The Howard County Council meeting on April 21, 2025, featured the annual budget presentation by County Executive Dr. Calvin Ball, who outlined the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget. The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format, allowing for both in-person attendance and virtual participation.

Dr. Ball presented a balanced budget of $2.3 billion, reflecting a 1.6% decrease from the previous fiscal year. He emphasized the importance of maintaining essential services without raising property or income taxes for residents. The general fund, which supports most government services, totals $1.63 billion, also showing a 1.6% decrease.

A significant focus of the budget is on education, with an increase of $39.3 million in recurring revenues for the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS), bringing the total county investment to $800 million. This funding supports a historic total school system budget of $1.2 billion when combined with state and federal sources. Additionally, the budget allocates $1.5 million in one-time funding for safety and security enhancements at HCPSS.

Public safety is another priority, with the Howard County Police Department receiving over $162 million, which includes funding for staffing and equipment. The budget also supports the Department of Fire and Rescue Services with a total of $163.4 million, reflecting a 6.6% increase over the previous year.

Health initiatives are addressed with a $5 million investment in the expansion of the emergency room at Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center, part of a multi-year commitment. The budget also allocates funds for opioid recovery programs and maternal health initiatives, aiming to enhance community health services.

Overall, the proposed budget reflects a commitment to education, public safety, and health services while navigating a challenging fiscal landscape. The council will review the budget further, with discussions expected to continue in upcoming meetings.