INTRODUCTION
CALVERT COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
2022-2026
Todd Ireland President
At-Large Representative
Mark C. Cox Sr. Vice President 2nd District Representative
Catherine M. Grasso 3rd District Representative
Earl F. “Buddy” Hance
At-Large Representative
Mike Hart 1st District Representative
Contact the Commissioners: 410-535-1600, ext. 2214 Commiss@calvertcountymd.gov
BUDGET TEAM MEMBERS
The budget team is responsible for the development of the annual budget and for working with departments to prepare and administer their budgets throughout the year. They ensure that budget process complies with all applicable laws and public notice requirements.
VISION STATEMENT
Calvert County will be a safe and thriving community that balances economic growth with rural living, invests in every generation, and provides opportunities and quality of life for all residents.
MISSION STATEMENT
Calvert County Government is dedicated to ensuring a safe and thriving community by promoting transparency, effective communication, balancing sustainable growth with the preservation of our rural character, and ensuring all residents throughout their lifetime have access to meaningful opportunities and an exceptional quality of life.
BUDGET PRIORITIES THAT
SUPPORT THE CALVERT COUNTY COMMISSIONER’S MISSION STATEMENT
Malena Brookshire Chief Financial Officer
Mary Andes Deputy Director of Budget
Kathryn Shymansky Budget
Analyst
Benjamin Buchanan Accountant II
Jennifer Koller Accountant I
TO THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
We are pleased to present the Calvert County Government Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) Staff Recommended Budget for your consideration. This proposed budget reflects a thoughtful and disciplined approach to financial planning and is firmly aligned with the Board’s vision, mission, strategic priorities and long-term goals.
Calvert County’s vision to remain a safe and thriving community that balances economic growth with rural living, invests in every generation and provides opportunity and quality of life for all residents guided the development of this budget. In support of that vision, the county’s mission emphasizes transparency, effective communication, responsible growth and the delivery of meaningful services across every stage of life.
The FY27 Staff Recommended Budget is balanced at $411 million in revenues and expenditures and sustains current service levels across all county departments and agencies.
Operational funding for Calvert County Public Schools is recommended at $163 million, which exceeds the state’s required maintenance of effort by approximately $3 million. This investment underscores the county’s continued commitment to public education.
This budget includes a request to appropriate $12 million of prior-year fund balance to support the pay-go component of the FY27 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The total FY27 CIP is $86 million and continues to prioritize school construction, renovations and systemic infrastructure repairs. The Enterprise funds, Water & Sewer and Solid Waste, are balanced at $12 million and $17 million, respectively.
Additionally, two special revenue funds are being proposed: one to properly account for AMOSS grant funding received on behalf of the volunteer fire departments and another to segregate revenues and expenditures associated with the EMS Cost Recovery Program.
Throughout the budget development process, staff collaborated across departments to ensure that funding recommendations directly support the Board’s five strategic priorities:
• Public Safety and Community Well-Being: Investments strengthen emergency services, enhance preparedness and address the health and safety needs of our residents.
• Clear and Effective Communication: Resources support improved internal coordination, consistent leadership communication and meaningful public engagement.
• Fiscal Responsibility and Efficiency: Every recommendation reflects prudent stewardship of taxpayer dollars, operational efficiency and a focus on long-term financial stability.
• Education and Generational Investment: Funding supports partnerships and services that benefit children, families, working adults and seniors, recognizing the importance of opportunity at every stage of life.
• Environmental Stewardship and Quality of Life: The budget advances policies and capital investments that preserve rural character, protect natural resources and promote sustainable growth.
We thank the Board of County Commissioners for your continued leadership and guidance throughout the budget process. We also extend our appreciation to county departments and staff for their collaboration and dedication and to our community partners for their ongoing engagement.
We respectfully submit the FY27 Staff Recommended Budget for your review and consideration and look forward to working with the Board to advance the priorities and goals that serve Calvert County residents today and in the years ahead.
Serving our citizens. Strengthening our communities.
Sincerely,
Linda Turner County Administrator Calvert County Government
CALVERT COUNTY ELECTED OFFICIALS
Richard “Ricky” Cox
Sheriff 410-535-1600, ext. 2458
Ricky.Cox@calvertcountymd.gov
Amanda Dolina Treasurer 410-535-1600, ext. 2278
Amanda.Dolina@calvertcountymd.gov
COURT OFFICIALS
Mark S. Chandlee
County Administrative Judge, Circuit Court 410-535-1600, ext. 2785
Andrew S. Rappaport Associate Judge, Circuit Court 410-5351600, ext. 2806
Margaret H. Phipps Register of Wills 410-535-1600, ext. 2254
MPhipps@registers.maryland.gov
Robert H. Harvey Jr. State’s Attorney 410-535-1600, ext. 2311
Robert.Harvey@calvertcountymd.gov
Kathy P. Smith Clerk of the Court 410-535-1600, ext. 2263
Kathy.Smith@mdcourts.gov
Thomas Pelagatti Chief Judge, Orphan’s Court 410-535-1600, ext. 2256
Tom@tompel.com
Mark W. Carmean
Associate Judge, Circuit Court 410-535-1600, ext. 2262
Justin J. Sasser Family Magistrate 410-535-1600, ext. 2424
COURT OFFICIALS
CALVERT COUNTY ADMINISTRATORS
Linda Turner
County Administrator 410-535-1600, ext. 2200
Linda.Turner@calvertcountymd.gov
Stephen McGibbon
Deputy County Administrator 410-535-1600, ext. 2207
Stephen.McGibbon@calvertcountymd.gov
CALVERT COUNTY DEPARTMENT DIRECTORS
Jeff Murray
Director, Calvert Marine Museum 410-535-1600, ext. 8041
Jeffrey.Murray@calvertcountymd.gov
Jennifer Sterling
Acting Director, Communications & Media Relations 410-535-1600, ext. 2508
Jennifer.Sterling@calvertcountymd.gov
Jennifer Moreland
Director, Community Resources 410-535-1600, ext. 8801
Jennifer.Moreland@calvertcountymd.gov
Pamela Lucas
Deputy County Attorney 410-535-1600, ext. 2294
Pamela.Lucas@calvertcountymd.gov
Julie Oberg Director, Economic Development 410-535-1600, ext. 2485
Julie.Oberg@calvertcountymd.gov
Malena Brookshire
Chief Financial Officer, Finance & Budget 410-535-1600, ext. 2836
Malena.Brookshire@calvertcountymd.gov
Melanie D. Woodson Director, Human Resources 410-535-1600, ext. 2383
Melanie.Woodson@calvertcountymd.gov
Robert “Bob” Branham Director, Parks & Recreation 410-535-1600, ext. 2673
Robert.Branham@calvertcountymd.gov
Burgess Wood Court Administrator 410-535-1600, ext. 2296 Burgess.Wood@calvertcountymd.gov
Jason Brinkley Director, Planning & Zoning 410-535-1600, ext. 2334
Jason.Brinkley@calvertcountymd.gov
Patrick D. (Dave) McDowell Director, Public Safety 410-535-1600, ext. 2303
Dave.Mcdowell@calvertcountymd.gov
John A. “JR” Cosgrove Jr. Director, Public Works 410-535-1600, ext. 2568
John.Cosgrove@calvertcountymd.gov
Stephen J. Pereira
Chief Information Officer, Technology Services 410-535-1600, ext. 2307
Stephen.Pereira@calvertcountymd.gov
MUNICIPALITY GOVERNMENT
Bruce Wahl
Mayor of the Town of Chesapeake Beach 410-257-2230
BWahl@chesapeakebeachmd.gov
Dr. Samelia Okpodu
Chesapeake Beach Town Administrator 410-257-2230
SOkpodu@chesapeakebeachmd.gov
AGENCY LIAISONS
Cynthia Harris
Deputy Treasurer, Treasurer’s Office 410-535-1600, ext. 2275
Cynthia.Harris@calvertcountymd.gov
Gail I. Hatfield
Elections Administrator 410-535-1600, ext. 8830
Gail.Hatfield@calvertcountymd.gov
Jason Leavitt
Soil Conservation District Manager 410-535-1521, ext. 3
Jason.Leavitt@calvertcountymd.gov
Mike Benton
Mayor of the Town of North Beach 301-855-0113
MBenton@northbeach.com
Linda Vassallo
North Beach Town Administrator 443-646-2421
LVassallo@northbeachmd.org
Lt. Col. David Payne
Assistant Sheriff, Calvert County 410-535-1600, ext. 2464
David.Payne@calvertcountymd.gov
Major Timothy Fridman
Detention Center Administrator 410-535-4300
Timothy.Fridman@calvertcountymd.gov
Dr. Nimfa Teneza-Mora Calvert County Health Officer 410-535-5400, ext. 305
Nimfa.Teneza-Mora@maryland.gov
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Dr. Marcus J. Newsome CCPS Superintendent 443-550-8000 NewsomeM@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Melissa Goshorn BOE, Member 443-550-8000 GoshornM@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Jana L. Smith-Post BOE, President 443-550-8000 SmithPostJ@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Paul Harrison BOE, Member 443-550-8000 HarrisonP@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Carrie Willson
Executive Director, Calvert Library 410-535-1521, ext. 3
Carrie.Willson@calvertlibrary.info
Lisa M. Grenis BOE, Vice President 443-550-8000 GrenisL@calvertnet.k12.md.us
Joseph Marchio BOE, Member 443-550-8000 MarchioJ@calvertnet.k12.md.us
WHERE THE MONEY COMES FROM
WHERE THE MONEY GOES
COUNTY BUDGET AT A GLANCE
Calvert County Government budgets are based on a fiscal year beginning July 1 and ending June 30. Each fiscal year, the Department of Finance & Budget publishes three budget documents for the operating and capital budget:
• The Staff Recommended Operating and Capital Budget;
• The Commissioner’s Operating and Capital Budget; and
• The Adopted Operating and Capital Budget
County Government and state leaders and residents both play a part in the budget process. The county is responsible for proposing, refining and adopting the budget each year. Input from county residents is vital to the budget process and public feedback in how services are prioritized and delivered is welcome.
Written comment may be submitted by emailing: BudgetTeam@calvertcountymd.gov
Or through the U.S. mail to: The Department of Finance & Budget 150 Main St. Prince Frederick, MD 20678.
VIEW THE BUDGET BOOK ONLINE
Scan the QR code or visit www.calvertcountymd.gov/FY27Budget to view the Staff Recommended Budget book online.
COUNTY BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS
The county has received the Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for 24 years in a row.
The General Fund budget for FY27 begins July 1, 2026, totaling $411 million for expenditures and revenues. This funding focuses on general government, education, public safety, capital investments and maintaining a high level of service to our community.
THIS FY27 STAFF RECOMMENDED BUDGET INCLUDES:
Operational funding for Calvert County Public Schools is recommended at $163 million, approximately $3 million above the State’s required Maintenance of Effort for FY27.
$10 million is provided to the Department of Public Works, Project Division, to fund the county’s road paving program.
New staffing positions for six School Resource Officers, reflecting the county’s continued commitment to student safety and overall public safety.
The six-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for FY27-32 totals $569.4 million and outlines the county’s long-term capital investments. Education projects—including school construction, renovations and systemic repairs—represent the largest share of the plan at $172.8 million.
Approximately $3 million for snow removal operations to support timely response efforts and ensure safety throughout the winter season.
In coordination with the Sheriff’s Office, the budget proposes a lease-to-own program for police vehicles to ensure a reliable fleet and strengthen public safety services.
FUND BALANCE
When we calculate available fund balance, we include committed, assigned and unassigned funds. The committed portion is set aside for stabilization. We do not include nonspendable or restricted funds in this calculation, since those funds are set aside for specific purposes and cannot be easily changed.
CURRENT STATUS OF FUND BALANCE
$145,015,188 Available Fund Balance
Committed
Assigned
$389,643,338 FY26
$35,271,631
$5,000,000
Unassigned $104,743,557
CREDIT RATING CONSIDERATIONS
• Retaining the county’s AAA bond rating across all three bond rating agencies remains a top priority. Calvert County is among a select group of jurisdictions nationwide to maintain an AAA rating comparable to an individual credit score of 800.
• There are three bond rating agencies, Moody’s, Standard & Poors and Fitch. Of the three, Moody’s minimum benchmark is the highest at a 35% fund balance ratio.
DEBT AFFORDABILITY
AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD:
For example, a household budget means you should spend no more than about 36 cents of every dollar you earn on debt—like your mortgage, car payment or credit cards.
So, if you earn $1,000 a month, about $360 or less should go toward paying off debt. The rest should be used for things like groceries, utilities, savings and everyday living.
CALVERT COUNTY:
Right now, the county takes a very cautious approach to debt. We’ve set our own limit at 9.5 (approximately 9 cents) of every dollar going toward debt, which helps ensure we’re not passing large financial burdens on to future generations.
In reality, we’re well below that limit. Currently, we’re only using about 4.9 cents of every dollar for debt—about half of what we allow ourselves.
The county is limited in how much debt it can take on. By law, our total debt cannot exceed 1.8% of the total assessed property value in Calvert County. Right now, we are at 1.1%, which means we are well below the limit and still have capacity if needed.
