July 1 marks the first day of a new fiscal year for the Town of Bel Air, and the implementation of a new budget.

Bel Air ‘s Board of Town Commissioners adopted the town’s fiscal 2026 budget in May. The $18.7 million budget includes an increase in the sewer service charge, but no increase in property or personal tax rates.

Residents can expect to pay about 3% more for sewer service beginning Tuesday. The new rate will be $7.50 per 1,000 gallons, up 21 cents from last year’s rate. The town needed to increase sewer rates since it no longer expects to receive American Rescue Plan Act funding from the federal government.

The town cut several Planning Department projects from the fiscal 2026 budget, including two bicycle lanes and two trails. Cutting the bicycle lanes saved $60,000 and eliminating the two trail projects saved $12,000. During budget discussions, town commissioners said they chose to eliminate the bike lanes because of concerns with cyclist safety.

A revitalization project at Alice Anne Park got an increase of $19,705 for this year. 

Town employees also received a 2.9% cost-of-living raise for fiscal 2026, and sworn officers in the police department will get a 1% salary increase. The Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company also got a $25,000 increase in funding, bringing the town’s total contribution to the fire company to $205,136 in fiscal 2026.

Have a news tip? Contact Shaela Foster at sfoster@baltsun.com or 443-826-5894.