Wicomico Co. newly proposed budget $2M less than 2018

WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. – In Wicomico County, council members are sifting through the county’s newly proposed $148 million budget.

The proposal is nearly $2 million short from the previous year because of several factors including the possibility of a 2020 recession, the state’s newly passed $15 minimum wage, and the need for more school funding.

This budget accounts for additional funding for the airport, roads, corrections and an additional $2 million for the Board of Education.

Another $1.2 million will go towards a required maintenance of effort fund.

“On top of that, there was a requested $800,000 for Imagine 2022, Dr. Hanlin’s plan to improve various aspects of the school system and the Executive put forth that full $800,000. So combined you’re talking $2 million more than they received last year,” explains Weston Young of the Wicomico County Executive’s Office.

That imagine 2022 plan includes a salary increase for teachers, school construction and ways to keep students in school until graduation.

The county council is currently looking through the proposed budget before approving it.