CHARLES COUNTY, Md. — The Board of County Commissioners unanimously adopted a $595,081,500 General Fund budget for fiscal year 2026 on May 20, 2025, marking a 6.0 percent increase over the previous year. The budget maintains current property and income tax rates while funding key priorities, including education, public safety, and infrastructure. However, a subsequent decision on June 10 to raise the recordation tax by $2 per $500, setting the rate at $7 per $500, sparked criticism from the Southern Maryland Association of Realtors (SMAR) for its potential impact on homebuyers.
The FY2026 budget, described as a response to challenging fiscal conditions, allocates significant funds to education and public safety. Charles County Public Schools will receive an $11.24 million increase, totaling $263.97 million, or 44.4 percent of the General Fund, exceeding maintenance of effort by $8.9 million. This supports the new Thornton Elementary School, staff salary increases, and extended learning programs. The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) gets an $850,000 boost, bringing its allocation to $12.17 million, funding its mediation center and maintenance requirements. The Charles County Sheriff’s Office receives an $8.39 million increase, totaling $138.97 million, or 23.3 percent of the budget, to convert part-time positions to full-time, add a digital records custodian, and provide holiday pay for employees working on Christmas and Thanksgiving.
County government operations gain $6.18 million, totaling $106.26 million, or 17.8 percent of the budget. This funds 10 new EMT positions and two ambulances for Waldorf’s emergency services, park security cameras, a Rental Registry Program, and a Human Resources Apprenticeship Program. Other government functions, including the State’s Attorney’s Office and Health Department, receive $23 million, while debt service accounts for $33 million. The budget also introduces weekly recycling pickup, supports the Charles County Charitable Trust, and covers mandated state cost shifts for teacher pensions and CSM retirement costs.
“Despite facing one of the most challenging fiscal years in recent memory—brought on by shifting responsibilities and rising costs passed down from federal and state levels—Charles County remained steadfast in our commitment to the community,” said Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins II, Esq. “The FY2026 budget reflects our resolve to invest in what matters most: we are opening a new elementary school, expanding emergency services, implementing weekly recycling pickup, and sustaining core services across government. These investments ensure we continue moving forward together, responsibly and equitably.”
The $1.02 billion Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget for 2026-30 funds infrastructure like schools, roads, and water facilities. A detailed summary is available. The property tax rate remains $1.141 for county government and $0.064 for fire and rescue per $100 of assessed value, with the income tax rate steady at 3.03 percent.
The recordation tax increase, approved via Proposed Bill 2025-04, aims to generate $4.3 million for schools and affordable housing without affecting renters or non-transacting homeowners. However, SMAR condemned the 40 percent hike, arguing it ties Charles County with Frederick County for Maryland’s highest standard recordation tax rate. “This tax increase represents a direct assault on homeownership in Charles County,” said Helen Mattingly Wernecke, SMAR president. “It demonstrates that the commissioners do not support having people live where they work, and that they do not support making housing affordable.” SMAR noted the tax will burden first-time homebuyers, teachers, seniors, and first responders, adding thousands to costs for buying, selling, or refinancing homes. They thanked Commissioner Gilbert “BJ” Bowling for opposing the increase.
SMAR suggested alternatives, such as delaying the Rental Licensing Program or using the Board of Education’s unassigned fund balance, but claimed these were ignored. “This is not ‘wise policy’ for Charles County as Commissioner President Reuben Collins said during the work session. Nor should this have been ‘a no-brainer’ as Commissioner Thomasina Coates said,” Wernecke stated. The adopted FY2026 budget details are available.
The budget reflects Charles County’s efforts to balance fiscal constraints with community needs, but the recordation tax hike has raised concerns about housing affordability during National Homeownership Month. The county, with a population of over 160,000, continues to navigate economic pressures while investing in education, safety, and infrastructure.
It’s great that the County Commissioners increased funding for the school system, as we keep building more housing and adding more students, but the percentage of county resources allocated to the school system keeps getting smaller and smaller. It also does not uphold to their campaign promises to fully fund the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.