LEONARDTOWN, MD — The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County approved the Fiscal Year 2027 Recommended Budget on March 31, 2026, sending the spending plan to a public hearing for community review and comment.
The annual Budget Public Hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium at Chopticon High School, 25390 Colton Point Road in Morganza. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and sign-up sheets for speakers will be available in the school foyer.
The FY2027 Recommended Budget Book becomes available for public review online by the close of business on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at www.stmaryscountymd.gov/budget. Residents can examine the full document before the hearing.
Community members may provide input in person at the hearing or submit written comments by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Comments can be emailed to csmc@stmaryscountymd.gov or mailed to PO Box 653, Leonardtown, Maryland 20650. All submissions will be considered by the commissioners at the hearing and for up to seven days afterward. Additional hearing details are posted at www.stmaryscountymd.gov/publichearings.
The process follows the county’s approved FY2027 budget calendar. Commissioners reviewed the plan during work sessions, including a final balancing session on March 24, before formal approval on March 31. The hearing advances the recommended operating and capital budgets toward final adoption, expected in May along with tax rate setting.
The public hearing will also address proposed increases in county fees and charges as well as a suggested rise in the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department tax rate to 0.056 from the current 0.05 per $100 of assessed value.
Accommodations for individuals with language or other special needs will be provided upon request. Residents should contact the Public Information Office at (301) 475-4200, ext. 1340, or pio@stmaryscountymd.gov by April 14, 2026, to arrange assistance.
This step in the budget cycle allows Southern Maryland residents to review priorities for county services, infrastructure, public safety, education funding requests and other operations covering July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. The recommended budget reflects adjustments for recurring costs, compensation, and essential services following departmental submissions and commissioner deliberations.
St. Mary’s County government encourages broad participation to shape the final spending plan. The timeline continues with additional work sessions in May before the commissioners set tax rates and approve the final budget.
