(6/21) The City Council held a public meeting in June to gather residents’ opinions on the FY-26 budget before approval. Like many local municipalities, expenses are up across the entire budget, however, Mayor Christopher Miller asked the Council to decrease the City’s water rates by 5% to "give residents some relief" regardless. To do so, Miller informed the Council that many cuts have been made in various departments as well.
Taneytown's operating budget is divided into the General Fund and the Utility Fund. The General Fund meets the financial needs of the City’s day-to-day operating expenses such as office salaries, insurance and vehicle maintenance. The Utility Fund covers the Water and Sewer Funds operational expenses.
Overall, the General Fund expects nearly a 9% increase, primarily due to a $1.5 million capital investment in the Police Department. Revenues total $9,025,834 and balances with expenses at $9,025,834. This is an increase of $735,840 compared to last FY. Local and State tax revenue will increase from $4,567,423 in 2025 to $4,805,093 in 2026, an increase of $237,670. The current tax rate remains unchanged from .37 cents per $100. New for FY26 is the Open Space Impact Fee bringing the City $250,000 in revenue. The Parks and Rec Department will see a decrease in revenue of $30,000.
General Fund expenditure increases include a $70,910 annual salary for an Assistant City Manager, $233,053 in the City’s Public Safety category and $1,510,651 in Parks Capital Outlay. Police Capital Outlay will see a decrease of $172,600, and the Public Safety Department will see a decrease of $233,053.
Overall, the Utility Fund will see a net decrease in expenses of 33% compared to last year, despite an increase in revenue of $3,360,575 primarily due to MDE grant payments. $950,000 in utility charges are expected even with the Water Rate decrease of 5% that was approved last month by City Council. The Sewer service fees will bring in $1,866,750.
Both the Water and Sewer Capital Outlay Funds will see decreases of $1.2 million and $1.8 million respectively.
Two residents were present to share their opinions before the Council voted to approve the budget. "The annual budget should always address the priorities of the residents and the landowners," said resident Paul Clouth. He pressed for the Council to prioritize the Main Street Program and its future. Miller pointed out that the City recently hired an Economics Development Director who will be in charge of the Main Street Program.
Resident Alex Kelly pointed out that the bypass should be a priority because, by moving the big trucks out of the center of Town, the Main Street District should be able to blossom again. Miller addressed this concern, commenting that the City is still working on options for the bypass, however it will be a long term goal.
The FY26 budget was approved by Council and will take effect in July 2025.
