Harford County Budget Hearing Scheduled After Budget Takes Effect | The Locally Times

Residents can influence spending on schools, safety, and infrastructure, but the public hearing for the FY27 budget is set for February 17, 2027.

Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly has invited public input on the fiscal year 2027 county budget, which is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026. However, the public hearing for this budget is slated for February 17, 2027, more than seven months after the fiscal year begins. ## Public Input Window The announcement, released via video, encourages citizens to share their perspectives on the upcoming budget. The hearing is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at North Harford High School. This timing raises questions about the extent to which public input can genuinely shape a budget that will have already been in effect for a significant period. As The Locally Times previously reported, the FY27 budget input process is occurring months after the budget's effective date. ## Budget Timeline Concerns The discrepancy in timing between the budget's implementation and the public hearing raises concerns about the effectiveness of citizen participation in the budgetary process. While the county aims to gather feedback, the late scheduling of the hearing may limit the practical impact of resident suggestions on the FY27 spending plan. The county has not provided further details on how feedback received after the budget's effective date will be incorporated.