Worcester County proposes FY '26 budget adjustments including increases for nonprofits

Worcester County officials are gearing up for a significant budgetary shift as they prepare for the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, which includes notable increases and decreases across various departments. During a recent budget workshop, the county's financial landscape was laid out, revealing a mix of growth in certain areas and reductions in others.

The most striking proposal comes from the Department of Taxes Shared with Towns, which anticipates a substantial increase of $2 million, or 30%, in its budget. This increase is based on requests from municipalities, reflecting a growing need for local support. Notably, the town of Pocomoke is set to receive an unrestricted grant increase of $68,808, marking a 13% rise from the previous year, despite their initial request being only 5%.

Conversely, the Natural Resources Department is facing a budget decrease of $13,135, or 2%. This reduction is attributed to a significant drop in costs associated with spongy moth control, which is expected to decrease by $23,935 based on historical spending patterns.

In the realm of social services, the budget for nonprofit organizations is projected to rise by $331,313, or 52%. This increase includes funding for various local nonprofits, such as the Life Crisis Center and the Worcester County Humane Society, which are set to receive substantial boosts to support their operations.

The overall budget discussions also highlighted a decrease of $3.5 million, or 36%, in interfund transfers, primarily due to the removal of previous operational needs for water and wastewater services. This adjustment reflects a strategic shift in how the county manages its financial reserves and operational costs.

As Worcester County moves forward with these budget proposals, the implications for local services and community support are significant. The county's commitment to addressing both growth and reductions in funding will shape the landscape of public services in the coming year, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to meet the needs of its residents. The next steps will involve further discussions and approvals as the budget process continues to unfold.