LEONARDTOWN, MD (September 17, 2025) – The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) have approved the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027) Budget Calendar, kicking off the budget planning process for the county’s fiscal year, which runs from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. The calendar sets key dates for budget development, including work sessions, reviews of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), and a public hearing, ensuring transparency and community involvement in shaping St. Mary’s County’s financial priorities.
The FY2027 Budget Calendar outlines critical milestones for crafting the county’s budget, which funds essential services like public safety, education, infrastructure, and community programs. The process begins with CSMC Budget Work Sessions (BWS), where commissioners review departmental requests and financial projections. These sessions lead to the development of the Capital Improvement Program, which allocates funds for long-term projects such as road improvements, school upgrades, and public facilities. A Budget Public Hearing, a key opportunity for resident input, will allow community members to voice priorities and concerns before the budget is finalized.
Commissioner President Randy Guy emphasized the importance of public engagement, stating, “The budget process is one of the most important responsibilities of county government. We encourage residents to follow along, attend sessions, and provide feedback as we work together to shape the priorities for our community.” All budget-related meetings are open to the public, with multiple ways to participate. Residents can attend in person at the Chesapeake Building, located at 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown, watch live on SMCG TV Channel 95, or stream meetings on the county’s YouTube channel. On-demand recordings are also available for those unable to attend live.
St. Mary’s County, home to approximately 114,000 residents, relies on a transparent budget process to allocate resources effectively. The FY2026 budget, approved earlier this year, totaled $329.7 million, with significant investments in public schools, sheriff’s services, and infrastructure projects like the FDR Boulevard extension in Lexington Park [https://www.southernmarylandchronicle.com/fy2026-budget-approved]. The FY2027 process will build on these priorities, addressing ongoing needs in a county known for its naval base presence, rural charm, and growing population.
Residents can access the FY2027 Budget Calendar and related documents online. The website provides detailed schedules, budget drafts, and historical financial data, empowering locals to stay informed. Key dates include preliminary work sessions starting in early 2026, CIP reviews in the spring, and the public hearing, typically held in May, before the budget is adopted in June.
The budget process is a cornerstone of local governance in St. Mary’s County, balancing the needs of urban areas like Leonardtown and Lexington Park with rural communities such as Mechanicsville and St. Inigoes. Community input has historically influenced decisions, such as increased funding for emergency services and recreational facilities like the St. James Neighborhood Park. The CSMC encourages residents to engage early, whether by attending meetings or submitting feedback through the county’s online portal.
For additional information or to confirm meeting schedules, residents can contact the St. Mary’s County Department of Finance at 301-475-4200, ext. 1200, or visit https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/finance. The county’s commitment to open dialogue ensures that Southern Maryland residents have a voice in shaping their community’s future.