Island Library, 200 Library Circle, Stevensville
• May 20, 2025, at 7:00 PM – Liberty Building, 107 North Liberty Street, Centreville
• May 21, 2025, at 7:00 PM – Sudlersville Middle School, 600 Charles Street, Sudlersville 

All sessions will be broadcast live on QACTV’s YouTube and Facebook pages, and on Breezeline Channel 7 (or 507 in HD). Live streaming is also available at www.qac.org/live. 

A summary of the proposed budget has been mailed to residents and is also available online at:
🔗 FY26 Proposed Budget PDF

Or visit www.qac.org and search “FY26 County Commissioners Proposed Budget.”