role in shaping the proposed budget. The County gathered input through surveys requesting internal and external stakeholder input, resulting in more than 650 complete surveys. Residents consistently prioritized funding for K–12 education, public safety, emergency medical services, and transportation infrastructure. Feedback also highlighted concerns about growth outpacing infrastructure, the need for school funding and classroom resources, EMS staffing, and maintaining government accountability while avoiding tax increases.
The requested fiscal year 2027–2031 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Governmental budget totals approximately $940.9 million, with $533.8 million in funded projects. It provides for county infrastructure including schools, county buildings, roads, and parks.
Highlights include:
- $246.0 million for Board of Education projects, including funding to renovate La Plata high school, a new middle school, and capacity improvements
- Continued investment in transportation projects such as road reconstruction, traffic safety improvements, and sidewalk expansion
- Funding for public safety and government facilities, including emergency services stations, communications upgrades, and detention center improvements
- Investments in parks, recreation, and community amenities, including Waldorf Park development and facility improvements
A public hearing to receive comments on the proposed fiscal 2027 budget is scheduled on Wednesday, April 29, at 6 p.m. in the Charles County Government building, 200 Baltimore St., La Plata. Commissioners will discuss additions and changes at a budget work session on Tuesday, May 5, and the Fiscal 2027 Budget is scheduled for final adoption on May 12.
