Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano is pleased to announce the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026 Operating and Capital Budget, totaling $216 million. The budget, approved by the Wicomico County Council, reflects months of collaboration and discussion between county leadership and the community, resulting in a plan that balances critical investment with responsible fiscal stewardship.
“This budget reflects our commitment to sound financial management while prioritizing the core services that matter most to our residents—public safety, education, infrastructure, and workforce development,” said County Executive Giordano.
The budget also includes a significant increase in support for volunteer fire and ambulance services, recognizing their vital role in emergency response across the county. Total operating funding for volunteer fire departments increased from $5,211,250 to $5,775,000, and funding for volunteer ambulance services increased from $5,431,250 to $6,028,000. These increases reflect the County’s continued investment in ensuring that our first responders have the resources necessary to protect the lives and property of Wicomico residents.
One notable addition to the FY26 budget is the funding for a Law Enforcement Media Relations Specialist within the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Department. This position is essential for improving communication between law enforcement and the community. The PIO will manage public messaging, crisis communication, media relations, and social media outreach—ensuring timely, accurate, and transparent information is available to the public. “Our Sheriff’s Office plays a critical role in the safety and stability of this county,” said Giordano. “Establishing a Public Information Officer allows the department to better communicate with residents, strengthen trust, and ensure that accurate information is shared quickly during emergencies and high-profile incidents. This is a major step forward for public transparency and engagement.”
The County’s General Fund revenues saw a 5.3% increase from FY25, fueled by growth in the local real property tax base. To honor the County’s longstanding Revenue Cap commitment, the Council voted to:
- Reduce the real property tax rate from $0.8468 to $0.8099 per $100 of assessed value.
- Lower the personal property tax rate to $2.0247 per $100.
“These tax reductions uphold our promise to Wicomico County taxpayers,” said Giordano. “We’re maintaining our commitment to conservative budgeting while making strategic investments for the future.”
Education remains a top priority in FY26, with the Council fully funding the Board of Education’s budget request. This includes both the state-mandated Maintenance of Effort requirement and additional local investment, bringing the total education allocation to $55.8 million.
The County is also reinforcing its investment in its workforce. The budget provides most employees with a 5% pay increase, split between a 3% cost-of-living adjustment in July and a 2% step increase in January.
“I want to thank our residents for their participation,” said Giordano. “Public input played a key role in shaping a budget that reflects the real needs of our community and moves Wicomico County forward in a responsible and meaningful way.”
