Frederick, Md. (DG) – Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater has unveiled her proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget, calling it a plan that prioritizes education, affordability, and support for vulnerable residents—while keeping the tax rate unchanged.
Fitzwater says the budget reflects a commitment to making Frederick County a place where families can live, work, and thrive, with targeted investments designed to strengthen schools, ease financial pressure on households, and expand essential services. A major highlight of the proposal is education funding. For the first time since Frederick County became a charter county, the budget fully funds the Board of Education’s request. It also represents the fourth consecutive year of record school funding, with more than $151 million in new investments over the current term, an increase of nearly 40 percent.
The plan includes $63 million for school construction and renovation projects, addressing both growing enrollment and aging facilities. That funding supports renovations at Hillcrest Elementary and Twin Ridge Elementary, as well as continued planning for a full replacement of Brunswick High School. It also sets aside $1 million to expand career and technical education programs for students.
In addition to education, the budget focuses on affordability. It expands support for low-income homebuyers and renters, increases access to childcare through a pilot scholarship program for pre-kindergarten, and broadens eligibility for the Senior Property Tax Credit. The proposal also fully funds the Division of Aging and Independence, including work toward a new Brunswick Senior Center, and adds support for Deaf seniors through a dedicated position at the Maryland Deaf Community Center.
Other investments include agricultural land preservation, a business development specialist in the Office of Agriculture, and expanded partnerships with local farms.
Public safety and community services also see funding, including seed money for a new Family Justice Center, continued support for first responders, and $1.2 million in Community Partnership Grants for local nonprofits. The budget also creates a new immigrant affairs liaison position to strengthen coordination with immigrant- and refugee-serving organizations.
The proposed budget is now available for public review, and a public hearing will be held on April 21st at 7 p.m. at Winchester Hall.
By: Dianah Gibson
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