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Howard County Police seek to sustain patrol, add school resource officer and tech funding in FY26 budget
Summary
Police Chief Gregory Durr presented a $162.8 million FY26 operating request that focuses on personnel, recruitment, expanded school resource officer coverage at a new high school and ongoing technology contracts — while asking the council for continued use of one‑time funds for equipment and retention/recruitment bonuses.
Howard County Police Chief Gregory Durr asked the County Council to approve a $162,820,809 operating budget proposed for fiscal 2026, telling members the department has prioritized maintaining service levels while managing rising costs.
The department’s personnel costs are its largest line item — “just over $135,000,000,” Durr said — representing roughly 84 percent of the request. Durr said the department continues to recruit and retain sworn and civilian staff with expanded outreach, targeted advertising and “fast track” hiring events.
The budget includes one additional school resource officer (SRO) to staff Guilford Park High School as it reaches full enrollment next year. “Per NASRO … one SRO per 1,000 students is the national standard,” Chief Durr said, and Guilford Park will be “close to 2,000 students” at full build-out. Durr said the new SRO will be dedicated to that high school and…
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