PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — The Calvert Board of County Commissioners approved a $2,993,000 supplemental budget to support areas identified by departments across the county as “critical need.” The supplemental budget will be funded by increasing the FY 2026 income tax revenue budget.
The budget increase doesn’t mean taxes will go up, but rather that the county will adjust the anticipated income tax amount to reflect a less conservative estimate of revenue for the county. According to a memo submitted by the Department of Finance & Budget, the county has historically adopted conservative revenue estimates to safeguard against year-end shortfalls.
“Based on recent performance, a revenue increase of $2,993,000 is both reasonable and sustainable. Even with this adjustment, revenue estimates remain conservative and will not create a deficit,” the memo reads.
The BOCC adopted the FY 2026 budget on June 10, 2025, with $385,978,812 for general fund operating expenses. Since then, Finance & Budget has worked with departments to learn what areas are underfunded or unfunded in the existing plan.
The list of critical needs includes:
- Snow & Ice Removal, Department of Public Works: Highway Maintenance requires an additional $255,000 to supplement the existing $55,000 appropriation for snow and ice removal.
- House Bill 352, Teacher Retirement Pension: Pursuant to House Bill 352, Calvert County is required to contribute $1,650,000 to the Maryland Teacher Retirement Pension System in FY 2026.
- Prudent Rx Program: In FY 2026, the BOCC approved the implementation of Prudent Rx, a benefit that covers specialty medications not included under the standard prescription plan. Based on projected participation, Finance & Budget recommends an initial allocation of $75,000.
- Mosquito Control, Department of Public Works: The Mosquito Control program requires $45,500 to continue operations through FY 2026.
- Animal Control, Department of Public Safety: Requires $17,500 to complete the lighting package installation for an Animal Services vehicle purchased in FY 2025.
- Detention Center, Wellpath: The detention center requires an additional $750,000 to cover contractual increases in inmate health care services provided by Wellpath.
- Public Safety Master Plan, Department of Public Safety: Requires $200,000 to fund the development of their new master plan.
You can view the supplemental budget resolution online here.
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