• $10.5 million for road improvements such as the pavement maintenance and preservation program, Eastern Boulevard extended and widening, and vehicle and equipment replacements for the Highways Department.
The $37.1 million Plan for self-supporting funds include the following notable projects:
• The Airport fund includes $23.2 million for a replacement Air Traffic Control Tower, terminal expansion and taxi way maintenance. • The Water Quality fund includes $2.6 million for pump station upgrades, maintenance of buildings, and vehicle and equipment replacements. • The Solid Waste fund includes $7.0 million for construction of Cell 5 at the 40 West Landfill, and vehicle and equipment replacements. • The Transit fund includes $4.2 million for renovations and expansion of the West Washington Street facility, preventative maintenance, and bus replacements.
A HEALTHY BUDGET FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY
Over the last few years, Washington County has experienced significant residential and commercial growth. Although the population for Maryland decreased in 2022, Washington County has seen a net population gain as workers from other counties in Maryland migrate to Washington County to take advantage of our lower home prices, lower cost of living and available jobs. Our Department of Business and Economic Development is focused on identifying strategies to bring high-paying, quality jobs to our County, and to support local businesses and entrepreneurs as they begin or expand in our County. Having Interstates 70 and 81 intersect in our County has been integral to that recent economic growth. The approved budget for fiscal year 2026 sets aside healthy reserve funds, meets our long- term pension obligations and makes strategic investments to protect our AA+ bond rating. This budget ensures that the County has strong financial health while also providing programs and services that our residents need to be safe and healthy. It maintains infrastructure investments and provides funding for our schools, libraries, law enforcement, roads, fire and emergency medical services and much more. I want to thank our Budget and Finance Team, our Board of County Commissioners and our entire WCC workforce for their expertise and diligence as we finalized this year’s operating and capital budgets. Development of the budget is a complex and time intensive endeavor. This approved budget reflects collaboration, community input and invests in our citizens. We have employed a strategic and responsible approach to ensure that Washington County remains strong, vibrant and the best place to Live ● Work ● Play .
Sincerely,
Michelle Gordon, MBA County Administrator
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Washington County, Maryland FY2026 County Administrator Message
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