It was mostly to get an idea of what citizens want when it comes spending by county government.
Frederick, Md (KM) The first of several hearings on Frederick County’s proposed fiscal year 2027 budget was held Monday evening, December 1st. It was held by County Executive Jessica Fitzwater. She said she did not have a proposed budget document for the next fiscal year that night, but this hearing would give her an idea of how citizens want their tax money to be spent.
Board of Education Vice President Dean Rose said the School System has made “significant progress” in building new schools, renovating and expanding current facilities and replacing aging classroom buildings. But he said 15 facilities in the county are over 60 years old. “Two schools in particular, Parkway and Liberty Elementary Schools, are more than 95 years old with their last renovation having been 43 years ago,” he said. “Your continued investment is essential to ensuring FCPS can continue modernizing our infrastructure and preparing for the future growth.”
Casey Day, who has been an educator for 30 years, talked about the importance of public education, and continuing to fund above maintenance of effort. “It isn’t about wish lists, or excesses. It’s not about adding something new. It’s about ensuring that every school in every feeder pattern can provide an appropriate education,” she says. “And while investing in public schools, we strengthen our workforce pipeline. We support public safety. We attract families and businesses. And most importantly, we prepare the next generation for a rapidly changing world.”
The topic of farming came up during the hearing. David Burrier, who was speaking on behalf of the local Farm Bureau, called for additional staff at the County’s Office of Agriculture. He said local farming is at a crossroads. “But what we see coming is a huge of number of first generation people that want to get started. And they need guidance and they need help with zoning issues and buildings. and they go to the Office of Ag. To compound this problem, we have not have a full time extension agent in Frederick County for over a year,” he said.
Belinda Burrier is farmer in the Libertytown area who also spoke in support of expanding staff at the Office of Agriculture. “They’re stretched beyond measure as far as I’m concerned. I work with them hand in hand on advocacy and working on different projects around the county. Personally, I think you have great team there. I surely hope you can continue to fund their needs,” she said.
There will be other town halls and meetings on the fiscal year 2027 budget which is expected to be released in April, 2026.
By Kevin McManus