Last month the Aberdeen City Council unanimously voted to adopt a $62.9 million budget for fiscal 2026, which begins Tuesday.

The current city budget totals $56 million.

In fiscal 2026, the city’s general fund will increase by about $1 million or about 5% over this year. This budget includes general government funding, police, fire, public works, parks and recreation and other city operations.

The largest amount of the general fund goes to the Aberdeen Police Department. In 2026, the police will receive about $8.7 million, which includes one new position for a School Resource Officer.

Mayor Patrick McGrady said in April that the city police department has taken over responsibilities of providing School Resource Officers at Aberdeen High School and Aberdeen Middle School. An officer will float among the elementary schools.

The general fund also includes money for Ripken Stadium, which this year received $689,300, including $438,700 in tax dollars from the city’s general fund. In fiscal 2026 the city anticipates $740,500 in tax dollars will be given to the Stadium Fund, an increase of 7% over the current year.

The capital projects fund, which covers construction plans and funds new vehicles for city departments, is rising by $2.7 million, or 37%, over this year. Upgrades to the Aberdeen train station are included in that budget. The city is planning a $55 million project to remove physical barriers that have hindered accessibility. The city intends to make improvements to increase public safety and make the station more handicap accessible. It will combine state and federal grants with some city taxpayer funding.

The sewer fund is increasing by $2.6 million (23.5%) in 2026, while the water fund is decreasing by $586,000 (4%).

The budget includes a 2.75% pay increase for city employees, to help offset the impact of inflation, according to the mayor.

“We’re moving the city forward while trying to be fiscally sound,” McGrady said.

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