(2/2025) February may be the shortest month of the year, but it’s packed with meaning and plenty to keep us moving forward. This month offers us an opportunity to reconnect, collaborate, and bring awareness to many important causes such as Black History Month and American Heart Month.
We have a lot to celebrate in Frederick County as we strive to create a strong sense of belonging for all residents. Black History Month is not only a time to honor the trailblazers who have shaped our nation, but also recommit ourselves to building a community rooted in equity, understanding, and opportunity for all.
Our annual Black History Month Celebration will be held Monday, February 20 at 6 p.m. at Winchester Hall, located at 12 E. Church Street in Frederick. This event will be broadcast live on FCG TV, Comcast channels 1072 and 19. Tune in or join us in person!
As we also celebrate American Heart Month, we are reminded to prioritize our health and support initiatives that promote healthier lifestyles for everyone. Small changes can make a big difference in building a stronger, healthier future for ourselves and our communities.
State Budget Priorities
Last month, Governor Wes Moore visited Frederick County to make some exciting announcements about his proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget.
The Governor highlighted critical investments to fund long-awaited safety and capacity improvements along U.S. 15 between I-70 and MD-26, which is our County’s top transportation priority because it is among the most dangerous stretches of road in the region.
This project, which has broad support from local leaders, is vital to the safety of our community and to the economic development of surrounding areas. I remain committed to ensuring this funding is included the State’s final approved budget.
During the Governor’s visit, he also highlighted school construction investments in the proposed budget. Frederick County is the fastest growing school system in Maryland and this additional funding will help us move quickly on school construction projects already in the pipeline, improving the experience of students, educators, and families.
Budgets are the clearest expression of our values. I appreciate that Governor Moore is prioritizing highway safety needs and school construction, which will improve our quality of life and help grow our economy. I also want to thank members of the Frederick County Delegation for their support on these critical issues. I look forward to working with the Governor, the General Assembly, and local leaders to pass this budget so we can continue making progress for residents.
County Budget
I want to take a moment to thank everyone who came out to the budget town hall meetings last month to share their priorities for the County’s upcoming budget. These meetings were productive sessions, and I enjoyed hearing from you about what matters most in our communities.
If you did not get a chance to attend a meeting, you can watch the video recordings in the FCG TV archives at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/FCGTV. To learn more about the budget process and next steps, please visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/Budget.
Frederick County Earns Three AAA Bond Ratings
I am proud to share that Frederick County has once again earned AAA bond ratings from all three major bond-rating agencies. Fitch, Moody’s, and Standard & Poor’s each recently reaffirmed Frederick County at the highest possible rating based on the County’s exceptional financial management.
Only 55 of the 3,000+ counties in the nation have AAA ratings from all three agencies. Similar to how a consumer’s high credit score allows them to borrow money for loans or mortgages at lower interest rates, bond ratings allow Frederick County to pay lower interest rates on the construction of schools, roads, libraries, parks, and more.
This achievement is a testament to our unwavering commitment to fiscal responsibility and sound management of tax dollars. We can be proud that our AAA ratings allow us to invest in schools and other critical infrastructure for our community.
Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project
Along with residents, I have been incredibly concerned about the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project’s (MPRP) impact on our communities. Last month, I announced that Frederick is intervening in the Maryland Public Service Commission’s (PSC) Case 9773.
Frederick County totally opposes MPRP, and our decision to intervene should send a clear message that we will use the legal tools at our disposal to protect our community. While the law is clear that Frederick County does not have the authority to stop MPRP ourselves, we will continue to work with our partners on the County Council to amplify our residents’ voices and advocate against the project.
The PSC indicated it will hold a public hearing in Frederick County, which will provide another opportunity for residents to be heard on this matter.
Please visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/MPRP to stay informed about upcoming meetings, check facts related to the potential impacts, learn about project timelines and details, view letters sent to and received by County officials, and watch the recording of the County’s October 2024 public meeting. This page will be updated regularly as more information becomes available.
