FY 27 Proposed Operating Budget

We have typically assumed static balances in the other budget areas but have tried to make the county

aware of any significant areas of note.

The committee recognizes the c ounty’s need to utilize our forecasts in long range budget

planning. Given the uncertainties cited in this report, the county should continually monitor

conditions in its current budget year and not rely upon this report beyond the fiscal year for which it

is intended.

Acknowledgments

The committee cannot complete its task without expressing its sincere appreciation to all

county employees who assisted the committee in this endeavor. Particularly, the committee wishes to

thank Robert F. Sandlass, Jr., Treasurer, Rick Pernas CPA, Deputy Treasurer and their staff,

Benjamin Lloyd, Chief, Budget and Management Research and his staff, for their efforts in providing

estimates and historical revenue data and for their careful and detailed explanations of the county's

budgeting structure. The committee received valuable insight from Richard Truitt, Director of

Department of Inspections, Licensing, and Permits, Matt Kropp, Director of Planning and Zoning,

and Karen Holt, Director of Economic Development, and Andy Bauer, vice president and regional

executive for the Baltimore branch of the

Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. The committee also wishes to thank Isaiah Smith for his

assistance in developing instrumental forecasting models and Gail DiPietro for her efforts in

coordinating the committee's meetings and providing staff support.

March 31, 2026

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