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Property tax decrease approved over school funding

Board of Ed says county budget vote invalidates teacher contract

Worcester County’s Board of Commissioners declined to fully fund the Board of Education’s requested budget Wednesday, setting up school officials and the teacher’s union for a return to the bargaining table to renegotiate salaries and benefits.

At their final public hearing of the budget season, the commissioners pledged to decrease property taxes slightly but decided not to fund negotiated salary increases of $4,000 for certified teachers – part of a school board plan to meet a state-mandated teacher pay hike.

“Where they have the amount of money they have, it was time for them to share that with our employees, because our employees deserve that,” said Worcester County Public Schools Superintendent Lou Taylor. “I’m just disappointed that they didn’t see that because, ultimately, it affects our kids.”

The county’s fiscal year 2026 budget, meanwhile, is shaping up to benefit homeowners and taxpayers.

Commissioners decided Wednesday to shrink the property tax rate from $0.845 per $100 of assessed value to $0.825, and to offer all county employees a cost-of-living adjustment of $2,500, up from an earlier plan to offer a $2,000 COLA.

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7 thoughts on “Property tax decrease approved over school funding”

  1. BLM taking over

    They could save taxes by building Government Section 8 housing.

    Worcester County would get millions in Federal funds from Jake Day and Obamas little brother Governor Wes Moron

    Tear down beautiful farms for affordable Government Housing

    1. Does not matter how much section 8 housing is built in less than 5 years it is tore all to hell and riddled with bullet holes.

  2. When the board of education refuses to account for every dollar they have received, no increase in funds is warranted.

    1. Not really 2:25.

      I’m usually not onboard with many of the teacher’s association demands, but this time I have to say they have made a very reasonable funding increase request.

      When this show started two years ago, it was clear the BOE was playing games. Since that time they have become transparent per the commissioners demands. After jumping through that hoop, this “tax break” is nothing more than blowing smoke to give some semblance of the commissioners paying what amounts to lip service.

      I wonder how many teachers will go elsewhere to work. I also wonder what will happen in ‘26 when the mandatory salary from Kirwan hits.

      Seems to me the commissioners could have solved that problem by funding this request, setting up a showdown next year.

      Eastern shore politics by small minds never ceases to amaze me.

      1. Cuts in perks for county employees and other waste can be made to still afford and retain teachers 2:25. If you don’t like our small minds and political thinking you are more than welcome to go back to wherever you came from. You people come here to the land of pleasant living because you ruined your own area, then you try to make this area just like what you had. Duh? Go back, we’re fine without your big mind and politics !!

  3. Defund maryland public education
    Especially the corrupt BOE/ UNION
    vouchers across the board
    Let us dictate what schools survive.
    because you all suck at your job!!
    Pot taxes
    Lottery taxes
    Property taxes
    State funds
    Fed funds
    Bake sales

    More bakes sales
    Less waste -illegals , bloated boa
    NO MOOORE TAXES!!!!

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