In recent years, the Board began transitioning fire and emergency medical services from an all-volunteer model to a combination-model that includes both volunteers and County paid staffing. County paid staffing counts for fire and emergency medical services have increased from 10 positions in fiscal year 2017 to 108 positions in the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget. In fiscal year 2026, the county is applying for funding through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and emergency Response (SAFER) grant program to partially fund the addition of 9 to 18
additional fire positions. The budget for fiscal year 2026 includes an additional $500 thousand to continue the transition of emergency medical services personnel. I’d like to extend a warm thank you to all of the men and women in Washington County who serve in our law enforcement, detention, fire and emergency medical services departments for their hard work and dedication to our communities.
EDUCATION
Washington County has historically made consistent investments in our schools; and, the County has continued that funding priority with additional funds that focus on our youth. The fiscal year 2026 budget includes $120.6 million in funding for Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) based on State mandated Maintenance of Effort (MOE) calculations and an additional $2.2 million to fund additional state cost shifts for teacher pension costs in the MD State Retirement and Pension System. This equates to an increase of $12.7 million over fiscal year 20 25’s budget of $110.2 million . Although student enrollment growth has been stagnant, by making this strategic investment in education, funding is in place for future years as WCPS works to implement the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. The ten (10) year 2026-2035 Capital Improvement Plan (Plan) includes $51.1 million for a replacement elementary school with $18.6 million from County dedicated funding, $32.1 million in state funding and an additional $400 thousand in local contributions. This project is currently in the design phase and is expected to be completed by fiscal year 2028. This project includes the construction of a new elementary school that will replace two (2) existing elementary schools that are beyond the normal expected service life; and, it will provide modernization, create efficiencies and expand student capacity to meet the needs of our growing community. For fiscal year 2025, the Plan includes an additional $6.7 million in tax supported funding ($2.1 million in local dollars) for maintenance and repairs of buildings at WCPS and $60,000 for local libraries. Additionally, $17.4 million is included for a replacement public library that serves the community in the Town of Williamsport. That project includes $4.5 million in local tax dollars, $12.2 million in state funding and $749 thousand in other contributions.
Investing in our aging infrastructure is essential to ensuring that our community is vibrant. This strategic focus allows us to enhance and advance community priorities.
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Washington County, Maryland FY2026 County Administrator Message
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