In his Fiscal Year 2026 budget, County Executive Marc Elrich proposed salary increases for all government employees as agreed upon in collective bargaining sessions.
The Municipal and County Government Employees agreement calls for a 3% general wage adjustment, costing the county about $16.5 million.
The Fraternal Order of Police agreement calls for a 4.85% general wage adjustment at a $6 million cost to the county.
The International Association of Fire Fighters agreement calls for a 3.25% general wage adjustment. That would cost $4.4 million.
While members of the County Council unanimously voted in support of these collective bargaining agreements, two members voiced strong concern that the county continues to increase costs in a time when money is tight.
“How are we going to balance the budget?” questioned Councilmember Marilyn Balcomb during the Tuesday council session. “We know that many families in our community are maxed out,” she said. She added that residents want the county to live within its means.
Councilmember Gabe Albornoz said while it was important to keep county wages competitive with nearby governments, “This process is not sustainable,” he said.
“We need to continue to recruit the best and the brightest,” he said while expressing concern “we are very likely to hit double digit unemployment sometime next year.”
For every federal government job eliminated, “We lose two in private business,” Albornoz said, noting the Trump Administration threatens to move federal agencies out of Maryland.
Councilmembers Evan Glass and Laurie-Anne Sayles supported the increases. They praised county employees during a time when federal employees are not being treated with dignity and respect.
