Cassilly approves Harford's 2026 budget after $6M in cuts from council
- Jun 15
- 1 min read
“Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly approved a final fiscal 2026 budget Wednesday night, ending a controversial budget cycle defined by unmet funding requests, position cuts and more than $6 million in budget amendments…”
“… The budget was scrutinized by County Council members who advocated for additional funding for the Harford County State’s Attorney’s Office, Harford Community College and public safety priorities… “
Public Education
”The district cut more than 150 positions, ended summer school sessions, reduced its salary package and took other cost-saving measures to bring its budget request to a level Cassilly would fund.”
Higher Education
“Harford Community College will receive the same amount of money from the county next year as it gets now. College President Theresa Felder said that would result in a slight tuition increase.”
Public Safety
“The 2026 budget funds a 6% wage increase for eligible deputies and corrections officers along with a 3% cost-of-living increase and a merit step for sheriff’s office employees. Cassilly said the average salary for a deputy is now $106,000, not including overtime, and $82,000 for corrections officers.”
“The Harford County State’s Attorney’s Office got a funding increase of 11%, which brings the state’s attorney’s overall budget increase to 31% since Cassilly took office three years ago.”
Capital Improvement Projects
new recreational center in Aberdeen
a new Whiteford fire station
an access road to the CopperPlex sports complex in Edgewood
Traffic safety improvements will be funded, including upgrades to Mountain Road and Harford Road,
Traffic safety improvements to the intersection of Grafton Shop Road and Maryland Route 23
