Allegany County adopts $159.3 million FY27 budget, holds tax rate steady

The Allegany County Board of County Commissioners on a unanimous voice vote adopted the fiscal year 2027 operating and capital budget, approving a grand total of $159,345,828 and a 2% cost‑of‑living increase for county employees.

The chair said the budget was prepared against a backdrop of a state deficit and that county leaders avoided raising property or income taxes for residents. "The budget contains no property tax or income tax increases for our residents," the chair said, adding that the county increased its local income tax to 3.2% to capture additional disparity grant funds and that move unlocked roughly $5.7 million heading into FY27.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the package preserves service levels amid fiscal pressure from the state while replenishing fund balance. The budget keeps the county within self‑imposed debt service goals and includes targeted spending for tourism, historic preservation and the county's self‑insured health program.

Key actions in the adoption: Bennett presented resolution 26‑12 to adopt the FY27 operating and capital budgets. The resolution includes a 2% employee cost‑of‑living increase and maintains the county's investment and debt service policies. Commissioners approved the resolution by voice vote.

Related levies and rates: The board also adopted the real property tax levy at $0.975 per $1,000 (unchanged from prior years) and approved a supplemental tax levy that covers sanitary districts and special taxing areas such as fire companies and lighting districts. Brynn, speaking for the Allegany County Sanitary Commission, presented FY27 water and sewer rates that will raise the average customer utility bill by about 2.9% and increase industrial sewer charges by about 5%; commissioners approved those rates.

Budget amendments and flood recovery: The board approved three FY26 budget amendments discussed in recent work sessions. Those amendments include a $209,000 increase for a health department grant (fully grant‑funded), recognition of the sheriff's BearCat vehicle expenditure, and a flood recovery package totaling $5,556,456. County staff said the flood recovery funds will draw from two fund‑balance sources: $2,754,328 from designated lottery proceeds and $2,802,128 from the unreserved fund balance; the board also recognized $336,667 from an SDRF grant.

Capital program and procurement: The board adopted the five‑year Capital Improvement Program and authorized staff to advertise and accept bids for Phase 1 site work on the Kings Bend Rail project and for a Barton Business Park pad site. Staff said Phase 2 work for Kings Bend is expected to come in July.

Process and next steps: Commissioners approved the budget, levies and amendments by voice vote and directed staff to prepare tax bills and proceed with procurement as authorized. Additional budget details and supporting documents are available on the county website, officials said.

The board moved on to other agenda items after adoption; the next regular business meeting was announced for Thursday, June 25.