The Commissioners of Saint Mary's County approved a categorical FY2026 budget amendment requested by the Board of Education to use $1,887,120 of fund balance for capital and maintenance projects during a joint meeting Oct. 28.

The amendment includes an interfund transfer of $1,775,120 from operating to the capital improvement program and specific projects listed by district staff. Tammy McCourt, presenting the FY2025 audited financial statements, described the proposed uses: Lexington Park Elementary media center roof replacement ($195,700); Leonardtown High School fume hood rooftop replacement ($100,000); rooftop units and air‑handling unit replacements at various sites ($250,000); HVAC system recalibration ($80,000); chiller replacement at the Division of Supporting Services ($133,015); Benjamin Banneker Elementary oil tank and lift station replacement ($167,862); chilled water pipe hanger repairs ($150,000); air scrubbers and dehumidifiers ($112,000); Oakville Elementary septic drain field ($200,000); relocatable repair and demolition ($100,000); and four digital signage replacements ($100,000).

McCourt said the FY2025 audited financial statements carried an unmodified opinion with no audit findings and reported a fund balance of about $21.1 million as of June 30, 2025, with planned uses of fund balance included in the FY2026 budget. The requested amendment would reduce the district’s available fund balance from its presented level to a net amount representing roughly 3.1% of the FY2026 budget, after the proposed amendment and excluding student activity funds and previously planned uses.

A commissioner moved to approve the Board of Education’s request; another commissioner seconded. The motion was approved by voice vote.