Inside Baltimore County Exec's Proposed $4.8 Billion Budget

Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier is keeping her foot on the gas for 2026 — unveiling a $4.8 billion budget proposal aimed at improving life in the County without raising taxes.

“We cannot ask Baltimore County residents to pay more taxes, and I’m not going to,” she said Friday during her presentation to the County Council.

Klausmeier didn’t shy away from naming the pressure points. She called out the growing state deficit in Annapolis and cuts from the federal level — a combination that’s left counties like Baltimore scrambling to keep up. Tariffs from the Trump administration, inflation, and the end of federal COVID aid have made things even tighter.

Still, Klausmeier says she’s confident about the county’s financial future — and the proposal makes room for serious investments in schools, public safety, transportation, and senior care.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

📚 Baltimore County Public Schools

Over $350 million is set aside for school facility upgrades, including new Dulaney and like-new Towson High. BCPS will also receive nearly $30 million over the required Maintenance of Effort funding — though that’s still short of what school officials requested. Negotiations are likely ahead.

🧯 Public Safety

More than $25 million is earmarked to replace the Essex Police Precinct, with additional funding for security upgrades and building improvements. Firefighters will receive a 3% mid-year cost-of-living increase, plus $28 million in equipment upgrades and $22 million for a new Sparrows Point firehouse.

👵🏽 Senior Services

$60 million is heading to new senior centers in North County and Jacksonville. Cockeysville’s senior center will get a new parking lot with $1 million dedicated to the project.

🚧 Roads & Infrastructure

More than $38 million will be used for road resurfacing, sidewalks, and storm drain improvements across the county.

📚 Libraries & CCBC

Over $36 million is budgeted for library upgrades, including a new Randallstown Library. CCBC campuses will also see upgrades — including $2 million toward a new welding program to help rebuild the Key Bridge.

The public will have a chance to weigh in before the final vote on the budget, set for May 22.