Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly announced on April 15 his recommended budget for fiscal year 2027, which includes record-level funding for public safety and education without increasing tax rates.
The budget aims to address the needs of Harford County residents by investing heavily in key areas while maintaining fiscal discipline. Cassilly said this approach was necessary to ensure that county government lives within taxpayers’ means and continues on a sustainable financial path.
Cassilly said, “Hardworking families expect their county government to live within taxpayers’ means. My FY 2027 budget fulfills that promise for the fourth consecutive year and still makes record-level investments in public safety and education, while funding enhancements to our overall quality of life. Getting here was not easy.” He explained that when he took office four years ago, the county faced a $90 million structural deficit, which has now been eliminated through measures such as resisting pandemic-era spending levels and implementing efficiencies across departments.
The proposed total operating budget is $1.15 billion with a capital budget of $364 million. The general fund operating budget increases by nearly $80 million or almost ten percent from last year but does not include any tax rate hikes. Notable allocations include significant increases for Harford County Public Schools (over $25 million), the Sheriff’s Office (nearly $10 million), Emergency Services ($3.5 million), Harford Community College ($1.7 million), Libraries ($1.3 million), Public Works ($1 million), Volunteer Fire Companies (almost $1 million), State’s Attorney ($700,000) and Humane Society ($563,000).
For education, K-12 schools will receive their highest-ever local funding including full support for teacher salary increases and state-mandated starting salaries of $60,000 for new teachers. Capital projects are planned for several schools along with increased support for libraries and community college operations.
In public safety, the Sheriff’s Office will see its average deputy salary rise to over $113,000 before overtime along with wage enhancements across law enforcement roles. Investments also extend to ambulance services improvements—including advanced medical interventions—and new equipment upgrades.
Other highlights include continued investment in parks and recreation facilities throughout the county despite state cutbacks as well as funds dedicated to farmland preservation efforts.
Cassilly concluded his statement by thanking taxpayers along with his team: “Thanks also to my budget team and all county employees for their outstanding work on behalf of the citizens we serve.”