Howard County commissioners to move Humane Society allocation into economic development fund pending contract talks

Howard County elected leaders and staff agreed Sept. 11 to relocate the county’s planned appropriation for the Humane Society into a different county fund while contract negotiations and service‑coverage discussions continue.

Commissioners and council members discussed whether the Humane Society’s funding belongs in the commissioners’ general fund or in Fund 1112, which had a stronger balance. A commissioner proposed moving the $150,000 budgeted contribution into Fund 1112 to relieve immediate pressure on the general fund. “If it made sense, it would help the general fund,” one commissioner told the council, and other commissioners agreed to place the line in the economic development fund for now.

Council members and commissioners said they want an agreement that clarifies the services the Humane Society will provide to county residents. One commissioner said county officials will seek additional details and a contract that defines hours of animal control service, geographic coverage and whether the organization will continue providing overnight or early‑morning coverage.

Until negotiations conclude, commissioners agreed to move the $150,000 from the general fund to Fund 1112; the council accepted that approach during the workshop. Leaders said they may withhold final payment until a contract clarifies what services the county is buying and for whom. “We may have to withhold that funding until we determine that and then do an additional appropriation when that's finalized,” one council member said.