Big budgetary shifts from Annapolis mean millions to counties’ bottom line
Maryland lawmakers are delivering $1.3 million in unfunded mandates to Worcester County, the result of efforts to balance the state’s budget by cost-sharing with counties.
For the new fiscal year, which starts July 1, county governments will be on the hook for two big expenses: a greater share of teacher pensions and increased carrying costs for the state’s Department Assessment and Taxation, or SDAT.
Other new state-to-local cost shifts, across all 23 counties and Baltimore City, will include $4.8 million toward community college retirements and $25 million for nonpublic placement of special-needs students. These costs are nominal to Worcester County, totaling less than $30,000.
The moves come as state officials, including Gov. Wes Moore, worked feverishly during the Legislative Session to close a $3 billion revenue shortfall and balance the budget, which is required annually by law.
For Worcester, the overall budget changes will add $1,282,244 to county expenditures in fiscal 2026.
When it comes to funding for SDAT, the state and its 23 counties for years have shared costs equally in a 50-50 split. But this new budget upends that arrangement and will force counties to pay 90 percent of costs, leaving 10% to the state. It’s budgeted to add $580,573 onto Worcester’s fiscal burden in 2026.
All in, the SDAT change represents a savings to the state of about $21 million – a figure that “doesn’t move the needle much” toward its $3 billion budget deficit, according to Worcester County Administrator Weston Young.
Young called the move “really short-sighted.”
Stupid dems blew multi billion dollar surplus, and are forecasting an even BIGGER deficit because of their stupid policies. Maybe MD voters will “wake up” again and vote these idiots out.
Les Moore is the ruination of our once great state!!!!!!! That turd has got to go!!!
Anyone else notice this gem? “The state budget also includes another mandate: counties must pay 50% of settlements for wrongly incarcerated individuals. For example, the state’s Board of Public Works could agree to pay a big-ticket settlement, and then force Worcester, or any county, to cough up half.”