Talbot County, Maryland

03/05/2026

Category: Finance County Council

The Talbot County Council held its first public work session on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, receiving an overview presentation from County Manager Clay Stamp, Finance Director Martha Sparks, and Assistant Director Kaitlin Foster-Clark. The Council also reviewed funding requests from outside agencies. 

During the session, staff outlined the fiscal environment shaping the FY27 budget, including potential federal policy shifts, Maryland’s projected structural deficit, economic pressures, and workforce challenges. To mitigate risk and ensure long-term stability, the proposed budget emphasizes limiting recurring expenses, completion of current capital projects and the strategic use of reserves. 

“The FY27 proposed budget has been built with discipline and caution,” said County Manager Clay Stamp. “We are facing uncertainty at both the federal and State levels, along with broader economic and workforce pressures. Our approach is to limit recurring expenses, make thoughtful capital investments, and to continue building and preserving our reserves, so Talbot County remains financially strong not just this year, but well into the future.” 

The FY27 proposed General Fund budget totals $158,884,000, resulting in a balanced budget for both revenues and expenditures. 

Revenue projections reflect moderate growth in Property and Income taxes, a projected Education Supplement revenue of $1,669,000, and a reduced reliance on appropriated reserves.  

On the expenditure side, the proposed budget consists of a 3.6% increase in funding for education and includes an increase in teacher pension contributions and expanded support for private pre-kindergarten programming; a 3.3% increase in County operating expenses; increased Capital Outlay funding for priority projects; and enhanced Contingency funding to maintain financial flexibility. 

Council members also reviewed funding requests from outside agencies, including the Agricultural Extension Service, Animal Control, Arts Council, Chesapeake Center, Commission on Aging, Delmarva Community Services, Health Department, Library, Martin’s House and Barn, MCTV, Mid-Shore Regional Council, Neighborhood Service Center, Social Services, Upper Shore Aging, Volunteer Fire Departments, and other community partners. The work session provided an opportunity for Council to examine proposed allocations and to consider the vital services these organizations provide to Talbot County residents. 

The Council will continue holding budget work sessions throughout March as it reviews the proposed FY27 budget.  

The FY27 budget will be formally introduced on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, with public hearings scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Final deliberations are scheduled to take place on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, with adoption of the budget ordinance scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, 2026. 

Information about the County’s budget process can be found at engage.talbotcountymd.gov/fy2027budget.

county council budget process fy2027 budget budget workshop