LA PLATA, Md. — Charles County Commissioners on Tuesday voiced opposition to proposed state budget shifts that would require counties to absorb additional financial burdens, including a sharp increase in teacher pension contributions as part of the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2025. The proposed changes are part of a broader effort to address Maryland’s $3 billion budget deficit.
A late addition to the legislative update at the Feb. 25 Board of Commissioners meeting led to discussions on the impact of House Bill 352 and Senate Bill 321, both of which propose shifting 100% of teacher pension costs from the state to county governments.
The commissioners recommended submitting a formal letter of opposition before the upcoming hearings on Feb. 27 and Feb. 28, a step many other counties are also considering.
Acting Deputy County Administrator Jenifer Ellin stressed the need for the county to push back against the proposed changes.
“We need to gain consensus from the board to send a letter of opposition,” Ellin said. “The state is now doubling the teacher pension responsibilities from $2.7 million to $5.4 million, resulting in approximately $6.1 million in costs being shifted to the county.”
Acting County Administrator Deb Hall echoed these concerns, highlighting the lack of county input in the state’s pension decisions.
“What’s important to note about the teacher retirement shifts is that they were shifting 50% of the cost, and now they’re shifting 100% of the cost,” Hall said. “And as you know, those are state employees, and that is a state retirement plan—yet we have no control over the plan.”
Budget Impact
The county faces an estimated $6.1 million in additional costs, according to Ellin. The breakdown includes:
- Teacher pension contributions: Increasing from $2.7 million to $5.4 million
- Community college funding: A $128,000 reduction
- Property assessment revenue: A $612,000 decrease
Commissioner Thomasina Coates also raised concerns about the county’s long-term financial obligations under the state’s education funding for Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.
County Attorney Wes Adams warned against conceding to the state’s demands.
“If we start making concessions, it can become a tidal wave,” Adams said. “We were never a part of these negotiations.”
The commissioners unanimously agreed to send a formal letter opposing the cost shifts. Commissioner B.J. Bowling suggested further discussions with state delegates to ensure they understand the impact on local governments.
“They’ve got to understand the situation we’re being put in and why we’re advocating for this. They need to hear our concerns,” Bowling said.
See the Feb. 25, 2025, BOCC Meeting Agenda here.
The video for this discussion, which took place after Public Comment and before Public Hearings, is not available as of Feb. 27, 2025. The page dedicated to that feed can be found here. Other sessions can be viewed on CCGTV.
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