Charles Co. Fiscal 2025 Budget Prioritizes Schools, Public Safety

David M. Higgins II, Publisher/Editor

May 15

The Board of County Commissioners unanimously adopted a balanced General Fund budget of $561,338,600 on Tuesday, May 14, marking a 6.4 percent increase over the previous year. The new budget maintains current property and income tax rates while expanding investments in education, public safety, and recreation. It also includes increased compensation for employees through merit and cost-of-living raises and a $750 base-pay increase for eligible full-time employees in July.

"The Fiscal 2025 budget underscores our dedication to meeting the diverse needs of our community, emphasizing crucial areas such as education, public safety, and infrastructure, and increasing funding for youth programs," said Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins, II, Esq. "This allocation reflects our unwavering support for our public schools, the Sheriff's Office, and the essential services provided by County Government, and highlights our commitment to addressing the needs of young people in our community."

Budget Highlights

The General Fund budget funds the ongoing costs of government operations, including:

Education: The budget includes a $12.64 million increase for Charles County Public Schools, exceeding the maintenance of effort by nearly $11.7 million and doubling last year's funding increase. This boost partially funds the costs associated with the Blueprint for Maryland's Future and supports salary increases for school employees and the opening of the Waldorf Early Learning Center for Pre-K students. The total allocation, including funding for the Charles County Public Library and College of Southern Maryland, is $248.77 million, or 44.3 percent of the General Fund budget.
Public Safety: The Charles County Sheriff's Office receives a $9.28 million increase, with a total allocation of $130.59 million, or 23.3 percent of the General Fund budget. This funding includes 10 new sworn officers, continued support for the body-worn camera program with four new record technicians, two additional positions, and salary increases for staff.
County Government Operations: The budget allocates $100.07 million, or 17.8 percent of the General Fund budget, to county operations, marking a $10.36 million increase. New spending is designated for emergency services with the addition of 10 emergency medical technicians (EMTs), more staff for recreation and community services, a new position to support commercial development in the County's Western Technology Corridor, and administrative tools and support for technology, security, equity, and accountability.
Debt Service and Other Government Functions: Debt service for FY25 totals $32.6 million, while other items total $27.4 million, combining for 10.7 percent of the General Fund budget. Other government functions, including the State's Attorney's Office, Health Department, Circuit Court, Election Board, and other local agencies, receive $21.85 million, or 3.9 percent of the General Fund budget.

Capital Improvement Program

The fiscal year 2025-29 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget is set at $1.07 billion. This budget addresses county infrastructure needs, including schools, county buildings, roads, parks, water and sewer facilities, and stormwater management. A detailed summary of the CIP budget can be found here.

Tax Rates

The real property tax rate is maintained at $1.141 for County Government and $0.064 for Fire and Rescue per $100 of assessed value. The income tax rate remains unchanged at 3.03 percent. The adopted fiscal 2025 budget details are available online.