Baltimore officials present $3.95 billion FY2027 operating budget and $1.07 billion capital plan as public testimony begins

Deputy Finance Director Bob Senamy told the committee the mayor's recommended FY2027 operating budget totals $3.95 billion and the capital plan $1.07 billion, together about $5.02 billion, with a proposed real property tax rate unchanged at $2.0248 per $100 of assessed value.

"We're maintaining our core services and funding a handful of enhancements," Senamy said in a high-level presentation that cited 85 initiatives in a new 10-year financial plan and highlighted capital investments including a youth sports complex, CAD replacement and solid-waste facility upgrades.

Councilwoman Danielle McCray, chair of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, opened the hearing and reiterated that the mayor and council are not proposing a tax-rate increase this year. "The proposed real property tax rate is $2.0248 per $100 of assessment, the same as the previous fiscal year," she said.

Council President Zeke Cohen said Taxpayers' Night is an important moment for public input. "Taxpayer night is, weirdly enough, my favorite night of the year because we get to hear from you," he told the chamber.

Senamy described revenue growth driven by stronger property- and income-tax receipts and said about $337 million of the capital program is backed by general-fund sources such as general obligation bonds and PAYGO. He told the room that agency-level hearings will follow: agency-specific budget hearings are scheduled May 27–June 4, with the council required to act before the fiscal year ends.

The presentation and the public comment that followed made clear that while the mayor’s recommended budget sets totals and priorities, residents expect the council to consider targeted changes — from school safety spending to immigrant legal services — before formal council action.

The committee did not take votes at the hearing; members said they would use testimony and agency hearings to evaluate amendments and funding priorities ahead of later committee votes and final council action.