Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly announced on April 15 his recommended budget for fiscal year 2027, highlighting record-level investments in public safety and education without any increase in tax rates.
The proposed budget addresses the expectations of local families for fiscal responsibility while prioritizing key services such as law enforcement, emergency response, and schools. Cassilly said this marks the fourth consecutive year that county spending aligns with anticipated revenue growth.
“Hardworking families expect their county government to live within taxpayers’ means. My FY 2027 budget fulfills that promise for the fourth consecutive year and still makes record-level investments in public safety and education, while funding enhancements to our overall quality of life. Getting here was not easy,” Cassilly said.
He noted that upon taking office four years ago, the county faced a $90 million structural deficit but has since achieved a balanced financial position by avoiding high spending levels from pandemic-era stimulus funds. The new budget includes total operating expenditures of over $1.14 billion and capital projects totaling $364 million.
Public safety remains a top priority, with continued investment in ambulance services, volunteer fire companies, sheriff’s deputies’ salaries—raising average pay to $113,700 before overtime—and equipment upgrades. The court system and state’s attorney’s office also receive increased support aimed at keeping communities safe.
For education, K-12 schools will see the second highest dollar increase in county history with full funding for instructional salary increases and starting teacher salaries set at $60,000 as required by state law. Capital improvements include construction of new school facilities and upgrades to existing ones. Harford County Public Library and Harford Community College are also fully funded under this plan.
Despite additional costs shifted from the state—over $3 million more next year—the administration maintains its commitment to infrastructure projects such as roads and parks across several communities including Fallston, Joppatowne, Norrisville, Edgewood, Aberdeen, Eden Mill Park System among others.
Cassilly concluded by thanking taxpayers along with his team: “Thanks also to my budget team and all county employees for their outstanding work on behalf of the citizens we serve.”
