Baltimore, Harford Counties Unveil Budgets Without Tax Hikes

County executives propose spending plans focused on public safety, education, and infrastructure

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:14am

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A serene, cinematic painting depicting a government building or civic structure in warm, muted tones, with dramatic lighting and shadows creating a contemplative, nostalgic mood.The budget proposals from Baltimore and Harford counties aim to maintain fiscal stability while investing in critical community needs.Baltimore Today

The county executives of Baltimore and Harford counties in Maryland have unveiled their proposed budgets for Fiscal Year 2027, which do not include any increases to tax rates. The budgets focus on investments in public safety, education, and infrastructure projects across the two counties.

Why it matters

Maintaining stable tax rates while addressing pressing community needs is a key priority for local governments. These budget proposals demonstrate the counties' efforts to balance fiscal responsibility with funding critical services and initiatives that impact residents' quality of life.

The details

Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier's proposed $5 billion budget includes funding for a new police support operations facility, a new Wilkens Precinct, and additional fire battalion chiefs. It also allocates $9.3 million to protect against staffing cuts and preserve class sizes in schools, as well as $2.6 million for 20 new special education positions. The budget also earmarks funds for new electric vehicle charging stations, the Pikesville Armory development, and a new Essex Branch of the Baltimore County Public Library. In Harford County, County Executive Bob Cassilly's budget proposal focuses on strengthening public safety by raising the average salary for sheriff's deputies and investing in new vehicles and equipment. It also includes $250,000 for firefighters' cancer screening, $13.8 million for a new Whiteford fire station, and $500,000 for park improvements. The budget also calls for increasing starting salaries for teachers, though Harford County Public Schools says the proposal falls $15 million short of their request.

  • Kathy Klausmeier delivered her final budget address on Thursday, April 17, 2026.
  • The full Baltimore County Council will vote on the proposal on May 21, 2026.
  • Bob Cassilly presented his Harford County budget proposal on Thursday, April 17, 2026.

The players

Kathy Klausmeier

The outgoing Baltimore County Executive who released a proposed $5 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2027 that does not raise tax rates.

Bob Cassilly

The Harford County Executive who proposed a budget focused on strengthening public safety, including raising salaries for sheriff's deputies and investing in new equipment.

Harford County Public Schools

The school district that released a statement saying Cassilly's budget proposal falls $15 million short of their funding request, which they say is insufficient to cover costs and meet state requirements.

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What they’re saying

“I stepped into this position at a time of transition. My focus has been simple: Do the work, make the tough fiscal decisions and leave Baltimore County in a better place. And, we are seeing the results of that work with a budget that retains a historically high projected fund balance, ensuring that future administrations will have a fiscal foundation to be successful.”

— Kathy Klausmeier, Baltimore County Executive

“Because these obligations must be funded, presenting the remaining funding as fully available for salaries is misleading. The funds are insufficient to support all of HCPS' fiscal needs and the full negotiated compensation package for educators and staff.”

— Harford County Public Schools

What’s next

The full Baltimore County Council will vote on Klausmeier's proposed budget on May 21, 2026. Harford County's budget proposal will also go through the county's approval process.

The takeaway

By maintaining stable tax rates while investing in public safety, education, and infrastructure, the budget proposals from Baltimore and Harford counties demonstrate a commitment to fiscal responsibility and meeting the needs of their communities. However, Harford County Public Schools' concerns about insufficient funding highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing competing priorities within limited budgets.